Innovation Policy Framework Research Articles

Methodological characteristics of statistical support of regional innovation policy

Aim. To identify the possibilities of expanding the general sample of organizations involved in the provision of statistical data regarding the issues of innovation activity implementation to improve the quality of information in decision-making within the framework of regional innovation policy implementation.Objectives. To determine the significance of statistical information for the processes of strategic planning in the country and regions; to identify the problems of adequate reflection of innovation activity in modern Russian statistics; to establish the deviations of the methodological apparatus of Rosstat from the recommendations of the Oslo Manual; to analyze some statistical parameters of innovation activity in the regions of the North-West of Russia; to develop recommendations for changing the approaches of Rosstat to the organization of statistical observation in the sphere of innovation activity.Methods. The article characterizes the state of innovation statistics in the country on the basis of analysis methods. The method of pair correlation allowed to reveal the inconsistency of the parameters of innovation activity of organizations with the key economic indicators of regional development.Results. The authors have identified two main directions of expanding the general sample of organizations when conducting innovation statistics: a larger-scale inclusion of service sector enterprises in the list of surveyed organizations and a decrease in the number of personnel of organizations, starting from which organizations are obliged to provide statistical information on the issues of innovation activity, from 15 to 10 people. In addition, the article substantiates the necessity of applying in Russia the subject approach to the statistical survey of innovation activity of enterprises, which contributes to the identification of factors that affect the innovation activity of organizations, and the assessment of such an impact, taking into account regional characteristics.Conclusions. The change of approaches to innovation statistics will provide the authorities in the regions with correct information for more effective realization of regional innovation policy.

Functional analysis of technological innovation systems enabling digital transformation: A semi-quantitative multicriteria framework applied in the olive sector

CONTEXTTechnological innovation systems (TIS) play a key role in facilitating digital transformation (DT) in various sectors. In agriculture in particular, traditional qualitative assessments of TIS fall short of providing actionable insights. The olive sector in Andalusia, a world leader in olive cultivation, is a case where DT is essential for long-term competitiveness and sustainability. OBJECTIVEThe objective of this article is twofold: 1) to provide a comprehensive methodological framework for the functional analysis of a TIS, which allows a semi-quantitative assessment of the performance of a TIS at subfunctional, functional and global levels; and 2) to illustrate the application of this framework to the case of the TIS for the DT of the olive sector in Andalusia. METHODSUsing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the framework allows the performance of the TIS for the DT of the olive sector in Andalusia to be measured along different functions, providing a nuanced and actionable assessment. AHP is a multicriteria decision making methodology that allows the decomposition of a discrete decision problem into a hierarchical structure. Expert knowledge was used to evaluate the proposed AHP model of the performance of the TIS for the DT of the olive sector, in particular a panel of 34 experts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe application of the framework identified the main weaknesses in the functions of knowledge transfer, business activities and resource mobilisation within the TIS for the DT of the olive sector of Andalusia. Conversely, strengths were identified, particularly in the areas of market formation and knowledge development. Policy recommendations are made to address these weaknesses and capitalise on the strengths identified, thereby accelerating the DT of the sector. SIGNIFICANCEThis study adds to the TIS literature by providing a semi-quantitative, multicriteria, replicable and adaptable framework for agricultural innovation policy. The framework provides actionable insights for policy makers and stakeholders in the olive sector to foster an environment conducive to DT and thereby steer agriculture towards an innovative, competitive and sustainable trajectory. Insights from the olive case offer lessons for DT in similar contexts.

