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on Knowledge Management and Knowledge Economy |
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Issue of 2012‒10‒13
28 papers chosen by Laura Stefanescu European Research Centre of Managerial Studies in Business Administration |
| By: | Gianni Guastella; Frank van Oort |
| Abstract: | Regional economies are continuously evolving shifting from more traditional manufacturing toward more service-oriented production systems. Despite the increasing relevance of services, however, the analysis of innovation at the regional aggregate level has mainly focused on manufacturing, gathering the attention on the role of R&D expenditure as input in the production process and, in some cases, accounting for research-based knowledge externalities. In this paper the role of Knowledge Intensive Business Services is studied and their contribution to the regional aggregate innovation is evaluated. The aim is twofold. First is to provide insights on the role covered by KIBS as a second knowledge infrastructure. Second is to examine the extent to which KIBS operate as bridges between the general purpose analytical knowledge produced by scientific universities and more specific requirement of innovative firms. A role commonly acknowledged to KIBS is in fact that of knowledge transferors. If on the one side it is however clear to whom they transfer knowledge, their client firms, on the other it is not as clear from whom the knowledge is originally transferred. For this reason a major attention in this work is dedicated to scientific universities considered as a primary source of knowledge. Being this knowledge analytical and highly codified, it probably can be more easily accessed by nearby located firms having higher opportunities of research collaboration and less easily by firms located in different regions. It is argued that KIBS, in transferring knowledge from universities to firms, are therefore specially important in the latter case. To test hese hypothesis a knowledge production function is estimated for a sample of 200 EU NUTS II regions including also information of university research and KIBS concentration. Parameters are estimated using the heteroschedasticity-consistent G2SLS estimator for spatial models and the evidence suggests that the contribution of KIBS to regional innovation is considerable. In fact accounting for the knowledge embedded in business services can considerably contribute to explain the cross-regional variation in innovative activities. Furthermore it is find that the KIBS contribution is more sizeable in regions in which there are not scientific universities. The highlighted results have important policy implications asking to rethink to how much effective an R&D-centered innovation strategy could be, at least in some regions. |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p424&r=knm |
| By: | Luisa Carvalho (School of Business Administration, ESCE/Polytechnic Institute of Setubal); Teresa Costa (School of Business Administration, ESCE/Polytechnic Institute of Setubal); Jorge Caiado (CEMAPRE, School of Economics and Management (ISEG), Technical University of Lisbon) |
| Abstract: | This paper uses logistic regression analysis to examine how intramural and extramural R&D, acquisition of machinery, equipment and software, acquisition of external knowledge, training, market introduction and other procedures and technical preparations determine the innovation behaviour of manufacturing and service firms. We adopt a multidimensional view of innovation by considering product, process, organizational and marketing innovations as dependent variables separately. The study reports on the Community Innovation Survey (CIS4) of a small open-economy country. The empirical results indicate that intramural R&D has a positive impact on innovation. In contrast, the influence of extramural R&D on innovation is unclear. All innovation activities contribute towards organizational innovation. The study also suggests that there are no significant differences between services and manufacturing firms concerning the propensity to innovation. |
| Keywords: | Innovation, manufacturing firms, service firms, CIS |
| JEL: | L60 L80 O30 O32 |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cma:wpaper:1201&r=knm |
| By: | Roberta Capello; Camilla Lenzi |
| Abstract: | In this paper, we aim at re-assessing the undisputed positive relationship between innovation and economic growth by questioning the view that R&D (and formal knowledge in general) equates innovation and innovation equates regional growth. We rather propose that these linkages are strongly mediated by local territorial assets and explore this relationship at the regional level (NUTS2) for 262 regions of the European Union. In doing so, we rely upon an original database encompassing several knowledge and innovation indicators, ranging from R&D expenditures, patent data, to newly released data on different types of innovation: product, process and marketing and/or organizational innovation, derived from the Community Innovation Survey 2002-2004 wave. The data set also includes several variables aimed at capturing different elements characterizing possible different attitudes and patterns of innovation that we control for, such as regional preconditions for knowledge and innovation creation and acquisition (namely, accessibility, trust, structural funds funding, foreign direct investments). The results of the analysis confirm that R&D is an important driver of economic growth. However, this result hides a larger territorial heterogeneity and needs some qualifications. Firstly, only regions strongly endowed with elements supporting knowledge creation processes are likely to benefit from the positive returns to R&D; a critical mass of R&D investments is therefore needed in order to exploit the eventual benefits arising from increasing returns to research expenditures. Secondly, once controlling for innovative behavior, R&D does not show anymore a significant impact on GDP growth. In fact, whereas the growth benefits accruing from R&D look rather selective and concentrated in a relatively small number of regions, the benefits accruing from innovation look not only of greater magnitude but more pervasive and beneficial for a larger number of regions. From these findings, we ultimately draw ad-hoc policy suggestions. |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p187&r=knm |
| By: | Emanuela Marrocu; Raffaele Paci; Stefano Usai |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of various proximity dimensions on the innovative capacity of 276 regions in Europe within a knowledge production function model, where R&D and human capital are included as the main internal inputs. We combine the standard geographical proximity with the institutional, technological, social and organizational ones to assess whether they are substitutes or complements in channelling knowledge spillovers. Results show that all proximities have a significant complementary role in generating an important flow of knowledge across regions, with the technological closeness playing the most relevant role. Keywords: knowledge production, spillovers, proximity, human capital, weight matrix JEL: C31, O31, O18, O52, R12 |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p167&r=knm |
| By: | Bernd Ebersberger; Sverre Herstad |
