Development Of Innovative Capacity Research Articles

The Development of Innovative Capacity of R&D Institutions of Ukraine as a Result of Participation in the Project of the Seventh Framework Program of the European Union

The Development of Innovative Capacity of R&D Institutions of Ukraine as a Result of Participation in the Project of the Seventh Framework Program of the European Union

Technological capacity-building in unstable settings: manufacturing firms in argentina and brazil

From the 1970s onward, the macroeconomic context in Argentina and Brazil was characterized by drastic economic changes and instability. Numerous studies have documented the generally negative effect of this environment on the innovation capacities of the manufacturing sector. This paper, however, analyses the possible emergence of new innovation capacities in the period, bringing two important phenomena to light. First, a quite substantial number of firms, even in unstable settings, redoubled their innovation efforts. Second, these firms are mainly found in a small group of sectors associated with the countries’ static advantages or in sectors favoured by specific sectoral regimes. The findings, although exploratory, are a contribution to the debate on the development of innovative capacities in unstable macroeconomic contexts and the ability of sectors associated with the two countries’ static advantages to generate spaces of innovation and value creation.

The return of highlyskilled migrants to Serbia

Migration scholars argue that return migrants have the potential to become a developing force in their countries of origin, but that the realization of this 'diaspora solution to innovation capacity development' depends on different context factors. This paper contributes to capturing theoretically such context factors by making use of concepts of the Cultural-Historical Activity Theory. Based on an explorative empirical approach, a model of processes of return migration in a specific country (Serbia) is created. According to the findings of this paper, returnees offer potential for Serbian transnational innovation systems, which subsequently could strongly contribute to the social and economic development of Serbia. However, at present, the developmental potential of highly skilled returnees in Serbia has not bee realized yet. Returnees arrive with hopes to earn a living in Serbia and possibly to contribute to the development of the society. Still, there are many barriers for returnees, such as nepotism, as well as the existing power structures at potential workplaces and markets. At the same time, state institutions or independent organizations do not provide sufficient support to make a difference for the majority of returnees. Although there are some examples of returnees who are successful in developing innovative start-ups or becoming innovators in the existing organizations, their number remains limited. Nevertheless, it seems possible that returnees can become a developing force in Serbia and similar countries in transition. In order to realize this, the establishment of a sustainable support system for highly skilled returnees to Serbia and scientific diaspora members is needed.

Transition Towards Green Water Economies: Surrounding Issues and Needed Capacity Development

Abstract Challenges faced by more and more countries in their struggle for economic and social development are increasingly related to water. The water sector shows an emerging global crisis, presenting shortages, quality deterioration, flood impacts, increased competition for use and governance problems. In the mean time notable population growth, increasing water consumption and climate change have created severe limitations for social, economic and human development and poverty alleviation. This brings us to the question: why is water resource development and management a main instrument in creating a green economy? The answer to this question can be found in the definition of green economy (UNEP, 2011) as one which results in improving human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Accordingly, it is quite evident that green growth, fundamentally based on water resource development, is an outcome of green economy and that a green economy cannot be totally green unless it addresses water issues. In other words, a blue economy is a prerequisite of a green economy. Considering the core features of green economy, it is quite obvious that water-use efficiency and improving crop water productivity, i.e increasing crop by drop, are central aspects of green economy. This directly indicates the crucial role regional and locally adapted water management strategies could have in underpinning the transition towards the green economy in the water sector. Equally, policy reforms should implement integrated land and water resource management through innovative capacity development approaches, focusing on the water demand side rather than the supply side, promoting water use efficiency and the sustainable use of waste water as an additional water source. Moving towards a green economy through water resource management, specific attention should be given to capacity development programmes; to developing and retaining local capacity for sustainable maintenance of green technology; and to establishing an appropriate valuation, charging and allocation system. In the Mediterranean, transitioning to a green water economy requires a fundamental shift in the way we think and act. For this to happen, investments in people's capacities and fulfilment of their entitlement are needed by means of greater education, training, information, awareness, understanding and participation in decision-making processes. Investments and technological progress are important in moving towards a green water economy, but equally important are awareness, motivation and empowerment of individuals and communities.