Contribution of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa in Poverty Alleviation: A Case of Trade Liberalisation in Zambia

Background: This study was undertaken due to high levels of poverty in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Member States. The overall objective of the study was to explore the contribution of COMESA in the fight against poverty in Africa, a case study of Zambia from 2010-2021. The specific objective in this article was to explore the Contribution of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa in Poverty Alleviation, a case of trade liberalisation in Zambia. The study employed qualitative approach with an exploratory research design and critical case sampling to choose 13 key respondents to explore the contribution of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa in Poverty alleviation in Zambia from 2010-2021. Primary data was analysed from 13 key respondents selected purposively using an interview guide to support secondary data. Data was analysed using thematic and content analysis. This study found that COMESA was established by a treaty in December 1994 as a basis for trade liberalisation. The aim of trade liberalisation was to remove tariffs and non-tariff barriers to reduce the cost of doing business to create employment hence contributing to poverty alleviation. Zambia embarked on trade liberalisation and received financial support from COMESA and its international cooperating partners of development to achieve trade liberalisation. The study established that COMESA had been significant in the fight against poverty in Zambia. However, despite the trade reforms implemented, the study established that poverty levels in Zambia had not reduced since 2010 instead there had been an increase from 54.4 % in 2020 to 60.3 % in 2021. Zambia requires a clear regulatory framework predictable for business planning with a conducive legal business environment that promote trade through innovative policy framework targeting various sectors of the economy to generate income activities and employment. There must be regular review of the trade liberalisation rules to ensure coherence and compliance with COMESA rules in order to realise the gains of trade.

Contribution of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa in the Fight Against Poverty in Zambia Through Private Development and Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment

Background: This study was undertaken due to high levels of poverty in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Member States. The overall objective of the study was to explore the contribution of COMESA in the fight against poverty in Africa, a case study of Zambia from 2010-2021. The specific objective in this article was to explore the Contribution of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa in fight against poverty in Zambia through private development. The study employed qualitative approach with an exploratory research design and critical case sampling to choose 13 key respondents to explore the contribution of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa in Zambia through private sector development from 2010-2021. Primary data was analysed from 13 key respondents selected purposively using an interview guide to support secondary data. Data was analysed using thematic and content analysis. This study found that COMESA was established by a treaty in December 1994 as a basis for private sector development and promotion of foreign direct investment in the region with a view to create employment and income generating activities contributing to poverty alleviation. Zambia embarked on private sector development and promotion of foreign direct investment with the financial support from COMESA and its international cooperating partners of development. The study established that COMESA had been significant in the fight against poverty in Zambia. However, despite the trade reforms implemented, the study established that poverty levels in Zambia had not reduced since 2010 instead there had been an increase from 54.4 % in 2020 to 60.3 % in 2021. Zambia requires a clear regulatory framework predictable for business planning with a conducive legal business environment that promote the private sector and foreign direct investment with an enabling business environment and innovative policy framework targeting various sectors of the economy.

Priority areas of support for small and medium-sized enterprises within the framework of innovation policy

The introduction of innovations is one of the main economic goals, since it is the main factor in ensuring the fulfillment of the tasks of import substitution, expanding economic expansion in foreign markets, and increasing the competitiveness of the domestic economy as a whole. Proceeding from this, the task of studying innovative processes in the domestic economic field is an urgent task. At the same time, special attention should be paid to the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises, since small organizations are able to respond more flexibly to market requirements and have less inertia in solving problems of quickly adjusting production to new rules. The small size of an enterprise determines the need for high efficiency of innovative spending, in contrast to larger and self-sufficient economic formations. Based on this, it is advisable to conduct a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of R&D in the SME sector with data on the economy as a whole in order to determine the priority vector of state support. In the course of the study, using mathematical and statistical methods, analysis, and synthesis. A conclusion has been made about the applicability of the method for determining the effectiveness of innovative processes through the ratio of innovative products output volume to the amount of expenditure on innovation. This calculation method made it possible to establish that SMEs demonstrate the greatest efficiency in a number of areas that are important in terms of ensuring the country’s technological sovereignty and import substitution.

Uzbekistan - a country of innovations?

