Innovation Landscape Research Articles

Low interest rate environment and regional innovation

ABSTRACT This paper employs data from counties across China spanning from 2016 to 2022 to construct a continuous difference-in-differences model, examining the influence of China’s low interest rate environment on regional innovation. Our research reveals that such an environment notably enhances the advancement of regional innovation levels. Mechanism analysis elucidates that in a low interest rate scenario, the accessibility of bank credit expands, and the cost of resource allocation diminishes, thereby mitigating capital scarcity in the innovation sector and facilitating the reallocation of labor resources. Additionally, this environment attracts nascent enterprises and fosters local entrepreneurial propensity, ultimately advancing regional innovation. Heterogeneity analysis further substantiates that a low interest rate environment not only narrows the disparity in innovation among regions and optimizes the regional innovation landscape but also reduces the innovation gap within the eastern region, fostering coordinated regional development. Expansion analysis demonstrates that such an environment also contributes to achieving carbon emission reduction targets, effectively managing and controlling atmospheric fine particulate pollutants, and substantially improving regional air quality by elevating regional innovation levels. This study provides empirical support for constructing a high-quality regional innovation system in a low interest rate environment.

Biomedical innovation, patent protection and public health: emerging norms and practices on patent eligibility and exception in India and South Africa

ABSTRACT The political economy of biological resources, biotechnological research, and bioinformatics tools has stimulated scientific and business communities for new biomedical innovation, monetary investment and patent protection. Through biomedical innovation and development, there have been claims of practical, precise, and inexpensive treatments and cures for chronic and genetic diseases that support public health and well-being in a globalised world. However, there have been growing concerns about biomedical innovation and its use for public health on the grounds of efficacy and safety risks, ethical and moral values, and legal issues relating to eligibility and exceptions under patent law. In recent times, scientific and legal experts have outlined inconsistencies and gaps in existing norms and practices followed for patentability and non-patentability of biomedical invention and innovation in patent legal regimes, especially among the countries of the Global South such as India and South Africa. This research paper proposes that both countries should pursue robust, clear and transparent patent legal protection and procedures related to patent eligibility and exceptions for biomedical innovation. In view of this, it examines the current landscape of biomedical innovation supporting public health, patent protection provided to it, and emerging norms and practices on patent eligibility and exceptions in India and South Africa.

Inclusive Entrepreneurship: How Equity and Diversity Shape Startups and Innovation – A Case Study Analysis.

Inclusive entrepreneurship plays a transformative role in shaping the innovation landscape by fostering diverse perspectives, equitable opportunities, and sustainable business growth. This study examines how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) impact entrepreneurial success through a case study analysis of both Indian and global startups. The research highlights how underrepresented entrepreneurs leverage inclusivity to drive creativity, overcome systemic barriers, and create competitive advantages. Case studies of Haqdarshak, Avanti Finance, Niramai, Patagonia, and Chobani demonstrate how DEI influences innovation, market expansion, and business resilience. The findings indicate that inclusive startups experience enhanced problem-solving, customer engagement, and long-term sustainability. However, challenges such as funding disparities and institutional biases persist, requiring targeted interventions from policymakers, investors, and industry leaders. This study provides valuable insights for fostering inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and underscores the role of equity and diversity as key drivers of sustainable innovation and business success.

Identification of health-related needs: The needs examination, evaluation and dissemination (NEED) assessment framework.

Identification of health-related needs: The needs examination, evaluation and dissemination (NEED) assessment framework.

Nanozymes in biomedicine: Unraveling trends, research foci, and future trajectories via bibliometric insights (from 2007 to 2024).

Nanozymes in biomedicine: Unraveling trends, research foci, and future trajectories via bibliometric insights (from 2007 to 2024).

Technological innovations in layperson CPR education - A scoping review.

Technological innovations in layperson CPR education - A scoping review.