| Abstract: | Research on territorial innovation systems has traditionally put a very strong emphasis on intra-economy collaborative linkages as they allow valuable tacit knowledge to flow between co-located firms and institutions. Frequent face-to-face contact between producers and demanding users combined with institutionalized trust nurtured by proximity has been seen as conducive to advanced new knowledge development, structural change and growth. This is visible not least in the literature on knowledge-intensive business services, which emphasizes the role of proximity between providers and a demanding client base. However, collaborative linkages can span large distances and are increasingly regarded as a mechanism by which firms overcome local supply and demand side limitations. The rapid diffusion of ICTs has increased the scope for service firm, by increasing tradability and by allowing more efficient international market search. At the same time, regions remain important as ‘containing social structures’ for labor flows and information diffusion through interpersonal networks, for new firm formation based on localized knowledge assets, and as platforms for growth and internationalization. The locus of innovation is therefore shifting away from individual firms, towards territorial economies and the distributed innovation networks by which they are linked. Knowledge intensive business services are important in this context, as they are positioned at the intersection between corporate demand for specialized knowledge, and the supply of this knowledge from various actors and locations. Yet, the literature on internationalization in services focuses primarily on demand side enablers in the form of trade liberalization and modern ICTs, and drivers in the form of larger and more diverse markets. Consequently, it has yet to acknowledge the embeddedness of knowledge-intensive business services in international innovation collaboration networks more broadly. This paper starts from the recognition that collaborative linkages may be conditioned by contexts of location, in particular when they are extended into distant business communities. This paper analyses the link between urban locations, and the involvement of knowledge-intensive business service firms in international innovation collaboration. It extends current research on the internationalization of business services by distinguishing between demand and supply side linkages in international innovation collaboration. The empirical analysis uses establishment level innovation data available from the Sixth Norwegian Community Innovation Survey (CIS2008) to investigate whether urban location affects a firm’s involvement in global innovation collaboration. Everything else equal knowledge-intensive business service firms located in the Norwegian capital region are found to be more involved in international collaboration than establishments located at any other level of centrality. This is not driven by the more intense interaction with clients and customers. Rather, it is most distinctively driven by broader linkages with knowledge supplying actors. Keywords: Internationalization of innovation, KIBS, urban location JEL: R11 F20 L80 |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p438&r=knm |
| By: | Boeing, Philipp; Mueller, Elisabeth; Sandner, Philipp |
| Abstract: | This study investigates how in-house R&D as well as access to national and foreign knowledge sources influences the productivity of Chinese firms. For our main analysis we use data for 1,140 patenting firms listed at mainland China stock exchanges over the time-period 2001-2010. In-house R&D based on indigenous knowledge does indeed improve productivity as does engaging in joint research projects with national partners. In order to benefit from international knowledge, Chinese firms are dependent on an organizational integration of the knowledge source. Joint ventures with foreign partners, acquisitions of foreign firms, and employing foreign researchers inside China contribute to firm productivity, whereas international joint research projects are not sufficient. Our results indicate that at the current stage of China's economic development the absorptive capacity of most firms is sufficient to benefit from foreign sources of knowledge only if an enduring, deep relationship supports the absorption of the knowledge. -- |
| Keywords: | indigenous innovation,China,knowledge sources,productivity,absorptive capacity,patents |
| JEL: | O32 O33 |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:fsfmwp:196&r=knm |
| By: | Roberto Camagni; Roberta Capello |
| Abstract: | This paper presents conceptual and empirical reasons for moving from a thematically-regionally neutral innovation policy to a thematically and regionally focused innovation policy, in line with the smart specialization approach of the new cohesion policy framework. The paper starts by claiming that the pathways towards innovation and modernization are differentiated among regions according to local specificities. In fact, territorial innovation patterns exist, that differ one another in terms of the different modes of combining knowledge and innovation, due to different territorial (context) conditions that support the creation / diffusion of knowledge and innovation. A single overall strategy is likely to be unfit to provide the right stimuli and incentives in the different contexts; it is instead on these different territorial innovation patterns that thematically/regionally focused, ad-hoc, innovation policies have to be built. Two main kinds of policies can be foreseen; policies for the reinforcement of territorial innovation patterns, devoted to the enhancement of the virtuous aspects that characterise a pattern, with the aim to reinforce its efficiency, and evolutionary policies, devoted instead to stimulate the most dynamic regions belonging to a pattern to move to a new and more efficient one. The paper goes in depth in suggesting which policies should be developed. |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p188&r=knm |
| By: | Eva Gajzago |
| Abstract: | Changing tasks of Innovation intermediary organizations Key words: innovation intermediary organizations, regional effect, motivation of innovation process' actors JEL Codes: O31 - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives O32 - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D My PhD research focuses on the efficiency of innovation intermediary organizations. In my presentation after I define the organizations and the innovation process as a special market, I would like to review their connections with regional and local actors and analyze their regional and local impact. Both assays are based on the human side of innovation. In the local impact analysis a specific practical example will be presented by exposing the current situation and innovation potential of a Hungarian middle sized industrial city, Dunaujvaros. Dunaujvaros has special possibilities to develop its innovation potential like the followings: • dominant and international steel company existing since the 1960's – industrial culture, creative class • the recent infrastructural developments – M6 highway, Danube-bridge • settling of two international (global) companies – Hankook Tire Ltd., Hamburger Hungaria Ltd. • developing and successful local middle-sized companies in the sector of building and electronic industries • existence of innovation intermediary organizations • well trained and experienced human resources in the field of innovation and innovation management • developing higher educational institute However