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on Knowledge Management and Knowledge Economy |
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Issue of 2006‒12‒04
eighteen papers chosen by Emanuele Canegrati Catholic University of the Sacred Heart |
| By: | Antonelli Cristiano (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | Information economics provides important tools to articulate an economics analysis of the generation and exploitation of localized technological knowledge. Localized technological knowledge is an emerging property of a system of learning and interacting agents where internal and external knowledge, inductive learning and deductive research afe essential, complementary and non-disposable inputs. As a result, localized technological knowledge is a highly heterogeneous dynamic process characterized by varying levels of appropriability, tacitness, and indivisibility, which take the fonns of complementarity and modularity, cumulability, compositeness, fungeability and organized with a variety of knowledge governance mechanisms. Infonnation economics provides basic guidance to elaborate an integrated framework able to understand the matching between types of knowledge and governance mechanisms bothi in generation and exploitation. |
| Date: | 2005–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:labeco:200502&r=knm |
| By: | Lupia, Arthur; Prior, Markus |
| Abstract: | Surveys provide widely-cited measures of political knowledge. Do unusual aspects of survey interviews reduce their relevance? To address this question, we embedded a set of experiments in a representative survey of over 1200 Americans. A control group answered political knowledge questions in a typical survey context. Respondents in treatment groups received the same questions in different contexts. One group received a monetary incentive for answering questions correctly. Others were given more time to answer the questions. The treatments increase the number of correct answers by 11-24 percent. Our findings imply that conventional knowledge measures confound respondents’ recall of political information and their motivation to engage the survey question. The measures also provide unreliable assessments of respondents’ abilities to access information that they have stored in places other than their immediately available memories. As a result, existing knowledge measures likely underestimate peoples’ capacities for informed decision making. |
| Keywords: | political knowledge; economic knowledge; experimental economics; incentives; survey |
| JEL: | H30 H31 C90 |
| Date: | 2005 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:103&r=knm |
| By: | Antonelli Cristiano (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | Information economics provides important tools to articulate an economics analysis of the generation and exploitation of localized technological knowledge. Localized technological knowledge is an emerging property of a system of learning and interacting agents where internal and external knowledge, inductive learning and deductive research afe essential, complementary and non-disposable inputs. As a result, localized technological knowledge is a highly heterogeneous dynamic process characterized by varying levels of appropriability, tacitness, and indivisibility, which take the fonns of complementarity and modularity, cumulability, compositeness, fungeability and organized with a variety of knowledge governance mechanisms. Infonnation economics provides basic guidance to elaborate an integrated framework able to understand the matching between types of knowledge and governance mechanisms bothi in generation and exploitation. |
| Date: | 2005–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:labeco:200503&r=knm |
| By: | Antonelli Cristiano (University of Turin) |
| Date: | 2005–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:labeco:200504&r=knm |
| By: | Patrucco Pier Paolo (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | TechnologicaI knowledge can be understood as a collective good only when its production requires the absorption and integration of external knowledge. Such externaI knowledge is the outcome of R&D investments that cannot be fully appropriated by firms and generate spillovers. The exploitation of such knowledge spillovers requires specific investments in knowledge communication and absorption, which brings about specific costs. These costs afe affected by the structural and dynamic characteristics of technologicaI systems in terms of the knowledge base, the variety of actors and the communication infrastructures and processes. This paper anaIyzes the costs of collective knowledge production and their implications for the way in which the firm chooses the mix of internai and externaI knowledge. This choice in turo shapes the evolution of technological systems. |
| Date: | 2005–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:labeco:200506&r=knm |
| By: | Khalil, Elias |