Startup innovation in the digital era

AbstractResearch SummaryBecause invention activities involve accessing, identifying, and recombining relevant prior art, startups confront significant search cost and effort. Using Google Patents's 2006 digitization of inventive records as a natural experiment, we examine how digitization affects the directionality and nature of entrepreneurial innovation. We analyze 17,664 US‐based startups in the life sciences industry and find that digitization increases the quantity and quality of prior art used as innovation inputs and those of patent applications generated as innovation outputs. Moreover, our findings indicate that digitization enables startups to transcend local searches for relevant inputs and increase both their entry into new technological domains and output utility. Our study sheds new light on how digitization and its search functionalities reshape startup innovation in the digital era.Managerial SummaryGoogle Patents's 2006 digitization of inventive records transformed entrepreneurial innovation in the US Analyzing 17,664 life sciences startups, we find that digitization enhances search efficiency by alleviating constraints in accessing knowledge while boosting search effectiveness by improving inventive experimentation as online search features make identifying and utilizing relevant external knowledge timelier and more precise. Digitization enables startups to utilize greater volume, higher quality, and more diverse knowledge from prior art while also reinforcing invention outcomes, expanding into new technological domains, and generating more impactful inventions. This study highlights how digitization democratizes access to knowledge and improves search effectiveness and entrepreneurial experimentation, ultimately transforming the startup innovation landscape. Overall, digitization disproportionately benefits startups in areas geographically remote from physical knowledge repositories.

Driving HR Innovation with SAP SuccessFactors: A Framework for Scalable Employee Engagement

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving workforce expectations, employee engagement has emerged as a pivotal factor in determining organizational success, productivity, and talent retention. Traditional human resource (HR) approaches—reliant on static annual reviews and generic feedback mechanisms—are increasingly inadequate in meeting the needs of a dynamic, digitally connected workforce. This paper explores how SAP SuccessFactors, a leading cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) platform, is reshaping the landscape of HR innovation by offering scalable and intelligent solutions that address the multifaceted dimensions of employee engagement. The study presents a comprehensive framework that integrates the core functionalities of SAP SuccessFactors—particularly AI-powered employee experience management, continuous feedback systems, personalized learning and development, and goal alignment tools—into a unified engagement strategy. Through qualitative analysis of real-world enterprise use cases from leading organizations such as Siemens, EY, and Nestlé, the paper illustrates how these modules have been effectively leveraged to boost engagement metrics, foster continuous performance management, and cultivate a culture of transparency and innovation. Additionally, the paper examines broader digital transformation trends influencing the HR domain, such as hyper-personalization, predictive analytics, and the growing emphasis on employee experience as a strategic priority. These trends underscore the necessity for adaptive and data-driven HR systems capable of scaling across global organizations. The findings suggest that SAP SuccessFactors not only enhances operational HR efficiency but also serves as a catalyst for cultural transformation by enabling organizations to proactively engage their workforce in real time. While the implementation of such platforms does present challenges—including change resistance, data privacy concerns, and integration with legacy systems—the potential benefits far outweigh the risks when guided by a well-structured change management plan. Ultimately, this paper positions SAP SuccessFactors as a cornerstone technology for organizations seeking to build resilient, agile, and people-centric workplaces through scalable employee engagement strategies.

Economic Growth and Design Capability: A Comparative Study of Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Finland

This study provides a comparative analysis of the economic growth and design competences of Taiwan, Singapore, Finland, and South Korea, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide an inclusive assessment of each country’s performance in economic development, R&D expenditure, and technological output. We integrate economic indicators such as GDP per capita, adjusted for R&D strength, and Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), alongside the analysis of patents granted per capita. Data were sourced from reputable organizations like the IMF and OECD, ensuring reliability through data triangulation and statistical validation using correlation and regression models. The results highlight significant differences in economic trajectories and design capabilities. Singapore's growth is driven by multinational corporations and substantial government investment in infrastructure and education, yet it lags in R&D intensity. South Korea's economic success is fueled by large conglomerates (Chaebols) with substantial private sector R&D expenditure. Taiwan excels in patenting but has moderate publication output, indicating strong capacity in converting technical knowledge into commercial innovations. Finland's innovation landscape is heavily influenced by Nokia, which dominates its patent output. The study concludes that while all four countries show consistent growth in quantitative indices, distinct paths in developing design capabilities are evident, with significant differences in the role of private versus public sector investment and the impact of multinational corporations on national innovation landscapes.