Dunaujvaros can hardly capitalize its outbreak points and started to lose the above mentioned possibilities. How can an innovation intermediary organization help to stop this failure and help a city or a region to develop its innovation potential? In the presentation I wish to answer these questions regarding to a recent survey carried out in the sub-region of Dunaujvaros. The survey examined the motivations and innovation potentials of three target groups – companies, researchers and innovation financing companies. The evaluation of questionnaires show – among others - that • Most of the companies are not aware of sub-regional research projects and innovation possibilities however they wish to get more information regarding to innovation. • Most of the SMEs do not have any connection with innovation intermediaries neither with the College of Dunaujvaros nor its researchers. • However companies realize the importance of innovation they stated that they are lack of innovation ideas. According to the above mentioned results do not innovation intermediary organizations need to change? In the presentation I would like to suggest some resolution like reconsider their tasks and develop their efficiency by changing their working methods and communication channels. |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p565&r=knm |
| By: | Franz Tödtling; Michaela Trippl |
| Abstract: | Over the past 20 years, the innovation system approach has significantly enhanced our understanding of the innovation process, stressing its non-linear, systemic, interactive and evolutionary character. The notion of regional innovation systems (RISs) highlights the regional dimension of new knowledge generation and exploitation and constitutes a powerful concept for explaining regional differences in innovation capacity. RISs can be conceptualised as the set of firms, organisations and institutions which influence the innovative behaviour and economic performance at the regional level. They are shaped by existing industry structures and technology paths, the set of knowledge organisations, and the prevailing institutions and networks. As a consequence, they exhibit a high degree of inertia. This may lead to phenomena of path dependency and “lock in†in particular regions and to a certain degree of stability in terms of regional disparities in innovation and economic development. Regions and their innovation systems, however, are not static entities. In fact, one can observe considerable changes of industry structures, innovation activities and patterns of networking in particular regions in the longer run, often reaching beyond the existing development paths. We find phenomena of innovation-driven catching up processes in lagging regions, restructuring processes in industrial regions leading to new industries and technology paths, as well as sometimes an erosion of innovation capacity and competitiveness in leading regions. Most research on RISs, however, has so far not dealt with such changes. The RIS literature suffers from a key weakness, that is, its static view brought about by a focus on existing structures and relations. As a consequence, the reconstruction of RISs and their evolution over time remains poorly understood. The aim of the paper is to enhance our understanding of how processes of RIS transformation take place. We will identify key actors and drivers of path renewal and new path creation and we seek to find out to which extent such changes are related to the existing economic and institutional structures. Based on a discussion of relevant theories and a critical literature review we will develop a conceptual frame for analysing RIS changes. Besides the RIS approach we will use ideas from evolutionary economic geography (EEG) which provides valuable insights into the long-run regional trajectories and sources of change in regional economies. We will also discuss empirical examples of such shifts based on evidence from Austria and other countries. JEL Codes: R10, R11, R58, O30, O38 |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p295&r=knm |
| By: | Peter Warda; Urban Gråsjö; Charlie Karlsson |
| Abstract: | In this paper we focus on one type of externality, namely knowledge spillovers. Empirical studies on effects of knowledge spillovers in Europe have normally focused on localized effects, either on total factor productivity or knowledge production in terms of patent output. The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively review the empirical literature on spatial knowl-edge spillovers in Europe by means of meta-analysis. Our aim is to determine the extent to which such spillovers have been empirically documented as well as the spatial reach of these spillovers. In addition, we will apply meta-regression-analysis to analyze the determinants of observed heterogeneity across and between publications. Our results show that if total local R&D expenditure in a European region increases by 1%, the number of patents in that region increases, on average, by 0.482%. Spatial knowledge spillovers induce a positive effect on local knowledge production, however, this effect proves to be marginally small. Spatial weighting regime seems to matter. If R&D expenditures in other regions are weighted by distance in kilometers or minutes (instead of a binary contiguity matrix) then the spillover effect will on average be larger. Also, public R&D expenditure is found to have a lower impact on local patent production compared to private R&D expenditure. |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p622&r=knm |
| By: | Emilia Madudova |
| Abstract: | Creativity is typically thought of in the singular – as an attribute. Creativity and imagination are the most important ingredients for coping with post-normal times. This paper looks at the way creativity itself is being transformed in ICT sector. Creativity researchers tend to refer to creativity as an attribute of a person. But it may be a set of multiple attributes. How those multiple attributes might be arrayed in ICT sector is, as yet, an open question. Paper also describes an importance of creative thinking and the place of ICT in creative industries. People might show consistent individual differences in processes, domains, and styles of creative thinking. To be effective in innovation efforts, ICT sector has to take into account the nature of the strategy and organizational processes of innovation as a mixture of creativity, irrationality and feasibility. Innovation is not similar to performing regular „business as usual“. Innovation is to a large extent unpredictable, complex, dynamic, non-routine-based, and involves creativity and risk. Innovation is difficult to control and is extentialy an entrepreneurial process as such. People within a highly technical area have their ideas formed by technical possibilities, difference is important. Nevertheless, the idea can be used as a provocation from which to move forward. Without some emphasis on 'difference' there is the danger that all new ideas will immediately drain back to the traditional ideas. It is important to keep all the above points in mind. Otherwise people in a highly technical area will not accept that the basic tools of creativity can indeed be applied in their area. ICT sector is a rapidly changing sector. If there are more than one forms of creativity, what forms might they take in ICT sector? This paper also answers questions on the subject of enhancing the creativity in ICT sector, environment supporting creativity in ICT sector, cognitive, personality and motivational constituents of creativity in ICT sector, relation of creativity to knowledge and expertise in ICT sector, role of technology and development enhancing creativity in ICT sector. This article has proposed some different ways in which creativity in ICT sector might be multiple. |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p720&r=knm |
