Advanced Technology Sectors Research Articles

Patent uncertainty and survival: a longitudinal study of a Chinese knowledge-based international new venture

PurposeUnlike well-documented market or behavioral uncertainty, patent uncertainty has been significantly under-explored in the field of international entrepreneurship. Drawing on an institution-based view of strategy, this study investigated Netac, a Chinese knowledge-based international new venture (KINV), which was facing uncertainty over patents in China and the US. The aim was to address two questions: (1) how does patent uncertainty emerge in the context of KINVs? And (2) how can KINVs navigate patent hazards by interacting with national patent institutions?Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal single-case study approach was adopted as the most appropriate method for exploring novel business phenomena and dynamic processes.FindingsResults suggested that a KINV can adopt strategies to build a unique identity and so better conform to the expectations of institutions that ultimately decide on patent validity. Strategies may involve building institutional awareness, amplifying mass media effects, and strategically managing the intellectual property and socio-emotional tensions between China and the US.Originality/valueThis study introduced the notion of patent uncertainty into research around international new ventures, highlighting how this type of uncertainty in the advanced technology sector can affect the end-product and patent licensing opportunities of KINVs. It also explored the institution-based view of company strategy in the internationalization process by emphasizing interactive institutional mechanisms, and the role of an organization’s identity when interacting with institutions. The study enriches the literature on institutional theory and organizational identity, and also suggests solutions for firms dealing with efforts by competitors to invalidate patents.

Understanding China’s Grand Strategy Through the Belt and Road Initiative

China’s transition from a country striving for self-reliance in the 1950s to the world’s dominant power in 2020 is remarkable. The economic and foreign policies it followed during various phases of development helped the country to achieve the targets and goals that it set up for itself. The ambitious Belt and Road Initiative by President Xi Jinping to rebuild old Silk routes and to build new connectivity projects containing road, rail and sea transport corridors include in China’s Grand Strategy. That is to achieve self-sufficiency of up to 70% in advanced technology sectors by 2025 and to reach a preeminent position in the world by 2049. This includes protecting security interests as well as the flow of energy resources required for a steady progress. The article provides an overview of China’s progress and plans from Mao’s regime to Xi Jinping’s presidentship. In the process, it explains China’s changed priorities, interests and how foreign policy also changed according to the changing economic policies.

Dynamic spillover between oil price shocks and technology stock indices: A country level analysis

We study dynamic spillovers between oil price shocks and the technology stocks’ returns and volatility during 2000–2021 in the top-15 countries with advanced technology sectors. The oil shocks are disentangled based on Ready (2018) methodology and the spillovers are analyzed using the Diebold and Yılmaz (2014) approach. The results evidence that dynamic connectedness between technology indices and oil shocks increases remarkably during the periods of financial turmoil. Moreover, our outcomes reveal that oil risk shocks are net contributors to return and volatility of technology indices. The technology stock indices of France, Germany, and USA are the greatest contributors of innovations to oil shocks and other technology indices, whereas the technology indices of Japan, China and Taiwan are the greatest receivers of return and volatility shocks from others. The results highlight that diversification and hedging benefits among analyzed markets appear considerably reduced during the periods of economic slowdown.

Career Options and Entrepreneurial Potential among Female Graduates: Motivations, Obstacles and Realities

Abstract The objective of this paper is to contribute for a better understanding of the perceived motivations, obstacles and self-employment realities in the advanced technology sectors and knowledge intensive-business. In terms of public policies in economic and business, promoting female entrepreneurship emerges as a factor of mobilization of women for active economic life, as well as a strategy to support business initiatives, particularly as factor conducive to the promotion of equality between men and women. However, according to a recent study on the promotion of innovative women and entrepreneurship, one of the main obstacles that explains the lower participation of women in entrepreneurial activities of an innovative nature are related to educational choices pursued in formal education systems and the persistence of traditional stereotypes about women, science and innovation. Also, in comparison to men, women not only possess a lack positive attitudes about their own personal capacities or inclinations for starting businesses, but also have less personal contact with entrepreneurs. Empirical results are based on a case study project centred on a Portuguese University and the potential of entrepreneurship among graduates who have completed their course between 2002 and 2008. Drawing upon information-rich evidence from in-depth interviews, insights are presented in order to highlight an important relationship between the entrepreneurial intention and the social origin, field of education and gender of the graduates.