Innovation and Carbon Emissions: A Southeast Asian Perspective

In an era where sustainable development is paramount, understanding the relationship between innovation and environmental impact has become increasingly critical. As Southeast Asian (SEA) economies strive to transition toward more knowledge-based and technology-driven growth, it is crucial to assess whether innovation fosters sustainability or exacerbates environmental degradation. This study examines the impact of the innovation ecosystem on CO2 emissions in selected SEA countries, utilizing various metrics from the Global Innovation Index (GII) grouped into five categories: institutions, human capital and research, infrastructure, market sophistication, and creative outputs. By employing Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and conducting robustness checks with Robust Least Squares (RLS), the study reveals that all GII categories significantly impact CO2 emissions. However, the findings indicate that this impact is positive, meaning that the innovation landscape in SEA continues to contribute to rising CO2 emissions. The country-specific analysis also confirms that most of the GII categories are still not environmentally friendly. This evidence underscores the need for policymakers in SEA countries to prioritize the development of environmentally sustainable innovation frameworks that promote the adoption of inclusive green technologies and practices to mitigate the adverse effects of innovation on CO2 emissions.

The shift in technological dominance and the adaption of open innovation by the defence sector

ABSTRACT The shift in technological dominance from the defence sector to the civilian sector marks a transformative change in the landscape of innovation. Historically, the defence sector was the primary driver of groundbreaking technological advancements. However, the post-Cold War era has seen a reversal of this trend, as civilian-led advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, Cybertechnologies, and autonomous systems have outpaced defence sector innovation. This study explores the underlying causes of this shift, including the decline of interstate wars, the rise of startup culture, and the emergence of technology giants. It also examines the defence sector's adoption of open innovation strategies to leverage civilian technological advancements. This research demonstrates the critical role of open innovation in addressing the challenges of contemporary defence needs. The findings underscore the need for collaborative frameworks to bridge the gap between these sectors, ensuring technological superiority in an era defined by rapid civilian innovation.

Explosive cytotoxicity of 'ruptoblasts' bridges hormonal surveillance and immune defense.

Cytotoxic killing is an essential immune function, yet its cellular mechanisms have been characterized in only a few model species. Here, we show that planarian flatworms harness a unique cytotoxic strategy. In planarians, activin, a hormone regulating regeneration and reproduction, also acts as an inflammatory cytokine. Overactivation of activin signaling - through protein injection, genetic chimerism, or bacterial infection - triggers 'ruptoblasts', an undocumented immune cell type, to undergo 'ruptosis', a unique mode of cell bursting that eliminates nearby cells and bacteria in mere minutes, representing one of the fastest cytotoxic mechanisms observed. Ablating ruptoblasts suppresses inflammation but compromises bacterial clearance, highlighting ruptoblasts' broad-spectrum immune functions. We further identified ruptoblast-like cells in diverse basal bilaterians, unveiling an alternative strategy that couples hormonal regulation with immune defense and expanding the landscape of evolutionary immune innovations.