| By: | Veneziano Araujo; Renato Garcia |
| Abstract: | The aim of this paper is to exam the spatial patterns of innovative performance in Brazilian industry, taking into account its regional interdependencies, and the impact of the main innovative inputs. There is a huge literature concerning regional innovation and the importance of local inputs in innovative performance. However, most of the studies use data from developed countries. This paper verifies if the role played by innovative inputs in developed countries remain important in developing ones, in which patents are proportionally rare. In this sense, it’s applied an empirical model based in the Jaffe’s (1989) knowledge production function to Brazilian regions. The model uses patents as a proxy for the innovative output and includes regional variables of local industrialand academic R&D, agglomeration characteristics and some spatial elements such as neighborhood’s innovative activities. The main results show the importance of local industrial R&D to regional innovation measured by patents, and, similarly, a relation between patenting activity of the firms and local academic research. With the purpose of evaluate which externality is more important to innovation in Brazilian regions, marshallian or jacobian externalities; the Krugman specialization-diversification index of industrial employment is adopted in the model. The importance of been close to the most innovative regions is assessed with the commonly used spatial lagged variables and the estimation results corroborates the relevance of technological spillovers spatial mediated. Finally, some efforts are made to exam other kinds of proximity as proposed by Boschma (2005) and a network weight matrix based on university-industry collaborative links, such as Ponds et al (2010), is added to the model to test the importance of non spatial proximity. The overall conclusion suggests that in Brazilian case, main innovative inputs seemed in developed countries remain important, but presents also some specificity such as a strong concentration of innovative activities in the Southeast related with the industrial agglomeration and different relative magnitude importance in some local determinants of innovation. JEL Code: O18 ;O33; R11. Key-words: Regional innovation – Patents – Spatial analysis – Brazil Area: D. Entrepreneurship, networks and innovation |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p782&r=knm |
| By: | Dariusz WoŸniak; Justyna Soko³owska-WoŸniak |
| Abstract: | The aim of this paper is twofold. The first is to examine the level of development of knowledge economy in Polish regions (Voivodships). In order to assess the advances in building the knowledge economy in region, the composite indicator for years 2003-2008 is constructed. The second purpose is to analyse the regional authorities' policies directed towards supporting the pillars underlying the knowledge economy. |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p1129&r=knm |
| By: | Florian Reinold; Manfred Paier; Manfred M. Fischer |
| Abstract: | The objective of this study is to explore the determinants of joint knowledge generation within European networks of R&D collaboration. This study distinguishes between two types of joint knowledge generation: scientific and commercially relevant knowledge generation. Joint generation of scientific knowledge is measured by co-authored scientific publications, while joint commercially relevant knowledge is measured by co-owned patents and artefacts. Unit of analysis are dyads of organisations jointly participating in projects of the 5th EU Framework Programme (FP5). The data for carrying out this study is taken from a survey among FP5 participants and the EUPRO database. 23 EU member countries (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta and Rumania are excluded) plus Switzerland and Norway are included. Regression methods for discrete choice (logit and probit) are employed to meet the objective. The independent variables taken into consideration encompass the types of organisations involved in the dyad, geographical and cultural obstacles, relational factors and project characteristics. Results show that dyads involving universities have the highest probability not only to jointly generate scientific knowledge but also to jointly generate commercially relevant knowledge, whereas the involvement of an industry organisation results in a low probability for both types of knowledge generation. Perhaps, this can be attributed to the fact that joint knowledge generation entails disclosure of own knowledge, which is actually a task of universities but is problematic for industry organisations. Another important result is that crossing national border has a significant positive rather than negative effect on joint scientific knowledge generation, which is essentially a consequence of how the Framework Programmes had been set up. Similarly, crossing EU-15 external border has a positive effect on joint knowledge generation, indicating that the FPs work well in achieving their aim of supporting the catching up process of CEE countries. But, joint generation of commercially relevant knowledge is negatively influenced by language borders. This can be explained by the fact that the co-development of patentable knowledge or artefacts requires more intensive and complex interactions than to co-author a scientific publication where English is the lingua franca anyway. Results on relational factors and project characteristics satisfy expectations: Duration of collaboration and the existence of previous collaboration have a positive effect on joint knowledge generation, whereas the project size, measured by number of participants, affects joint knowledge generation negatively. |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p253&r=knm |
| By: | Roberto Antonietti |
| Abstract: | In this paper I assess the existence, and the magnitude, of technological externalities in the form of creativity spillovers that affect individual firms' innovative intensity. Relying on a large sample of Italian manufacturing firms, I first estimate a knowledge production function through a zero-inflated beta regression model and a generalized Tobit model. From these, I extract the residuals, which represent the unexplained part of the actual observed share of innovative sales, namely innovativeness. Then, I regress such a measure of firm innovativeness on a set of occupation-based, as well as density-based, indicators of creativity at the NUTS3 level, while controlling for firm localization, size and industry. I also control for endogeneity and non-linearity by estimating a two-stage least squares model and a generalized additive model respectively. My estimates show that: (i) there is a positive and highly statistically significant effect of creativity on innovativeness; (ii) the effect of creativity on actual innovative sales is weak, while I find a stronger effect played by the availability of R&D labour within the firm; (iii) occupation-based measures of creativity outperform education-based measures of human capital; (iv) when