The Global Innovation Index 2022 ranks the Republic of Uzbekistan among the top three economies in Central and South Asia. The country has been active in introducing innovations in various fields, from road transport technologies to biotechnology. The relevant programmes and resolutions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan have been adopted. The Republic of Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investment. The country has a strong potential and abundant resources, both natural and human. By pursuing a consistent policy, the Republic of Uzbekistan is gradually beginning to assert itself on the world stage, and is striving to become a leader in Central Asia. Thus, the consideration of new projects carried out within the framework of innovation policy is relevant. The aim of the presented paper is to identify main innovation policy development trends in the Republic of Uzbekistan. To analyze the innovation policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the authors considered the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan coordinating the activities of the Ministry of Innovation Development, the New Uzbekistan Development Strategy for 2022-2026, as well as local and Russian experts’ assessments. The research literature, mass media sources, public opinion polls and statistical data, as well as the legal framework were studied. In this paper a diagnosis of the Ministry of Innovative Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been made, and the key tasks and directions of the country’s reforms in this area have been identified. The main projects, which attract significant investments and introduce new technologies and personnel, are described. The author’s position is as follows: the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan is struggling with the problems that hinder innovation reforms, as well as actively developing cooperation with foreign countries, international organizations and attracts the investments of private investors.

Инновационная инфраструктура как фактор повышения конкурентоспособности региона

In modern conditions, innovative infrastructure is a fundamental element for the development of a regional economic system. The availability of an efficient innovation infrastructure optimizes the process of the implementation of promising production ideas and their commercialization in the industrial sector of the region. The purpose of this study is connected with the assessment possibility of the influence level of innovations on the competitiveness of regional economic system in the context of global competition and uncertainty growth in social and production processes. The methodological basis of the study is presented by the results of research studies by domestic and foreign experts, within which a comprehensive analysis of conditions and specifics of innovative transformations in the development of the region was carried out, with the identification of promising opportunities for relevant innovations’ integration into the regional socio-economic system. In accordance with this, in the course of the study, the following general theoretical and special research methods were applied: statistical analysis, generalization, grouping, systematization, deduction, induction, and graph theory. The result of the study is the assessment of the impact of innovations on the development of the regional economic system, as well as to form the conditions for construction of innovative infrastructure and predict the results of its impact on the level of competitiveness of the region in case of its optimal integration in accordance with the functioning of national or international organizations. The results obtained can be used by state and regional authorities that provide optimal innovative development and implementation of an economically determined sequence of activities within the framework of regional innovation policy, as well as small and medium-sized production entities, scientific and educational organizations operating in the development and implementation of high-tech products with increased value.

Отраслевая инновационная политика как совокупность стратегических инструментов и механизмов инновационного развития

The article considers methodical approaches to the development and implementation of innovation policy in Russia. It introduces an analysis of the current state of domestic sectoral innovation policy, its regulatory and legal framework, levels, institutions, criteria, and performance indicators. The author believes that the low innovation activity of economic agents in Russia is caused by the poor theory and methodology of innovation policy, which also affects the innovative potential of the domestic economy. The current sectoral mechanisms of support and implementation of innovative solutions is also ineffective. The author reviewed available publications on innovation policy and various strategic documents, as well as analyzed the foreign experience of sectoral innovation policy. The paper also contains a diachronic analysis of the innovation policy in Russia. The author developed a matrix approach to innovation policy mechanisms in terms of levels, strategic perspectives, and implementation. This simple and visual three-vector matrix provides an efficient analysis of mechanisms of sectoral innovation policy.

