nep-knm New Economics Papers
on Knowledge Management and Knowledge Economy
Issue of 2019‒11‒25
two papers chosen by
Laura Ştefănescu
Centrul European de Studii Manageriale în Administrarea Afacerilor
  1. Innovation modes in SMEs: Mechanisms integrating STI-processes into DUI-mode learning and the role of regional innovation policy By Alhusen, Harm; Bennat, Tatjana
  2. Digital technologies, employment and skills By Jelena Reljic; Rinaldo Evangelista; Mario Pianta
  1. By: Alhusen, Harm; Bennat, Tatjana
    Abstract: Innovation processes consist of interactive learning mechanisms that combine different knowledge sources. Using a set of 72 exploratory interviews with small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and regional innovation consultants, this paper analyzes the combination of STI (science-technology -innovation) and DUI (innovation based on learning-by-doing, -using and -interacting) modes of innovation. We show that SMEs integrate STI-based knowledge into DUI-routines through mechanisms with varying levels of complexity. The mechanisms we describe differ with respect to a) effects on innovativeness, b) the absorptive capacities required and c) incurred costs. Based on these mechanisms, d) cognitive, organizational and financial barriers to combinatorial innovation modes are derived. We find that e) regional innovation consultancies play an important role in fostering combinatorial innovation modes. We therefore explore the role of regional innovation policy and its effects on firms' combination of innovation modes. Our findings point out innovation drivers that facilitate SMEs' capacity to absorb STI-based knowledge. Based on our empirical findings, we derive implications for innovation policy with regards to absorptive capacities in SMEs.
    Keywords: Innovation modes,DUI,Regional Innovation System,R&D cooperation,Knowledge bases,Regional innovation policy
    JEL: D23 D83 L10 L22 O31 O33 O38
    Date: 2019
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:ifhwps:212019&r=all
  2. By: Jelena Reljic; Rinaldo Evangelista; Mario Pianta
    Abstract: The diffusion of digital technologies and their impact on employment and skills is investigated in this article considering six major European countries (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) and 42 manufacturing and service industries over the 2009-2014 period. We analyse two key dimensions of digitalisation - industries' consumption of intermediate inputs from digital-intensive sectors and investment in ICT tangible and intangible assets per employee. We first investigate their effect on total employment finding that job creation in industries is supported by high digital consumption and reduced by high digital investment. We then explore how these variables have shaped the evolution of four professional groups - Managers, Clerks, Craft and Manual workers, defined on the basis of ISCO classes - and the increasingly polarised skill structure of European economies.
    Keywords: Digital technology; Innovation; Employment; Skills; European industries.
    Date: 2019–11–13
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ssa:lemwps:2019/36&r=all
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