controlling for the education content of jobs, firms' innovativeness is affected more by the local availability of non-graduated creative workers than of graduated ones; (v) rather, relying on NUTS3 regional data, I find that a higher local availability of graduated creative workers affects the invention intensity of a city; (vi) the relationship between firm innovativeness and the local density of creative people is U-shaped, so that proximity-based knowledge externalities emerge only after a certain density threshold is reached, this occurring typically in larger urban areas, typically hosting design and service-based creative industries. From the policy point of view, increasing the availability of creative jobs and people can help regions and cities to be more innovative, especially in the absence of large R&D departments and formal agreements with external partners. In this respect, my results are in line with the literature on innovative milieux, where social learning phenomena, rather than formal R&D activities, help explaining the processes of knowledge creation and diffusion within and between firms, clusters and territories. Keywords: creativity; innovativeness; innovative sales; knowledge production function; proportions JEL: L60; O31; R10 Please do consider the paper for these two alternative Special Sessions: ZS. SS and ZC.SS |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p423&r=knm |
| By: | Guido Sechi; Jurgis Skilters; Dino Borri; Caterina De Lucia |
| Abstract: | The role of ICT accessibility in enhancing regional innovation through knowledge and information exchange is a recently popular and controversial topic in regional science. Opposing views exist, related to the bigger or lesser importance of geographical proximity in knowledge exchange in an age dominated by virtual global channels. Existing studies primarily focus on regions (macro level) as units of analysis, without investigating socio-cognitive dynamics in detail, and rely on doubtful epistemological assumptions (i.e. the equation of information with knowledge). It may be hypothesized that the debate would benefit from: a) analyses focused on the micro (individual) level; b) a more complex formalization of social dynamics, by means of adequate sociological frameworks; and c) a deeper reflection on the nature of cognitive factors at stake. The present paper is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of physical (geographical) and virtual communities on information and knowledge sharing and enrichment in the republic of Latvia. Which kind of links – physical or virtual ones – are more efficient and psychologically real and important is additionally analyzed. The theoretical framework draws on social and cognitive science, combining social capital theory and cognitively oriented semantics. The theoretical model to be tested empirically relies on a complex taxonomy of social capital and a complex epistemology of shareable knowledge. The former takes into account both physical / virtual structural (network) assets and social resources which are embedded in such networks; the latter encompasses relevant dichotomies in applied epistemology history (description / experience; information / belief). Causal links between social capital dimensions (related to physical / virtual channels) and forms of knowledge are hypothesized. The empirical analysis is based on a methodological approach relying on advanced econometrics (structural equation modelling), able to encompass both measurement problems related to the intangible nature of variables under exam, and an assessment of complex cause-effect dynamics. The analysis, which is carried out at the individual level, helps to compare the effect of physical vs virtual networks in enhancing social resources and hence knowledge exchange and enrichment. The obtained results are tested against control variables accounting for social and cultural differences within the national community, in order to verify the sensitivity of results according to intra-society gaps. Such clusters are identified on the basis of considerations related to community and identity views among the citizenship. Keywords: social capital; knowledge sharing; communities; structural equation modelling JEL codes: O3; Z1; C30 |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p381&r=knm |
| By: | Slavomir Hidas; Martyna Wolska; Manfred M Fischer; Thomas Scherngell |
| Abstract: | The focus of this study is on regional knowledge production activities in Europe, with special emphasis on the interplay between agglomeration and network effects. As increasingly considered in economic geography and regional science in the recent past, regional knowledge production activities, on the one hand, still remain geographically bounded; on the other hand, knowledge production activities have become increasingly interwoven and internationalized, emphasizing the crucial importance of region-external knowledge sources for a region’s knowledge production capacity. The objective of the study is to estimate to what extent agglomeration and network effects influence knowledge production activities at the level of European regions. We use an extended regional knowledge production function framework as basis for the study, and derive a spatial Durbin model (SDM) relationship that can be used for empirical testing. The European coverage is achieved using 241 NUTS-2 regions covering the EU-25 member states. The dependent variable, knowledge production activity, is measured in terms of patent counts at the regional level in the time period 1998-2008, using patents applied at the European Patent Office (EPO). The independent variables include an agglomeration index, measured in terms of population density, and the regional participation intensity in the European network of R&D cooperation, measured in terms of the number of participations of a region in R&D joint ventures funded by the European Commission under the heading of the EU Framework programs (FPs). By this we are able to estimate the distinct effects of network participation and agglomeration on regional knowledge production. In our modeling framework, we further control for total regional R&D expenditures as widely used in regional knowledge production function frameworks and its empirical applications. In estimating the effects, we implement a panel version of the standard SDM that controls for spatial autocorrelation as well as individual heterogeneity across regions. The specification incorporates a spatial lag of the dependent variable as well as spatial lags of the independent variables. This allows for the estimation of spatial spillovers of agglomeration and network effects from neighboring regions by calculating scalar summary measures of impacts. The estimation results are expected to provide sketches of policy implications in a European and regional policy context. JEL Classification: R11, O31, C21 Keywords: Regional knowledge production, Agglomerations effects, R&D networks, European Framework Programs, knowledge production function, panel spatial Durbin model |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p393&r=knm |
| By: | Viroj Jienwatcharamongkhol; Mohammad Hossein Tavassoli |