중국의 통상환경 변화와 국가별 상품 간 수출 대체가능성 연구 (Multidimensional Substitutability Measurement and Analysis: With an Application to Trade between China and South Korea)

중국의 통상환경 변화와 국가별 상품 간 수출 대체가능성 연구 (Multidimensional Substitutability Measurement and Analysis: With an Application to Trade between China and South Korea)

Diversification of the competitive position of the advanced technology sector in EU

Abstract The high-technology sector has a particular importance in the development of modern national economies. It affects both the level of competitiveness and innovation. This was a prerequisite for the study to assess the competitive position of the advanced technology sector in the European Union (EU) countries. The starting point of the discussion was the definition of the concept of competitiveness, the competitive position of the advanced technology industry, and the classification of the high-tech sector. Based on the selected indicators, the competitive position and the rank of countries have been established. As for this, the indicators of the export share of the advanced technology sector in the intra-export market, the profitability of the high-tech sector, and the degree of export–import coverage were used. Based on the adopted indicators, a synthetic indicator of a competitive position has also been calculated which enabled determination of the most competitive country in the EU in reference to the industry. This enabled the identification of factors influencing the competitive position of the advanced technology sector in the EU member countries.

No mining activities, no environmental impacts? Assessing the carbon footprint of metal requirements induced by the consumption of a country with almost no mines

All economies rely today on metal use either in the construction or energy sectors or in more advanced technology sectors. Nevertheless, not all countries have mining industries, which implies that these countries need to import primary metal concentrates and semi-finished goods containing metals to fulfill their final consumption. By importing these goods, they also import their associated environmental externalities. Considering the French metropolitan territory where mining industries are on hold since the 1990s, this study assesses the impacts on climate change of metals-related activities (i.e. mining, production and recycling) induced by the French final demand, as well as their share in the total French carbon footprint. The EXIOBASE v3.3 hybrid database is used to perform the assessment, showing that the metal sector represents 13% of the total French carbon footprint. This contribution is mainly due to the “iron and steel production” activities that are linked to the “construction” and “motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers” goods consumed in France. The assessment also shows that France outsources 79% of the metal sector GHG emissions induced by its consumption. 55% of these emissions occur in the European Union and more than 17% specifically in China. Therefore, despite metallic ores are pratically not anymore mined in France, the embodied metal on the French final demand indirectly generates large greenhouse gases emissions abroad (in particular CO2). This detailed overview can be used as support to policy-making, e.g. regarding actions on metal domestic production, trade and more generally supply chains, potentially key to reduce the share of metals in the French carbon footprint. Finally, three major rooms of improvement are identified to refine the assessment of the contribution of the metal sector to the whole environmental footprint of French consumption.

The competitive potential of the advanced technology sector

The increasing use of advanced technologies by enterprises increases the importance of the advanced technology sector in national economies. For this reason, the purpose of the research presented in the study was to determine the competitive potential of the advanced technology sector on the intra-EU market in recent years. The evaluation was conducted using the labour productivity index, labour costs and the share of the number of high technology sector enterprises in the total number of enterprises in the EU sector. Based on partial indicators, a synthetic indicator was built which allowed for the precise determination of the potential of each of the countries studied. Enterprises in countries with a strong and stable economy have higher potential, are more developed and more easily tackle the new challenges that occur in the economy. Enterprises with low competitive potential are located primarily in smaller countries with smaller support possibilities. The decisive factor was, above all, the high productivity of work.

The Dual Stricture of the Israeli Economy: Is Technology the Solution?