An innovation policy framework for carbon capture and storage in Europe

An innovation policy framework for carbon capture and storage in Europe

Comparative analysis of Namibia and Botswana’s national innovation systems

The main aim of this study was to compare the performance of the two National Systems of Innovation for Namibia and Botswana and how they influence national economic development & competitiveness. A mixed method research approach was applied to conduct a comparative analysis of Namibia and Botswana’s National Systems of Innovation for national economic competitiveness. Two phases were adopted, namely, quantitative research through survey questionnaire and qualitative research from generated thematic areas, i.e. characteristics of an effective national system of innovation; Namibia-Botswana Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Framework and Strategies; Science, Technology and Innovation Resources linked to Wealth Creation. It also established the Challenges faced by the two countries in implanting STI Policies & Strategies; Solutions needed to improve STI Policies and Strategies for Namibia and Botswana; the natural endowment for Namibia and Botswana; the role of Governments in improving economic competitiveness Furthermore, the study managed to establish the following key policy recommendation and suggested areas of further research to build an effective and efficient National System of Innovation, which is economically viable and helps build a nation’s competitive advantage.

Directions to form a system of information and analytical support to implement the State innovation policy at the regional level

Subject. This article discusses the role of information in ensuring the innovation process in the region’s economy. Objectives. The article aims to explore the areas of implementation of the State innovation policy, considering the Southern Federal District as a case study. Methods. For the study, I used the methods of systems analysis, modeling, generalization, grouping, and forecasting. Results. The article presents a theoretical generalization and outlines a new solution to an important scientific problem concerning the development of theoretical and methodological provisions and practical recommendations regarding the State innovation policy. Conclusions. The current national system of scientific and technical information should become a framework of innovation policy at the regional level.

Addressing Australia's collaboration ‘problem’: Is there a Brave New World of innovation policy post COVID‐19?

In a post‐COVID‐19 world, innovation stimuli and well‐aligned policies will assume even greater importance as various sectors seek to recover lost ground and to generate new opportunities. Collaborative partnering in innovation research and development (R&D) between private industry and higher education has increasingly emerged over the last decade as a leading key performance indicator for government policy development, and higher education research funding allocations. Recalibration of R&D‐related policies and incentivisation will require careful consideration, with constructive lessons to be learned from outcomes over the last four decades. This paper presents findings from a new study of stakeholder perceptions as to the National Innovation and Science Agenda's impact on innovation partnerships, and synthesises outcomes from two prior studies. It then examines a newly proposed innovation policy framework, Stimulating Business Investment in Innovation (SBII), set against a background of the shifting mix of paradigms that have comprised Australian innovation policy over the last 40 years. It argues that, following the SBII, any proposed change of policy direction will face significant challenges in its implementation, requiring a fully committed and comprehensive embrace by Government of the new APS engagement framework and greater levels of deliberative democracy.

Entrepreneurship and the innovation ecosystem policy: A case study in post-conflict Somalia

The science, technology and innovation (STI) framework is a fundamental catalyst for economic development, growth, and sustainability. Somalia has been recording moderate economic growth despite external shocks related to security, drought, and famine. However, there are severe shortcomings in the business environment, associated with the insufficient conceptually inclusive policy framework and the absence of direct and concrete pro-poor innovation policy instruments. On that basis, the study aimed to acquire a profound understanding of how the environment for innovation, policy, and regulations conditions entrepreneurship practices in a post-conflict Somalia context. The research conducted face-to-face interviews complemented by consultative workshops and a qualitative survey. The interviews involved 20 leaders representing government, business associations, and cross-sector practitioners. The main findings show that 55% of entrepreneurs had difficulties doing business due to the absence of regulatory and policy instruments. The respondents reported not knowing anything about an innovation policy framework. The paper suggests that the Somali government should initiate a pragmatic policy experimentation approach to identify workable instruments that can broadly support innovation in specific contexts instead of imitating developed countries' policy frameworks.

Smart Specialisation on the move: reflections on six years of implementation and prospects for the future

Six years have passed since Smart Specialisation was incorporated in European Cohesion Policy and became the reference framework for innovation policy in European regions and countries. One year be...