| Abstract: | This paper analyses the effect of innovation on the well-established productivity-export association in the literature. Here, we argue that actively innovative firms have a higher productivity, which make them more likely to become exporters. Moreover, exporting firms learn from their trading experiences and accumulate the necessary knowledge in order to innovate further, which may facilitate future productivity. We use the micro-data from two waves of Swedish Community Innovation Survey (CIS) to provide empirical evidences to test our argument concerning this interrelation between innovation, productivity, and export. The main finding is that firms which become innovative are more likely to also become an exporter, especially when they do not have prior export experiences. JEL Classification: D22, D24, F14, O39 Keywords: innovation, productivity, export, Swedish CIS, micro-data |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p885&r=knm |
| By: | Amaresh K. Tiwari; Pierre Mohnen; Franz Palm; Sybrand Schim van der Loeff |
| Abstract: | Using a unique panel data of Dutch innovation and financial variables we empirically investigate how financing and innovation vary across firm characteristics. The study also tries to gauge the extent of market failure due to the presence of financing frictions. Our main findings can be summarized as follows. First, when firms face endogenous financial constraints, debt financing and innovation choices are not independent of firm characteristics such as age, size, and existing leverage. In the absence of financial constraints, however, firms, almost uniformly across firm characteristics, become less inclined – as compared to firms facing constraints - to engage in innovative activity by raising debt. Second, small, young, highly leveraged, and firms with lower collateralizable assets are more likely to be financially constrained. Third, large, young, and low leveraged firms are more likely to be innovators. Fourth, financial constraints adversely affect a firm’s R&D intensity. Fifth, smaller and younger firms are more R&D intensive. A new estimator, that combines the method of “Correlated Random Effects” and “Control Function” to account for the endogeneity of regressors in a structural equations model, is developed. <P>Nous utilisons une base de données de panel néerlandaise assez originale pour examiner comment les décisions d’innovation et de financement varient selon les caractéristiques des entreprises. Nous examinons en particulier dans quelle mesure il y a une faille de marché due aux besoins de financement de l’innovation. En résumé, nous aboutissons aux résultats suivants. Premièrement, les entreprises soumises à des contraintes financières font leurs choix de financement et d’innovation en fonction de leur âge, de leur taille et de leur degré d’endettement. Sans contraintes de financement, les enterprises sont moins portées à innover en s’endettant, quelles que soient leurs caractéristiques. Deuxièmement, ont tendance à être contraintes financièrement les enterprises jeunes, petites, avec un rapport dettes/fonds propres élevé et peu d’avoirs collatérables. Troisièmement, les entreprises jeunes, grandes et avec un faible rapport dettes/fonds propres ont plus de chances d’être innovantes. Quatrièmement, les contraintes de financement réduisent l’intensité de R-D. Cinquièmement, ce sont les entreprises petites et jeunes qui sont plus intenses en R-D. Pour estimer notre modèle, nous développons un nouvel estimateur qui combine les méthodes des effets aléatoires corrélés et des fonctions de contrôle pour tenir compte de l’endogénéité des régresseurs dans un modèle structurel d’équations simultanées. |
| Keywords: | Financial Constraints, Capital Structure, R&D, Innovation, Firm Dynamics, Market Failure, Panel Data, Correlated Random Effects, Control Function, Expected ´a Posteriori, financières, structure de capital, R-D, innovation, dynamique de firmes, failles de marché, données panel, effets aléatoires corrélés, fonctions de contrôle, attentes a posteriori. |
| JEL: | G30 O30 C30 |
| Date: | 2012–09–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cir:cirwor:2012s-24&r=knm |
| By: | Claudio Giachetti (Department of Management, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia); Gianluca Marchi (Department of Business Economics, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia); Riccardo Corradini (Department of Business Economics, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia) |
| Abstract: | Previous research on user innovation in online communities has regarded product knowledge and willingness to participate in the community life as two important characteristics influencing the level of user innovativeness. In this study, we examine the degree to which two such userÕs characteristics influence her/his ability to anticipate the introduction of firms' incremental and radical innovations, defined as the extent to which the userÕs suggestions or expressed needs for new product technologies correspond to what firms will subsequently introduce in the market. The findings show that, in online communities, the user's product knowledge and willingness to participate positively affect her/his ability to anticipate radical and incremental innovations. The results also show that, in online communities, the user's product knowledge positively affects her/his ability to anticipate incremental innovations more than her/his ability to anticipate radical innovations. This study examines consumer-to-consumer discussions in the GSMArena online community, a community for mobile phone users. Hypotheses are tested using the data of 6,528 messages posted by 3,564 participants during the year 2003 and a comprehensive data set including 3,586 handset models and related technologies introduced by 68 mobile phone vendors during the 1994Ð2010 time period. |
| Keywords: | innovative users, incremental innovation, radical innovation, product knowledge, willingness to participate, mobile phone |
| JEL: | M31 O31 O32 |
| Date: | 2012–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:vnm:wpdman:28&r=knm |
| By: | Baltzopoulos, Apostolos (The Nordic Centre for Spatial Development); Braunerhjelm, Pontus (CESIS - Centre of Excellence for Science and Innovation Studies, Royal Institute of Technology); Tikoudis, Ioannis (CESIS - Centre of Excellence for Science and Innovation Studies, Royal Institute of Technology) |
| Abstract: | The extent and importance of spin-offs for industrial dynamics have been analysed in a number of previous studies, yet knowledge is surprisingly scarce about the determinants that trigger such entrepreneurial ventures. In the current analysis we use unique and detailed Swedish data to comprehensively explore how individual, firm, regional, and industry variables influence spin-offs during 1999-2005. In addition to the expected general positive impact of regional size and entrepreneurial culture, we find specific features for knowledge intensive manufacturing and service production on the propensity of employees to spin off a new venture. Moreover, we use an entropy measure to disentangle unrelated and related variety, and find that the former has a significantly negative impact while the latter a significantly positive effect on the propensity of the individual to start a spin-off. |
| Keywords: | Spin-offs; entrepreneurship; industries; regions |
| JEL: | D01 O12 O18 R10 |
| Date: | 2012–01–30 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:cesisp:0265&r=knm |
| By: | TIIU PAAS |