| Abstract: | Let us define entrepreneurship as creativity and the evolution of novelty. Let us suppose, the main thesis of the chapter, that entrepreneurship is an action that does not differ from everyday action such as walking, driving, or chewing gum. If the definition and supposition are granted we can conclude that the theory of everyday action, such as walking or chewing gum, is one and the same as the theory of evolution. The conclusion is definitely strange if not extraordinary. It is based on a subtle but subversive thesis: There is no difference between everyday action and creativity or evolution. This conclusion is extraordinary only because it goes against the dominant dogmas in economics (i.e., neoclassical theory) and evolutionary biology (i.e., neo-Darwinian theory). Both dogmas draw a radical divide between action and evolution. For neo-Darwinian theory, action is phenotype ultimately determined by genotype—while the genotype evolves according to another mechanism. For neoclassical economics, action is determined by rational calculation of the efficient allocation of given resources—while resources evolve according to another mechanism. To undermine the radical divide between the theory of action and the theory of evolution, this chapter shows how everyday action—from walking, fetching water, to fishing—is entrepreneurial at first level of approximation—and hence should be the basis of the theory of evolution. |
| Keywords: | Action; Evolution; neo-Darwinism; neoclassical theory; Austrian Economics; classical economics; Alfred Whitehead; John Dewey. |
| JEL: | D29 D20 |
| Date: | 2006–10–13 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:501&r=knm |
| By: | Quatraro Francesco (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | In this paper we investigate the patterns of diffusion of industrialized R&D activities within fmns' organizational routines, as signalled by the diffusion of patents applications per capita. Innovation and routines afe hence viewed as two opposite, bui yet c1osely intertwined aspects crucial to fmns' expansiono The analysis is contrasted against the specific features of the Italian production system, characterized by two distinct models of capitalismo The adoption of the new routine follows the logistic time path, and North-eastern and Adriatic regions show up faster diffusion speed than North-western regions. In a fÌ"amework in which physical and social technologies co-evolve with the institutional setting, the hypothesis of a catching up driven by the shift fÌ"om the Schumpeter Mark I to Mark II models found support, in which innovation and R&D carried out within universities and public labs played a crucial role. |
| Date: | 2006–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:labeco:200606&r=knm |
| By: | Quatraro Francesco (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | In this paper we investigate if and to what extend productivity dynamics are affected by the transition towards the knowledge-based economy, understood as a process of structural change. We explicitly study the effects of the change in the employment mix of manufacturing and service sectors, and check far the hypothesis of adaptation efforts following such a mutation. The empirical test carried out on a panel data of 20 Italian regions aver the period 1981-2001, provide support to the hypothesis of the emergence of the knowledge based economy as a structural change process, deeply affecting the dynamics of productivity. Moreover, innovative activity turns out to be sensibly influenced by the changes in the employment mix, with increasing relevance ofservice sectors in the second half ofthe 1990s. |
| Date: | 2006–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:labeco:200607&r=knm |
| By: | Murphy, Roy E |
| Abstract: | It is assumed that human knowledge-building depends on a discrete sequential decision-making process subjected to a stochastic information transmitting environment. This environment randomly transmits Shannon type information-packets to the decision-maker, who examines each of them for relevancy and then determines his optimal choices. Using this set of relevant information-packets, the decision-maker adapts, over time, to the stochastic nature of his environment, and optimizes the subjective expected rate-of-growth of knowledge. The decision-maker’s optimal actions, lead to a decision function that involves his view of the subjective entropy of the environmental process and other important parameters at each stage of the process. Using this model of human behavior, one could create psychometric experiments using computer simulation and real decision-makers, to play programmed games to measure the resulting human performance. |
| Keywords: | decision-making; dynamic programming; entropy; epistemology; information theory; knowledge; sequential processes; subjective probability |
| JEL: | C61 |
| Date: | 2006 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:16&r=knm |
| By: | Mornati Fiorenzo (University of Turin) |
| Date: | 2005–11–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:cesmep:200512&r=knm |