Formulasi Kebijakan Roadmap Inovasi Daerah di Kabupaten Bekasi

Bekasi Regency is the area with the largest industrial area in Southeast Asia, where there are 16 industrial areas with relatively large land area. In addition, there are also seven large industrial zones or industrial zones on an international scale, in line with this, the problem of public service delivery in the Bekasi District Government must be carried out properly to the public. In optimizing the public services, various innovative ideas and ideas are needed to create synergy and efficiency in the provision of these public services. In this study, the innovation system is a unified component that influences the direction of development and speed of innovation, diffusion, and learning processes in the development, mastery, advancement and application/utilization of science and technology. How sub-subsystems (elements / factors) play their roles, their interrelations (including policy coherence), and the dynamics of their interactions determine or influence the dynamic performance of innovation systems. Strengthening the innovation system means structuring the system (holistic, simultaneous, systemic issues) in a structured way. In a policy perspective, strengthening innovation systems means remedial steps that need to be directed to address systemic failures. Therefore, policy strategies need to be developed as a unified innovation policy framework (KKI) to strengthen the system.

A framework for mission-oriented innovation policy: Alternative pathways through the problem–solution space

AbstractWe aim for a better conceptualization of mission-oriented innovation policy (MIP). Our starting point is an analytical decomposition of societal problems and innovative solutions based on three dimensions of wickedness: (1) contestation; (2) complexity; and (3) uncertainty. We argue that both problems and solutions can be divergent (contested, complex, and uncertain) or convergent (uncontested, well-defined, and informed). Based on the resulting problem–solution typology, we suggest a process-oriented view on MIP and discuss three alternative pathways along which convergence between problems and solutions can be achieved to come from wicked problems to legitimate solutions. We illustrate these pathways using examples for different societal problems related to health (smoking bans), security (CCTV), and energy (wind turbines). For policy makers, locating a societal challenge in this problem–solution space, and implementing policy strategies to achieve problem and solution convergence, is expected to accelerate both the legitimacy of a mission and the resulting solutions.

Sieci jednostek naukowo-badawczych jako istotny element w polityce innowacyjnej państwa. Przykład polskiej Sieci Badawczej Łukasiewicz

The article presents the theoretical implications of creating a network of scientific and research units in the framework of innovation policy. Multidimensional approaches are presented for the classification of scientific and research networks. The present solution was analyzed in comparison to similar institutions in selected European Union countries, i.e. Germany, Netherlands, France and Finland. In this context, the assumptions of the first Polish scientific and research network (“Łukasiewicz”) are presented. The creation of this network has been described in relation to structural conditions on both the supply and demand sides. The main purpose of the article is to indicate the demand and supply conditions that may condition the operation of the first Polish network of scientific and research institutes. The supply conditions include: the method of selecting network institutes, their research specializations, and previous results related to knowledge and technology transfer. The demand factors include: the innovative activity of Polish enterprises, companies’ expenditures on purchasing knowledge from external sources, and the number of companies that have implemented innovations and indicators related to social capital, including those related to trust in business. The research methods used to operationalize the research goals were the medium-range system method, the institutional and legal method, and historical neo-institutionalism. The research thesis assumes that the effectiveness and efficiency of scientific and research networks as an instrument of the state’s innovation policy is conditioned by institutional and social factors, which require a longer time perspective and suitable legal and institutional instruments for the occurrence of positive effects. The conclusions and recommendations regarding the Polish network were formulated based on Polish conditions and foreign experience. The presented analysis shows that the decision to establish a network of research institutes in Poland and the defined goals of its operation are correct. The indicated demand and supply conditions are not as optimistic; therefore, such activities as internationalization, restructuring of institutes, effective mechanisms of networking and exchange of resources, enforcement of commercialization results and the active role of the state, at least in the initial period, will be important for the effectiveness of this institution.