Innovative Capacity, Educational Attainment and Economic Development in the European Union: Causal Relations and Geographical Variations

This article sets out to examine the innovative capacity of the European Union (EU) countries and regions vis-à-vis educational attainment and economic development, as it is frequently stated that innovation and the availability of human capital, specifically education, are the key drivers of economic growth. In addition to the aggregate level, the countries and NUTS-2 regions of the EU, and traditional indicators of the studied dimensions, were used as observation units. Granger causality tests identified education as a driving force behind innovative capacity and economic development, whereas the relationship between innovative capacity and economic development is bidirectional. The study results also confirm the existence of innovation paradoxes in form of rising research and development expenditures but modest rate of gross domestic product growth. The implications of the results concern the recognition of spatial generalizations and national variations, identification and creation of development strategies and the horizontal and vertical collaborations between the public and private sectors.

Improving capacity in ethnicity and health research: report of a tailored programme for NHS Public Health practitioners

To determine whether an intervention designed to enhance research capacity among commissioners in the area of ethnicity and health was feasible and impactful, and to identify programme elements that might usefully be replicated elsewhere. How healthcare commissioners should be equipped to understand and address multiethnic needs has received little attention to-date. Being able to mobilise and apply evidence is a central element of the commissioning process that requires development. Researching ethnicity and health is widely recognised as challenging and several prior interventions have aimed to enhance competence in this area. These have, however, predominantly taken place in North America and have not been evaluated in detail. An innovative research capacity development programme was delivered to public health staff within a large healthcare commissioning organisation in England. Evaluation methodology drew on 'pluralistic' evaluation principles and included formative and summative elements. Participant evaluation forms gave immediate feedback during the programme. Participants also provided feedback at two weeks and 12 months after the programme ended. In addition, one participant and one facilitator provided reflective accounts of the programme's strengths and weaknesses, and programme impact was traced through ongoing partnership work. The programme was well received and had a tangible impact on knowledge, confidence and practice for most participants. Factors important to success included: embedding learning within the participants' work context; ensuring a balance between theory and practical tips to enhance confidence; and having sustained interaction between trainers and participants. Despite positive signs, the challenging nature of the topic was highlighted, as were wider structural and cultural factors that impede progress in this area. Although it is unrealistic to expect such programmes to have a major impact on commissioning practices, they may well make an important contribution to raising the confidence and competence of staff to undertake work in this area.

Beyond the supply chains of technology and commodity

Purpose – Despite favourable agro-ecological conditions and being the largest international mango producer, India still struggles to build competence in sustainable mango production and post-harvest. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on innovation capacity development, and to explore aspects of innovation systems ideas in the analysis of mango production and marketing by small-scale farmers in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses case study research methods to an analysis of the sector ' s recent history combined with an empirical account of systems thinking on integrating technology supply chains and commodity supply chains. Findings – Findings suggest that the case of mango production and post-harvest in the Krishna district is a dismal one and the remedial actions to strengthen mango innovation systems in the district relate to aspects of capacity development to promote upward spiral of learning and innovation, and involve mu...

Poverty, Innovation Capacity, and State Economic Development in the Knowledge Economy: Evidence from the U.S.

ABSTRACTWe examine poverty's effect in two ways. First, we study the relationship between poverty and capacity for innovation in the U.S. states; second, we study the combined effects of poverty and innovation capacity on U.S. state economic output and employment. Because many of the relationships among poverty, innovation capacity and economic performance are simultaneous, we employ the Arellano Bond Difference GMM estimator to estimate various models using panel data (1980–1999). The findings reveal a negative indirect effect of socio‐economic need (poverty) on human and U.S. state and local financial innovation capacity, though there is no empirical link between poverty and federal financial capacity. We find no statistically significant evidence of the contemporaneous effect of poverty on state economic performance, holding innovation capacity constant. This suggests that poverty primarily affects state economic performance indirectly through reduction of innovation capacity. Overall, our findings suggest that U.S. officials ought to be concerned about the role poverty plays in diminishing their state economies' capacity to innovate.