| By: | Patrucco Pier Paolo (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | The paper presents preliminary empirical evidence on the production of scientific knowledge in I ta1y, in theoretical sciences (physics), applied sciences (chemistry) and technical sciences (engineering and petrology). It elaborates on an originaI dataset of publications and citations for 2,673 Italian researchers, distributed across 61 universities, covering the years between 1990 and 2004. According to a well-established tradition of studies in the economics of science, the results show that individuaI distribution is quite asymmetric, with very few researchers accounting for a great amount of scientific output. More interestingly, the paper also shows that there afe important differences in terms of asymmetric distribution when the different disciplines, universities and academic positions of the researchers afe compared. These differences open the way to interpretation in terms of two main factors. Firstty, the various disciplines can be characterised by specific knowledge bases, learning practices, organisation of scientific labour, and communication norms. Secondly, specific weaknesses in the hiring, incentive and monitoring schemes at discipline and university level can explain different degrees of asymmetry. Both these factors bave important implications for a research agenda on the governance of science. Finally, the paper shows that, at the aggregate level, scientific productivity benefit from a concentration of R&D expenditures only to a minor extent, and subject 10 decreasing returns. The effect of extemalities stemming from R&D investments is limited. The scope of the concentration of R&D resources can therefore be questioned. |
| Date: | 2006–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:labeco:200601&r=knm |
| By: | Antonelli Cristiano (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | This paper elaborates a theory of the firm that combines the intuitions of Edith Penrose with the analysis of localized technological knowledge. The analysis of the characteristics of knowledge indivisibility and of idiosyncratic factors pIay a key role in shaping the intentionai strategy of firms about the direction of technology strategies. The firm is viewed as a Iearning agent that, induced by market forces and buiIding upon Iearning processes, elaborates and impiements intentionally strategies of knowledge generation. These strategies include the necessary identification of the externai sources of compiementary technoiogicai knowledge and of the idiosyncratic production factors that is convenient to lise intensiveIy. Learning, in fact is a necessary, but not sufficient condition for the generation of new knowledge. The anaIysis of the conditions for the intentional generation of technoiogicai and organizationai knowledge becomes crociato The analysis of the combined effects of internai Iearning, externai knowledge and intensive lise of idiosyncratic factors by means of the introduction of biased technological change CUlli intentional decisionmaking provides key inputs to understanding the path dependent and idiosyncratic features of the knowledge generated by the firm as the basis for its distinctive competences. |
| Date: | 2005–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:labeco:200507&r=knm |
| By: | Singh, Lakhwinder |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the relationship between the productivity growth and both domestic and international knowledge spillovers in the Korean manufacturing industries, using panel data for twenty eight industries over the period 1970-2000. To empirically verify the extent of domestic and international knowledge spillovers we have followed endogenous growth approach and wisdom from new international trade theory. We find strong productivity effects from industry’s own R&D as well as domestic and foreign knowledge spillovers. International knowledge spillovers transmitted by trade played dominant role in explaining productivity growth in the Korean manufacturing industries during the 1970s and 1980s, but the international knowledge spillovers did not play any significant role in the 1990s. This empirical finding has strong implications for the Korean technology policy as well as for the strict intellectual property rights regime enacted by the WTO. |
| Keywords: | Knowledge spillovers; Productivity growth; Manufacturing industry; South Korea |
| JEL: | R11 O11 |
| Date: | 2006–10–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:98&r=knm |
| By: | Jaques Kerstenetzky |
| Date: | 2006 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:anp:en2006:78&r=knm |
| By: | Wong, Poh Kam; Lee, Lena; Leung, Aegean |