THE KEY FACTORS FOR A SUSTAINABLE SMART CITY – A CASE STUDY OF 22 INTERNATIONAL SMART MUNICIPALITIES

Article History: Received: 20 January 2025; Reviewed: 24 February 2025; Accepted: 10 March 2025; Available online: 26 March 2025. This article examines the core components and global initiatives driving smart city development, focusing on sustainability and safety & health. Drawing insights from literature and case studies of 22 international smart cities, the main objective of the research is to identify key projects shaping Smart Environment/ Sustainability and Smart Living/ Safety & Health. Notable examples include Tel Aviv-Yafo’s solar roof and Dubai’s Smart Healthcare Model. The findings emphasize a global commitment to citizen-centric, environmentally conscious urban environments, showcasing diverse approaches and technological innovations. The article offers actionable insights for aspiring smart cities, emphasizing a phased, collaborative approach and technological integration. Key observations include the global movement towards sustainability, diverse smart city initiatives, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration. The presented model serves as a blueprint for cities, addressing specific steps like assessment, goal setting, and learning from global best practices. Beyond current practices, the article suggests future research directions, including assessing long-term impacts, addressing privacy concerns, and exploring governance models. The article advocates ongoing research to guide policymakers in the dynamic landscape of smart cities, promoting sustainability and innovation. JEL classification: O38, H11, I18, Q58

Long-Run Innovation Patterns in US Cities: Shifting Landscapes and Technological Change

This article studies the dynamics of innovation in the US Core-Based Statistical Areas over a long period (1860–2019), with the production of patents used as a proxy for innovation. The results show that innovation has always been highly concentrated, albeit with alternating periods of greater and lesser concentration. Despite the relative stability of the distribution of innovation, cities have experienced notable movements inside the distribution, which are the result of progressive long-run tendencies. Moreover, a remarkable change in the innovation landscape is found due to cities in the Northwest and Midwest gradually losing ground to cities in the South and the West. Finally, the technological specialization of cities changes rapidly, and the technological life cycle phase conditions cities’ mobility within the innovation distribution. Specialization in growing technologies helps cities to improve their relative position in the distribution, while the opposite is the case for cities that specialize in mature technologies.

Navigating Procedural Challenges in Biotechnological Patenting: A Path Forward for India’s Innovation Landscape

Navigating Procedural Challenges in Biotechnological Patenting: A Path Forward for India’s Innovation Landscape

The validation of the Needs Examination, Evaluation, and Dissemination assessment framework within the European Union: a modified Delphi study.

The NEED (Needs Examination, Evaluation, and Dissemination) assessment framework was designed to identify and measure unmet health-related needs of patients and society across various health conditions, aiding the development of needs-driven healthcare policy and innovation. The framework consists of 25 needs criteria and 46 associated indicators that assess whether these needs are met or not. This study aims to validate the framework at the European Union (EU) level using a modified Delphi approach. We selected national and European institutes for the Delphi process based on their roles in public health, health technology assessment (HTA), medicine authorization, pricing and reimbursement (P&R), and patient advocacy. Using a modified Delphi approach, experts provided feedback on the framework's structure (dimensions and domains), health-related needs criteria, and indicators. Two Delphi rounds were conducted via online questionnaires. A panel of 26 experts participated in both rounds of the study. The majority of the participants reported expertise in HTA (50%) and P&R (15%), followed by patient advocacy (15%) and public health (8%). Seventeen EU Member States were represented, with a higher representation of experts from Belgium (12%) and Germany (12%). The NEED framework based on expert consensus consists of 4 dimensions, 3 domains, 24 criteria, and 43 indicators. The modified Delphi technique proved effective for validating the NEED framework at the EU level. This marks a critical first step toward consensus on defining and identifying unmet health-related needs, paving the way for a more needs-driven healthcare policy and innovation landscape.

Will Digital Inclusive Finance Improve the Quality and Quantity of SMEs’ Green Innovation?