Aprendizaje cooperativo en observación sistemática mediante el visionado de films

En este trabajo se propone la utilización del Cine como herramienta de entrenamiento mediante la cual se puede mejorar la capacidad de la observación. Nuestro trabajo explica como el visionado de films (secuencias, extras y fragmentos de películas de cine), con su lenguaje propio, tanto verbal como no verbal, contribuye de forma innovadora al desarrollo de la capacidad de la observación sistemática. Esta innovación docente se ha aplicado en estudiantes de Magisterio en el ámbito del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES), mediante la metodología del aprendizaje cooperativo y la tutoría en grupo. Mediante el visionado de diferentes films se introduce al estudiante en el lenguaje cinematográfico y en el lenguaje no verbal, lo que le permite desarrollar y practicar la observación de las conductas humanas, ya sea a través el trabajo individual como a través del trabajo cooperativo y apoyado con la práctica de tutorías en grupo. Todo ello a su vez, induce a reflexionar sobre diferentes contenidos del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Así, una vez adquiridas las destrezas sobre el lenguaje cinematográfico los alumnos son capaces de aplicarlas en otros productos audiovisuales sobre educación, ya sean programas específicos, debates o documentales sobre educación, tanto en radio como en televisión.

Innovation capacity and innovation development in small enterprises. A comparison between the manufacturing and service sectors

This paper explores what kinds of innovations have been developed in small manufacturing and service enterprises and what has been the degree of innovation capacity that small enterprises possess. In addition, it compares what differences there are across the manufacturing and service sectors. The empirical evidence is based on quantitative data gathered through an email questionnaire which yielded 708 qualified responses from the representatives of Finnish small enterprises with fewer than 50 employees. The analysis is based on descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. The evidence displays a rich diversity of innovation patterns in small enterprises. The empirical evidence demonstrates only slight differences between the manufacturing and service industries while it indicates significant differences across the sectors within these industries. The value of the present study lies in the better understanding of innovation development in small enterprises. The rich diversity of innovation patterns in small enterprises suggests that diversity should also direct the policies aiming at supporting innovation development in the context of small business. Finally, applying these results will provide more specific questions for studying the nature of innovation development in small enterprises.

Small manufacturing and service enterprises as innovators: a comparison by size

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on innovation development in enterprises with fewer than 50 employees. It explores differences in innovation capacity and in the diversity of developed innovations across the four enterprise size categories within the small manufacturing and service enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical evidence is based on quantitative data gathered through an e‐mail questionnaire, which yielded 708 responses from the representatives of Finnish small enterprises. The analysis is based on non‐parametric tests.FindingsThe findings display a broad diversity of innovation patterns among small enterprises. The evidence identifies differences and similarities in innovation capacity and innovation development across the different size categories within the manufacturing and service sectors. Finally, a summary of the characteristics of small enterprises as innovators across size categories is provided.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper studies innovation patterns based on innovation capacity and developed innovations. There is a need to study how innovation capacity has been transformed into innovations; thus, the innovation process should be included in the examination.Practical implicationsAt a public policy level, the results of this study give ideas for encouraging innovation development in small enterprises. The evidence suggests that there are significant discrepancies between the enterprises as innovators. It should be acknowledged that small enterprises comprise several divergent target groups for policy making.Originality/valueThis study makes a contribution to academic literature by crystallizing the relationship between the size of an enterprise and innovation development. Applying these results will provide more specific questions for studying the nature of innovation development in small enterprises.