| Abstract: | Prior studies have found that job dissatisfaction and self-efficacy are significant factors influencing individuals’ entrepreneurial propensity. Existing literature on entrepreneurship often regards job dissatisfaction as an entrepreneurial push factor and self-efficacy as an entrepreneurial pull factor. The argument is that individuals who are dissatisfied with their jobs are more likely to seek alternative mode of employment such as self-employment. In other words, poor job circumstances may push individuals to leave their paid employment to start their own businesses. On the other hand, personal abilities such as self-efficacy may pull individuals toward starting their own businesses in areas where they are confident and competent in. Despite the importance of job dissatisfaction and self-efficacy for new venture creation, few if any studies have examined the entrepreneurial phenomena from a holistic perspective. Utilizing concepts from the P-E fit and self-efficacy literatures, this paper argues that the path to entrepreneurship is a multi-faceted interactive process between individuals’ personal attributes and their work environment. We specifically examined how IT professional’s personal attributes such as innovation orientation and self-efficacy condition individuals for an entrepreneurial career in unsatisfactory work environments. |
| JEL: | M2 |
| Date: | 2006 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:596&r=knm |
| By: | Lamieri, Marco; Ietri, Daniele |
| Abstract: | Market is not only the result of the behaviour of agents, as we can find other forms of contact and communication. Many of them are determined by proximity conditions in some kind of space: in this paper we pay a particular attention to relational space, that is the space determined by the relationships between individuals. The paper starts from a brief account on theoretical and empirical literature on social networks. Social networks represent people and their relationships as networks, in which individuals are nodes and the relationships between them are ties. In particular, graph theory is used in literature in order to demonstrate some properties of social networks summarised in the concept of Small Worlds. The concept may be used to explain how some phenomena involving relations among agents have effects on multiple different geographical scales, involving both the local and the global scale. The empirical section of the paper is introduced by a brief summary of simulation techniques in social science and economics as a way to investigate complexity. The model investigates the dynamics of a population of firms (potential innovators) and consumers interacting in a space defined as a social network. Consumers are represented in the model in order to create a competitive environment pushing enterprises into innovative process (we refer to Schumpeter’s definition): from interaction between consumers and firms innovation emerges as a relational good. |
| Keywords: | Innovation; small world; computational economics; network; complexity |
| JEL: | L20 L10 C63 O33 D24 |
| Date: | 2004–04–27 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:445&r=knm |
| By: | Kuura, Arvi |
| Abstract: | The main task of this article is to explore the entrepreneurship policy in Estonia. The idea proceeds from the book by Lundström and Stevenson (2001), in which the authors describe, analyse and discuss the development of entrepreneurship policy in ten economies — six EU Member States and four members of APEC. In some respects, this article strives to be a “missing chapter” in the aforementioned book concerning entrepreneurship policy in Estonia. It should be considered as an attempt to apply their approach to a country without a long history in SME development. The article starts with an overview of the theoretical background and goes on to examine entrepreneurship policy (or even economic policy) in Estonia. Examination of SME / entrepreneurship policy documents shows that Estonia is moving towards entrepreneurship policy, but with certain minor reservations. The current Estonian entrepreneurship policy may be regarded as a combination of an extension to SME policy and a holistic policy, the trend of development is towards the latter. The “old” (effective in 2002–2006) policy was almost SME policy and has been mentioned as a basis in the new (for 2007–2013) policy document, which is being prepared now. The policy structures followed the vertical model in the period 1996–2000 (and also earlier), but now Estonia is moving towards a horizontal or multi-ministerial model. |
| Keywords: | Entrepreneurship; Entrepreneurship Policy |
| JEL: | L53 |
| Date: | 2006–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:676&r=knm |
| By: | Fontana Magda (University of Turin); Ferraris Gianluigi |
| Abstract: | A part of the literature on fiscal federalism aver the years has dealt with environmental policy as a particular case of the supply of public goods. The centrai issue is the identification of criteria on how to allocate powers and functions aver environmental management at different levels of govemment. The main stream of literature focuses on the conditions needed to establish whether pollution standards and regulatory programs should be set and designed by centraI or rather by local governments. This paper provides a review of the debate and explores a few potential limits of the prevailing line of enquiry. |
| Date: | 2006–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:dipeco:200603&r=knm |