Whether SMEs can become a significant player in green innovation and reshape the green innovation landscape in China largely depends on their ability to effectively address the lack of momentum for green innovation among SMEs. Utilizing data from China’s SMEs listed on the growth enterprise market between 2011 and 2022, this study empirically examines the effects and underlying mechanisms of digital financial inclusion on green innovation in SMEs, considering both the financial market supply and corporate financing constraints. The results indicate that digital inclusive finance significantly enhances both the quantity and quality of green innovation in SMEs. Moreover, digital financial inclusion particularly improves the quality and quantity of green innovation in SMEs with strong ESG performance and high equity concentration, compared to those with weaker ESG performance and lower equity concentration. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that digital inclusive finance can improve the quality and quantity of state-owned enterprises and enterprises in the eastern region. Still, it has no significant impact on the quantity of green innovation for enterprises in the central and western regions. Regarding the impact mechanism, digital inclusive finance encourages SMEs to engage proactively in green innovation by mitigating financing constraints and increasing R&D investments. The findings of this paper not only reveal how SMEs can overcome the restrictive mechanisms of green innovation through digital inclusive finance, but also provide critical insights for improving the imbalance in the structure of green innovation within China.

The dynamics of coworker envy in the green innovation landscape: Mediating and moderating effects on employee environmental commitment and non-green behavior in the hospitality industry

The current study proposes to investigate the impact of employee green innovative behavior (EGIB) on coworker envy (CE), which in turn affects employee environmental commitment (EEC) and intention to engage in non-green behavior (NGB). Furthermore, it investigates the moderating role of individual green value (IGV) and perceived green organizational support (PGOS) and the mediating effect of coworker envy (CE) between the proposed model relationships. Operating PLS-SEM, the 389 valid questionnaires collected from the employees of five-star hotels were analyzed. The findings showed that employee green innovative behavior (EGIB) significantly enhanced coworker envy (CE), negatively influencing employee environmental commitment (EEC) and positively influencing intention to engage in non-green behavior (NGB). The results also proved the moderation role of individual green value (IGV) and perceived green organizational support (PGOS) between CE and EEC and CE and NGB, respectively. The study contributes insightful theoretical implications by integrating the social comparison theory (SCT) and affective events theory (AET). It also has practical impacts on catalyzing green change by inhibiting coworker envy.

AI Painting and Innovation: Exploring the Future of Creativity, Ethics, and Enterprise in the Digital Age

Artificial intelligence painting technology represents a novel AI tool that aids individuals in streamlining their creative processes. By providing descriptive text, users can prompt the computer to automatically interpret and produce artwork on similar themes but in various styles. This innovation reduces certain repetitive manual tasks, making it appealing to numerous businesses. Presently, AI painting is demonstrating its distinct efficacy and has started to influence the innovation landscape in businesses. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how artificial intelligence painting affects innovation in businesses. This will be done by looking at the creative principles that are behind AI-generated art, comparing the works of humans and AI, examining copyright issues that are connected to AI art, and understanding how society views this technology. Additionally, it will offer several considerations for businesses as they navigate current technological advancements, assisting stakeholders in objectively assessing the future of both AI painting and enterprise innovation.

Mapping the Shifting Landscape of Urological Innovation

Introduction: Surgical innovation in urology has significantly transformed clinical practice, balancing the need for dissemination of novel techniques with rigorous safety and efficacy standards. Surgical innovation is influenced by regulatory standards, cost-effectiveness, and evolving publication requirements. This study examines publication trends in pioneering urological procedures and their implications on surgical innovation. Methods: This study analyzed 68 pioneering urological publications, examining the relationship between case numbers and publication trends over time. Data were collected through comprehensive database searches and analyzed using linear regression to identify correlations between publication case numbers and innovation dissemination. Results: A significant increase in the number of cases per publication was observed over time (R2 = 0.798, OR = 6.29, 95% CI: 2.57–10.02, p = 0.007). Early transformative techniques were frequently published as single-case reports or small series, whereas incremental innovations required larger case volumes, potentially delaying publication from resource-limited settings. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for a merit-based approach to evaluating surgical innovations, balancing rigorous safety standards with timely dissemination. Frameworks like IDEAL offer structured pathways for evaluating surgical innovations, ensuring robust evidence generation while maintaining flexibility for diverse practice settings. This study advocates for a reassessment of publication criteria to foster a balance between innovation, safety, and inclusivity, ultimately promoting the efficient and equitable advancement of surgical techniques.