<p><em>The main concern of this research is the conflict between technology and society. It concentrates on the in the Israeli society, which is split in half: on the one hand it is in the information era, with highly advanced technology sector, while on the other hand it is still considered a developing country in terms of social development among large segments of society. The dual structure of the economy means that despite being known as the “Start-Up Nation”, Israel has one of the highest poverty rates with the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. The research argues that the problem is the dual structure: the nation is leading the world in technological development, but the services provided to its citizens are limited to the extent that poverty is high. The research further claims that the solution is technology: the technological advantage of Israel promoted its economy, which has grown more rapidly than most other advanced economies, after the government made a strategic decision to promote technology by providing financial support for in research and development. The rise in social and sectorial media allows the poorest parts of society—the Ultra-Orthodox and the Israeli-Arabs—to adopt technology and benefit from the leading role of the country in technological development and global competition. This means that while technology created the problem of dual structure—it also allows the segments of society that are considered poor and underdeveloped to use advanced media services within their communities.</em></p>

Flipping the Switch: Fast Photoisomerization in a Confined Environment.

Stimuli-responsive materials are vital for addressing emerging demands in the advanced technology sector as well as current industrial challenges. Here, we report for the first time that coordinative integration of photoresponsive building blocks possessing photochromic spiropyran and diarylethene moieties within a rigid scaffold of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) could control photophysics, in particular, cycloreversion kinetics, with a level of control that is not accessible in the solid state or solution. On the series of photoactive materials, we demonstrated for the first time that photoisomerization rates of photochromic compounds could be tuned within almost 2 orders of magnitude. Moreover, cycloreversion rates of photoresponsive derivatives could be modulated as a function of the framework structure. Furthermore, through MOF engineering we were able to achieve complete isomerization for coordinatively immobilized spiropyran derivatives, typically exhibiting limited photoswitching behavior in the solid state. For instance, spectroscopic analysis revealed that the novel monosubstituted spiropyran derivative grafted to the backbone of the MOF pillar exhibits a remarkable photoisomerization rate of 0.16 s-1, typical for cycloreversion in solution. We also applied the acquired fundamental principles toward mapping of changes in material properties, which could provide a pathway for monitoring material aging or structural deterioration.

Trabalho material e imaterial e transferência de expertises do trabalhador à maquinaria tecnológica

Este artigo analisa imbricações do trabalho material e imaterial e sua relação com os processos de racionalização do trabalho com a finalidade de refletir sobre características e contradições das forças produtivas da atualidade. A discussão da reestruturação produtiva da forma de acumulação flexível é fundamental para esclarecer as novas formas de envolvimento, da “captura” da subjetividade e da transferência de expertises dos trabalhadores para o capital. Esta investigação objetiva examinar criticamente tais processos e desmistificar a suposta aura superior e sublime do trabalho cognitivo e intelectual, principalmente aquele empregado nos setores de tecnologia avançada. Assim, apesar de suas singularidades, o trabalho imaterial apresenta-se como um conjunto de conhecimentos e atividades humanas também reféns do processo de exploração e submetidos à lógica do valor.

Research and development and labour productivity: do high-tech firms exhibit labour- or capital-saving technical change?

ABSTRACTEmployment and output in the advanced technology sectors have generally exhibited above-average growth for more than two decades. While this industry accounts for a relatively small share of total employment, the majority of private sector research and development (R&D) expenditures in the US is concentrated within seven sub-sectors. However, little attention has been paid as to whether high-tech productivity exhibits Hicksian capital or labour ‘savings’ bias or tendency to displace either factor input over time. Biased technical change can occur as economies transition between growth regimes. An augmented production function is employed to analyse the additional impact of R&D activity on firm-level labour productivity. A panel data set comprised of high-tech firms located across the advanced economies, China and India from 1990 to 2013 is used in the analysis. Labour-saving technical change was present across the advanced technology sectors and most countries. The expanded models of labour productivity that used fixed effects with lagged regressors confirmed the prior results as well as finding that R&D per employee, relative R&D intensity and firm market share contribute to firm-level labour productivity growth across countries and sectors. Additional support was found for diminishing returns to scale but not for R&D spillover effects.