Innovation capacity and economic development: China and India

Decomposing the GDP growth from 1981 to 2004, this paper finds that innovation capacity has contributed significantly to the economic growth of China and India, especially in the 1990 s. Outputs of the national innovation system, measured by patents and high-tech/service exports, demonstrate the considerable progress China and India have made in innovation capacity. The enhanced innovation capacity of China and India is primarily due to their heavy investment in the inputs of innovation system, i.e., R&D expenditure and R&D personnel, in recent decades. This paper emphasizes the role that the governments have played in promoting innovation capacity and their contribution to economic development. Both governments have transformed their national innovation systems through linking the science sector with the business sector, providing incentives for innovation activities, and balancing import of technology and indigenous R&D effort. Using case studies of domestic biotech firms in China and India, this paper also offers micro-level insights on innovation capacity and economic development: (1) innovation capacity has become essential for domestic firms’ market success and (2) global institutional factors and national government policies on innovation have considerable influence on the choice of innovation at the firm level, i.e., to conduct indigenous R&D or to import foreign technology.

The diaspora solution to innovation capacity development: Immigrant entrepreneurs in the contemporary world

AbstractThe international migration of highly skilled labor was formerly a threat to the underdeveloped world with regard to indigenous innovation capacity. However, certain countries have successfully turned “brain drain” into “brain gain” by effective engagement with a skilled diaspora who have returned to set up business ventures in the homeland. This article advocates an entrepreneurial approach to the development of national innovation capacity through contemporary diasporic entrepreneurship (CDE). Drawing evidence mostly from China, the article argues that (1) CDE offers an alternative to conventional indigenously and internationally oriented approaches toward innovation capacity development; (2) compared to other ways of diaspora homeland engagement, CDE is most beneficial to capacity development; and (3) besides participating in philanthropic and scientific projects, a skilled diaspora returning as private business owners represents an often more productive way of contributing to national capacity development. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Modelos de desarrollo de dinámicas de innovación en Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA)

El objetivo de la investigación es analizar los cambios en los modelos de desarrollo de capacidades dinámicas de innovación en PDVSA-Occidente. Es un estudio descriptivo y analítico. Se revisaron documentos, se realizaron entrevistas y una encuesta. Sus hallazgos consisten en que en las gerencias investigadas se observaron cambios en torno de la concepción o enfoque social, emanado del ejecutivo nacional que PDVSA asume en su carácter de empresa estratégica de Estado. No se observaron cambios en los modelos que apuntan hacia el desarrollo de capacidades innovativas dinámicas avanzadas. No existe la gerencia de conocimiento como práctica organizacional. No hay evidencias que vayan hacia la adecuada conjunción entre capacidades productivas, tecnológicas y de innovación en las gerencias estudiadas en esa empresa.

O efeito de políticas públicas sobre a atratividade dos países emergentes para a realização de atividades de inovação tecnológica por empresas multinacionais

As empresas multinacionais contribuem para o desenvolvimento da capacidade inovadora dos países onde atuam, mediante a instalação de subsidiárias e centros de pesquisa. Todavia, ainda hoje, a maior parte das atividades de inovação é realizada nos países de origem, vindo em segundo lugar as subsidiárias localizadas nos países centrais. Os recursos que o país anfitrião oferece influenciam o nível de P&D local, e constituem o que Dunning chamou de variável L (localização) no seu paradigma eclético da produção internacional. Inclui um grande mercado doméstico, abundância de pessoal qualificado e de baixo custo, infra-estrutura tecnológica (universidades e institutos de pesquisa) e de comunicações, proteção da propriedade intelectual, políticas comerciais e escala do esforço tecnológico nacional, e que definem o tipo e o escopo da P&D que será realizada pelas EMNs num dado país. O objetivo do artigo é mostrar que os países emergentes precisam de uma ação ativa do governo, de modo a aumentar a sua atratividade para as EMNs. A Lei de Informática brasileira é um exemplo de política bem sucedida, que trouxe ao país dezenas de empresas estrangeiras, em troca de incentivos fiscais e a exigência de P&D local. Os resultados se baseiam em entrevistas com uma amostra de empresas da região de Campinas.