| Abstract: | The paper focuses on quantitative assessment of the innovation’s role in explaining regional disparities and convergence in Europe. The empirical part of the study bases on the regional GDP pc and innovation indicators on the EU-27 NUTS2 level regions. Based on the selected set of initial innovation indicators for the 262 EU NUTS2 level regions and using the principal components factor analysis method, three composite indicators of regional innovation capacity are extracted. They explain around 80 % of the variation of the initial innovation indicators. The preliminary research results show that around 60% of variability of regional GDP per capita is explained by composite indicators of regional innovation performance and additional 20% are country specific factors. Estimating convergence equations, we noticed that regional innovations tend to increase inter-regional differences, at least during the short-run period. Thus, if regional income convergence is a policy target, additional policy measures beside innovation activities should be effectively implemented |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p80&r=knm |
| By: | Koloman IvaniÄÂka |
| Abstract: | Slovakia is on route for searching its development model. It required courage to take bridge programs for invention, innovation and creativity. A new culture is created in relation to the third industrial revolution. It relies on the dispersion potential, universally available energy sources, energy storage using hydrogen, and the new association energy and information technologies. Slovakia has a chance within 20 to 25 years to achieve energy self-sufficiency. A major reconstruction will be difficult to source and change approaches, i.e. knowledge society. The company has to learn the fact that the advent of the era of non-waste is a possible theory living planet Gaia can be translated into reality. The mental system becomes more 'people oriented system - the human-oriented system and earth centered system - the planet Earth concentrated economics'. M. Albert promotes participatory democracy (Parecom) and D. Schweickart economic democracy, in which much or all classes of the population that the operation involved in the economic system. An important role will play an innovative, creative center (Ideopolises). Noteworthy is the connection of classical genius loci of a new morfic resonance. A significant amount of innovation is transforming creative environment. Without its support function starts outflow inventive and creative people from the territory of the region state. After leaving their lack of capital formation, or transfer of capital. Regions of emigration are changing for place of poverty. Creating a successful, sustainable social model is not creative and inventive talents of people difficult and hardly feasible. Stability, and independence self government. State may be endangered. Slovakia is undoubtedly a vital country, able to go forward with a dynamic European nations and states. Located in the heart of Europe and is a natural crossroads and ideas. It has resources, talents, social and technical infrastructure, but must be used properly. Slovakia can create own image, own branding developed countries, to demonstrate its genius loci, its ability to gain cooperation with foreign countries and support from abroad. It has all the prerequisites to handle a challenge of a new model of its innovative development in the spirit of the requirements of the World Summit Rio +20. Keywords The direction of the third industrial revolution, people oriented system, earth centered economy, economic democracy, morfic resonance, memory space, genius loci, creative environment, Slovakia potential for invention, innovation and creativity, consciousness and restructuring space. JEL O10 |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p978&r=knm |
| By: | Maria João Simões; Domingos Santos |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this article is to contribute for the debate about the construction of governance spaces which guarantee the continuity of the regional development public policies, thus articulating actors and optimizing strategic projects in order to improve regional competitiveness ans sustainability. The call by European Union policymakers for wider and more direct involvement in improving European governance is coupled with the increased usage of new information and communications technologies (ICTs) by public administrations across the EU. Portugal has been strategically involved in a catching-up process with high investments in the areas of innovation and ICT infrastructures. This paper is based on the field work and on the results obtained by a research project that analyzed the Portuguese Digital Cities and Regions Program on a multi-dimensional way, covering mainly the areas of accessibility, e-government and territorial development. We argue that the recent revival of interest of the “digital†has been constructed around a rather narrow set of empirical and theoretical issues concerning mainly to technological innovation, neglecting other strategic political areas, such as the policies of governance and state re-territorialization, the concept of innovation and social innovation, the role of democracy and citizenship and tensions around social reproduction and sustainability across the digital cities and regions. The evidence provided by this research work shows that investments in ICT infrastructures, although very necessary, haven’t been sufficient to create a sustainable knowledge-based living and working environment in Portugal. Most initiatives under the Digital Cities and Regions Program have been leading to interventions very much focused on infra-structure and undervaluing intangibles. Regional and city managers’ and planners’ attention could – indeed should – shift towards the ‘softer’ but critical issues of filling the knowledge, expertise and organizational gaps. This requires a continuous public effort, but also a better understanding of the effectiveness of the mix of public support mechanisms and private incentives for the development of digital territories. These questions will be analyzed and discussed in the light of the Portuguese experience and some final considerations will be outlined concerning the content and the format that public policies should carry out in order to better promote territorial innovation policies. Key-words: digital city, digital region, e-government, governance innovation, territorial innovation policies. JEL Classification Codes: H76, O33, O38, R11, R58 |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p132&r=knm |
| By: | Ann Karin Holmen; Arild Farsund |