EXPLORING THE HEALTH BURDEN AND SOCIOECONOMIC COSTS OF DEPENDENT ELDERLY CARE IN NSUKKA, NIGERIA

It is projected that by 2030, 6 percent of Nigeria’s present population of 180 million will be 60 years and above. However, the extent to which the traditional systems of family support and security can manage the care of the increasing number of older people in the country is not clear as limited studies are available in the country regarding the health burden and Socioeconomic costs of caring for dependent older people. This study is therefore aimed at assessing the health burden and costs of caring for dependent older people in Nsukka, Nigeria. This cross sectional survey involved 1030 randomly selected elderly persons in Nsukka, Nigeria (Mage=70.15, SD=12.23). Structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion Guide (FGD) provided the data for the study. The qualitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, while regression analysis formed the basis for predicting effects of the variables in the study. The qualitative data from the FGD were analyzed thematically. The findings show that the Nigeria government was largely uninvolved in the care and support for older dependent people; leaving families to negotiate a ‘journey without maps’. Families carried the health burden of care for the elderly with attendant socioeconomic costs. The traditional role of female relatives as caregivers was beginning to give way to paid caregivers. An innovative policy frame work targeted at the needs of older persons in health care, social protection and other forms of intergenerational support is required to supplement inputs from families of the aged in Nigeria.

Shifting paradigm in science, technology and innovation policy of Vietnam in the international integration process

Vietnam has experienced crucial transformations in every turning point of the world history. In this process, along with changes in the economic model, social institutions, are changes in the Government’s management method in specific areas, especially in the shift from a centrally-planned to a socialist market-oriented economy. Vietnam's science, technology and innovation system has also gone through innumerable reforms to evolve, adapt and positively energize self-innovation. Science, technology and innovation indicators are embedded into the strategic goals of national policies and entered into every area, every sector (public and private) and individuals/organizations in Vietnam. In the context of international economic integration and the fourth industrial revolution, science, technology and innovation have become the targets and means for socio-economic development more than ever before. This paper aims to explore the philosophical moves in Science, technology and innovation management in Vietnam. It will clarify successes and challenges in the context of international integration. The first part of the paper discussed the concepts and approaches in policy and innovation research, since these aspects have not been fully established and agreed in previous studies in Vietnam. Secondly, the author reviewed and assessed the changes in Vietnam's science, technology and innovation policy framework to observe the four philosophy shifts of the relationship between the State and the science, technology and innovation system through the periods. Thirdly, changes in policies resulted in changes in resources, organizational structure, operational content and correlation as well as the position of elements in the science and technology and innovation system. The last part addresses macro and micro policy solutions for the development of the science, technology and innovation system for Vietnam in a new, potential, but risky context. Accordingly, science, technology and innovation policies need to be more open and autonomous to ensure the self-fulfillment, adaption and innovation of the science, technology and innovation system.

On Some Paradoxes of the Russian Innovation Infrastruct

This paper analyzes the modern trends in the development of innovation infrastructure (II) in Russia and abroad. An intensive way of development of foreign technology parks is shown, which, acquiring new qualitative features, become centers of innovation at the international level, i.e. they transform to Innovation Centers (IC). The specific features of IC as an institute of innovative economy are marked. The main trend of the development of the Russian innovation infrastructure is shown as an extensive one, relying mainly on a quantitative increase and a partial modernization of the old elements. This is the path generated by contradictions, shortcomings and mistakes in the actions of the state and business. Some paradoxes of the development of the Russian innovation infrastructure are considered: the lack of reliable information about the quantitative configuration of innovation infrastructure, the lack of unified conceptual tools for the system of II elements, effective mechanisms for their interaction, and the innovation’s demand. The main reasons for the emergence of these paradoxes are associated with the lack of a unified (systemic) approach for solving a problems accumulated in the innovation sphere are analyzed. It is shown that the state attempts directed to the development of innovation policy and its financial support, to introduce various mechanisms of interaction between the participants of the innovation process, revive some II elements, as well as the creation of principal new elements, do not bring the expected results. We propose a number of ways for overcoming the existing paradoxes. They include: developing and implementing a single conceptual framework of innovation policy, the state monitoring and reporting system, and linking innovation infrastructure development plans with Federal Strategies and Programs.