Evaluating an Australian public policy organization's innovation capacity

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide explicit thinking about the organizational elements that support or hinder innovation in the government sector as it increasingly faces demand for innovative solutions to policy areas. The paper aims to present the development and findings of an evaluative case method conducted for an Australian state government department's organizational innovation program.Design/methodology/approachThe evaluative case study was developed and conducted in two phases. First, an intellectual capital conceptual framework was applied to four independently sourced and discreet case organizations to represent multiple exemplars of innovation capacity building. These exemplars were suspended from their context in order to identify essential elements of the innovation capacity development process which in turn were then applied in phase two to the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF), a Victorian (Australia) public policy organization.FindingsThe case raises critical distinctions between “innovation capability” and “innovation capacity”. The discussion offers insight into the process of developing innovation capacity for government policy organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThe evaluation method incorporated a novel technique and trialed a phase development instrument for testing the embeddedness of organizational innovation. Both the technique and the instrument would benefit from further refinement, testing and development.Originality/valueThis paper develops work previously presented in O'Connor and Roos that considered the conceptual framework for using intellectual capital as an evaluation framework for organizational innovative capacity. It extends this work by piloting its application in a specific context and offers new insight into the organizational design issues of government organizations facing the challenge of producing innovative policy solutions.

Managing research and development for continuous change and learning a case study

Continuous innovation has long been regarded as a direct consequence of a firm's investments into systematic investigations in developing new products and processes. The exact process of how research and development investment contributes to inventive activities and its long-term impacts on the innovative capacity development of a firm, are still unclear. This paper, using a longitudinal case study of a Danish company in the electronic industry, analyses the impacts of research and development activities on the development and adjustments to a firm's innovation capacities.

Capacity building for sustainable development: some Mexican perspectives

SUMMARY A broadly defined scientific Capacity Building (CB) for Sustainable Development (SD) is needed all around the world, and the development of innovative capacities in the developing countries is a priority. For this, first we need to know how this concept is applied in some developing countries. In this paper we present some Mexican experiences in the field of capacity building for sustainable development. The main problems are the monodisciplinary training of the specialists, the absence of a sound policy for promotion, career development and assessment of researchers, as well as of their projects when they are interdisciplinary and development-oriented. The main proposals to solve these problems are the creation of mechanisms that foster and legitimize interdisciplinary work; a decentralized planning process with the specific objective of establishing the needs and orientations on a regional basis; provide resources to long-term projects, and finally, consensus on asking international funding agencies for stronger support for public higher education institutions in developing countries in order to increase and strengthen their capacity for education and research in general, and in the field of SD in particular.

Innovation systems and capacity development: an agenda for North-South research collaboration?

Introduces a series of articles on the issue of North-South research collaboration and ways of enhancing its contribution to sustainable development. Elements of the challenge for development assistance agencies from the North; Reason for the attraction of the innovation systems framework; Implications of the system for the aspects of development assistance supporting North-South research collaboration.

Technological Capabilities of the Chemical Industry in Brazil and Venezuela: A Comparative Taxonomy

This study compares the technological experience of two important chemical industries of the region (Brazil and Venezuela). First, a brief description of the evolution of both industrial complexes is presented, showing the influence of key socio-institutional factors in this process. Second, a general comparison is made in order to observe the differences in the entrepreneurial culture of both industries, a fact that is reflected in particular trajectories of technological learning. Finally, a comparative taxonomy allows the classification of firms in terms of their learning levels, confirming the relationship between production integration level and the development of innovative capacities of the firms. This methodological approach gives a reasonable idea of the competitiveness of each industrial complex.