| Abstract: | Innovation policy in city-regions: internationalization strategies as policy instruments Keywords: city-region, policy instruments, regional public support system, regional innovation JEL-code: R58 The globalization of the economy has led to increased competition between regions when it comes to innovation and business development. Recent research in southwest Norway shows that companies that have a wide range of international partners are significantly more likely to develop new products and generate radical innovation than companies without these kinds of networks (Fitjar and Rodriguez-Pose 2011: 556). In Norway regional authorities have taken an active role trying to make the conditions favorable for companies competing internationally. A portfolio of policy instruments has been introduced and offered regional companies, still there are both empirically and theoretically gaps in our knowledge regarding how these policy instruments are developed and made use of. Ruud, Smits and Kuhlmann (2004) argue that portfolios are heavily dominated by financial instruments and that there is a need to develop new types of instruments in order to tune them to the needs of actors involved in innovation processes. In line with this argument the main question posed in this paper is: To what degree is policy tools developed and adapted to companies needs in the regional innovation system? This study investigates how regional authorities in Southwest Norway develop policy tools in order to offer regional companies support in the processes of internationalisation. More specific, the study focus at city-regional public support systems and how they combine and coordinate policy instruments according to assumed needs in the regional innovation systems. Recent findings from surveys, interviews and in depth studies of two specific policy instruments will be presented in the paper. The findings contribute to the discussion of regional development policy in several ways. First, the principal discussion on the public role and the strategic development of public support system containing new institutions and instruments. Second, the rational behind developing the policy instruments. Are they based on companies’ actual needs, or is it based on public strategic priorities? Third, the study contributes with in the discussion on what kind of instruments companies use and how the policy instruments are combined both by the companies themselves but also the public support system. |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p255&r=knm |
| By: | Agata Pradela |
| Abstract: | Methods and concepts of innovation performance are widely analysed, discussed and evaluated. The influence of educational management on the creation of innovative economy is not widely described in literature, however procedures of innovation performance include the measures of educational elements. Career development of young people cannot be accidental, especially in difficult economical situation in Europe and should be supported by specialists. The research questions: How develop careers of schools graduates and how graduates’ decisions influence on innovation indicators of polish economy? How to improve performance of innovations by performance of education? The paper discusses the methodology of European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) and Innovation Union Scoreboard (IUS) in the aspect of education for innovative economy. Educational indicators in EIS/IUS methodology are quantitative and do not include information of quality of education. Researchers are agreed that innovation processes and economical growth requires well educated and skilled workforce and they assume that skilled workers are on output of educational system. The measurement system of innovations in Europe includes various economical aspects, allows to observe trends and gives opportunity to improvement for countries and is directed on future educational effects. Quantitative indicators allow to observe trends, educational needs, desires of pupils and their parents. Efficiency of these indicators is presented on the example of Poland. Educational indicators to improve innovation performance should be very synthetic, but cannot lose important information. Research on career paths of graduates will be carried out in 5 cycles: first internet questionnaire will be send a year after completion the school and repeated 3 times every 5 years. Evaluation of educational process at school will be carried out in categories: evaluation of proper preparation to work/ evaluation of proper preparation to continue education; recommendation of the school; support of creativity, innovation at school; work in accordance with qualifications or below qualifications; level of salary and job satisfaction. Indicators based on answers above supplement innovation performance methodology. The concept can be firstly develop and tested in local governments, then it can be extended in every educational system. |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p282&r=knm |
| By: | Sandra Leitner; Bernhard Dachs; Robert Stehrer |
| Abstract: | In recent years, firms have considerably decentralized their research and development (R&D) activities. Subsidiaries of foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs) are now among the top performers of R&D in many EU and non-EU countries. Specifically, MNE affiliates account for around 20% of total business R&D in France, Germany and Italy; between 30% and 50% in Canada, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Sweden and the United Kingdom; and more than 50% in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Ireland. Against that backdrop, the paper uses a novel and unique data base on R&D expenditure of foreign-owned firms for a set of OECD countries and identifies and analyzes factors that drive the scale of R&D expenditure across countries and sectors. The empirical analysis employs a gravity approach which demonstrates that geography plays a pivotal role as distance between host and home country of a foreign-owned firm, a common language spoken in both home and host countries, or common borders are key drivers of cross-border R&D investments. Moreover, results reveal that additional determinants such as larger host and home country markets or superior host country human capital bases are conducive to R&D expenditure of foreign-owned firms while stronger human capital bases in home countries deter R&D efforts of foreign-owned firms abroad. Keywords: internationalisation of research and development, multinational firms, gravity model JEL-codes: F23, O32, O33 |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p196&r=knm |
| By: | Ana Paula Bastos; Leandro Almeida; Marcia Diniz; Marcelo Diniz |
| Abstract: | The role of universities for the innovation process of countries or regions had been widely explored. In lagged regions becomes a reference not only for qualification and research but concentrates brains and fixes qualified people. This paper analyses innovation and especially the interaction of firms with universities and research institutes, as strategy to face the low internal investment capacity in innovation. Our focus is the ultra-peripheral region of Brazilian Amazon and it is part of a larger research project which investigates these interactions internationally. The interest in studying these interactions in Brazil are based on findings that the investments in R&D by the private sector are low, and the national (and thus regional) innovation systems are immature (Albuquerque, 1998). Data was collected based on a questionnaire applied to firms, adapted by Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil from the Carnegie Mellon (Cohen, 2002) and Yale Surveys (Klevorick, 1995) on firms’ interaction. The sample was taken from a database of university-based research groups registered in CNPq (national agency of research funding), that declared some kind of innovative relationship with firms. Although, the interaction between universities and firms has been considered crucial for the development of innovation, we found very few interactions resulting in a low complementary role or even substitute R&D efforts of these firms. Results show that the continuous interactions between firms and university are restricted to agronomy, energy, electrical and mining engineering. And that the role of university in leading the process is not sufficient to suppress the peripheral condition of the Amazon region. |
| Date: | 2012–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wiw:wiwrsa:ersa12p1092&r=knm |