Career Options and Entrepreneurial Potential among Female Graduates: Motivations, Obstacles and Realities

The objective of this paper is to contribute for a better understanding of the perceived motivations, obstacles and self-employment realities in the advanced technology sectors and knowledge intensive-business. In terms of public policies in economic and business, promoting female entrepreneurship emerges as a factor of mobilization of women for active economic life, as well as a strategy to support business initiatives, particularly as factor conducive to the promotion of equality between men and women. However, according to a recent study on the promotion of innovative women and entrepreneurship, one of the main obstacles that explains the lower participation of women in entrepreneurial activities of an innovative nature are related to educational choices pursued in formal education systems and the persistence of traditional stereotypes about women, science and innovation. Also, in comparison to men, women not only possess a lack positive attitudes about their own personal capacities or inclinations for starting businesses, but also have less personal contact with entrepreneurs. Empirical results are based on a case study project centred on a Portuguese University and the potential of entrepreneurship among graduates who have completed their course between 2002 and 2008. Drawing upon information-rich evidence from in-depth interviews, insights are presented in order to highlight an important relationship between the entrepreneurial intention and the social origin, field of education and gender of the graduates.

Impacted of Vacuum Bag Woven Kenaf/Fiberglass Hybrid Composite

This paper discusses the mechanical properties of woven kenaf/fiberglass hybrid composites which has been fabricating using vacuum bag technique. Kenaf fiber had chosen among others natural fibres due to its excellent mechanical properties and potential natural raw fiber to replace plastic or tobacco in manufacturing a multitude of products for the construction, automotive, textile and advanced technology sectors. This study investigates post impact tensile of kenaf hybrid composites and its surface fractured. The impact energy used consists of 4J, 6J, 8J, 12J and 16J. The specimens were clamped between two plate rings with an internal hole diameter of 18mm and impacted with hemispherical nose impactor shape with diameter size of 12.7mm. The results revealed that this kenaf hybrid composite showed significant decreasing of strength and modulus as increasing the impact energy. The damage area affected with fiber fracture occurred much later in fracture process due to high bending stresses.

Spatial Diversity of Biotechnology Centres in Germany

Abstract Biotechnology is considered one of the key advanced technology sectors of the future. Its development is conditional on basic research in technologically advanced research institutes and appropriately qualified human resources. The optimum environment stimulating the development of biotechnology is that of production centres having joint industrial and R&D operations. The growth of this sector in Germany began later than in the USA or other West European countries. But, thanks to the regional policy pursued by the state stimulating the development of biotechnology clusters, in a period of fifteen years or so, Germany has become the global leader. This paper presents the process of developing biotechnology centres in Germany as well as their spatial distribution, accompanied by their short description.

Perceived career challenges and response strategies of women in the advanced technology sector

The objective of this study is to gain a better understanding of the perceived barriers to career advancement specific to women in the advanced technology sectors. Strategies employed in response to perceived barriers are also examined. Empirical results are based on analysis of qualitative data from a sample of 115 women members of Canadian Women in Technology. Personal-, firm- and industry-level barriers to career advancement were documented. The respondents attributed a high proportion of the challenges they encountered to gender. Respondents were most likely to resolve challenges through personal, or ‘do-it-yourself’, solutions. Few cited firm- or industry-related support structures. While mentoring was identified as a frequently used response strategy through which women address career challenges, the majority of firms in the advanced technology sector lack sufficient numbers of suitable women mentors. The lack of mentorship opportunities is particularly acute for women entrepreneurs. The findings are discussed from the context of contradictions between an industry need to attract and retain entrepreneurial talent and respondents’ perceived career barriers. Industry-level remedial strategies are advanced in the form of: a women's mentoring programme; case studies about successful women entrepreneurs and a website to inform women about career advancement strategies. The programmes were designed by the research team to respond to the challenges cited by women and were implemented in cooperation with the trade association as a critical component of an on-going applied research programme.

Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC): a destination, global champion

Subject area Emiratisation, dual bottom-line, destination policy making and strategic development, ecosystem perspective and human capital. Study level/applicability This case is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying policy; strategy and human resources. Practitioners from the human resource industry, government sector and destination marketing may also benefit from the case. Case overview ATIC is an investment company with a dual bottom line mandate. This means besides the financial objective it has for its investors (which is largely the Government of Abu Dhabi), it must contribute to socio-economic objectives outlined by the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. For this perspective, ATIC had developed a unique approach looking at the “Ecosystem” perspective. Some key areas are destination development as an advanced technology hub and human capital development or “Emiratisation”. All these are key to long-term success of the country as the Middle East North Africa region has one of the youngest populations and an increasing unemployment rate. Most government organizations are saturated and it is vital that nationals start working and performing in the private sector. This case outlines the plans and efforts of ATIC towards those goals. Expected learning outcomes Management of “Emiratisation” at policy and implementation; scenario planning and strategy management especially looking at advanced technology sector; organizational values – development and implementation at recruitment and marketing; destination marketing and policy looking at the case of Abu Dhabi, stakeholder management. Supplementary materials Teaching notes.

Fast evolving nanotechnology and relevant programs and entities in China

In recent years, facing serious global competition, the Chinese government has focused on accelerating the growth of the advanced technology sector including nanotechnology in order to lift the country's status from manufacturing raw materials and goods up to innovation technology, information economy and green efficient energy. With trillions in tangible monetary reserves, the government has substantially increased its investment in nanotechnology through several major initiatives. These measures comprise tax incentives and low rents for new facilities within economic development parks to stimulate the growth of new nanotechnology-related companies and attract foreign investment. This article outlines some of the current nanotechnology businesses, programs and markets across China, including its technology focus, collaborations, geography, and funding from central and local governments and from the private sector. Efforts are being made in China to increase the number and quality of nanotechnology-related publications and patents, and to pursue industrial-scale production of nanomaterials with the intention of opening up opportunities for new businesses to sprout and grow. Watching China's shift to a nation that promotes innovation will be an exciting time for the global nanotechnology community. It is hoped that R&D and commercial applications of nanomaterials and nanotechnology will provide new impetus for faltering economies.

The Knowledge Economy in New Zealand

Emanating from its ‘last bus stop on the planet’ remoteness, New Zealand has traditionally faced significant barriers to the development of its export base. In the new knowledge-based economies, many of these barriers no longer apply. In order to take advantage of this new global environment and turn around its declining economic performance, New Zealand must take a number of key steps. The authors propose an approach that will enable the country to develop a knowledge-based advanced technology sector that will: specialize in niche products; be flexible and responsive; have a range of products and services across a number of industrial sectors; and have a global market focus. In proposing this solution, they focus on the respective roles of government, industry, research providers and education providers, and make recommendations accordingly.

Technology transfer to China: a study of strategy in 20 EU industrial companies

Foreign direct investment has been important in China's economic development since the early 1980s. In recent years, the volume of inward FDI into China, according to some estimates, has been second only to that into the USA. The Chinese government has emphasised the need for FDI to be coupled with the transfer of more advanced technologies to China. For foreign companies, technology transfer raises the risk of losing their technology based competitive advantage to potential competitor firms. This risk may be exacerbated by insufficient legal protection of intellectual property rights in China. After briefly reviewing the development of Chinese official policy on technology transfer, this paper considers the strategy adopted by EU companies regarding the transfer of technology; in particular in advanced technology sectors. The research on which the paper is based included an analysis of information gathered from 20 leading EU companies with investments in China and operating in high-technology sectors. Information was gathered from senior company managers based in both China and Europe during the second half of 1998. The main findings include a measure of reluctance on the part of EU companies to transfer their core technologies to China and to base R&D capability there. At the same time, the companies appear aware that this policy may be unsustainable in the longer-term in the face of Chinese official policy and a desire to expand their operations in China. While they attempt to protect their existing technological knowledge, most of them accept that there will be technology "leakage" and therefore the most effective strategy is to maintain their technological lead through R&D.