Innovation Competition Research Articles

Strategic nature of corporate social responsibility, competitive performance, innovation capability and environmental uncertainty

PurposeThe goal of this work is to evaluate how corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects competitive performance in Nigeria's banking industry, with innovation capability acting as a mediator and environmental uncertainty as a moderating factor.Design/methodology/approachThe banking industry in Nigeria served as the site for the empirical investigation. Employees at deposit money institutions received a questionnaire. Direct and mediating effects and the moderating role were thus examined utilizing a final sample of 267 cases using consistent partial least squares structural equation modeling with ADANCO 2.2.1.FindingsThe data shows that CSR has both a significant strategic impact on innovation capability and a competitive innovation capability. In contrast, the outcome shows a strong effect of CSR's strategic character on performance in the marketplace. Furthermore, evidence for mediating and moderating effects was provided.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was restricted to Nigerian banking institutions. Additionally, data on competitive performance were acquired from employees' perspectives, while considering the competitive performance of their rivals.Originality/valueThe primary contribution of this paper is the empirical investigation of the mediating impact of innovation capability and the moderating function of environmental uncertainty in banking organizations that use a CSR strategy to attain competitive performance.

A Study on the Evaluation of Science and Technology Innovation Competitiveness of National Center Cities in China

A Study on the Evaluation of Science and Technology Innovation Competitiveness of National Center Cities in China

Merger assessment and innovation competition in the pharmaceutical sector

Merger assessment and innovation competition in the pharmaceutical sector

Three Faces of Innovation Competition: Choosing the Framework for Horizontal Merger Assessment

Abstract This article discusses the assessment of horizontal mergers and harm to innovation when there is innovation competition. The goal is to establish a methodology for selecting the appropriate analytical framework for each situation, outlining mechanisms for recognizing innovation competition, defining relevant markets, evaluating the competitive significance of firms, identifying suitable theories of harm, and gathering pertinent evidence for each scenario. We review the literature on Competition Policy and on Economics of Innovation and take examples from the US and European case law. We also briefly discuss the strategic management literature to provide insights for the assessment. Considering post-merger reductions on innovation incentives as harm to innovation, we find differences of traditional merger procedure adequacy and challenges to build evidence, considering three faces of innovation, including possible combinations of these faces within a same merger case: (i) continuous innovation efforts in the product market, (ii) ongoing innovation efforts for developing new products, and (iii) future innovation efforts. In instances where the conventional approach to mergers falls short, exploring a capabilities-based assessment is recommended. Given the gaps found in the existing literature, we provide insights to the analysis as steps towards an agenda of capabilities-based merger assessment.

Integrating Computer Science in Basic Education Curriculum: Enhancing Innovation and Sophistication for Global Competitiveness

In this study, the researcher investigated the perceptions of professional teachers in the Jolo municipality toward Integrating Computer Science into the Basic Education Curriculum (ICSBEC), including the teachers’ required capability on skills and experiences, pupils’ constructive learning and analytical thinking and technological resources, tools, and facilities to facilitate innovation and sophistication in global competitiveness. The findings showed an agreeable response with the chi-square tabular value , which means all professional teachers' perceptions of ICSBEC are about the same, dependent on the following: teachers’ capability on skills and experiences; pupils’ constructive learning and analytical thinking; and technological resources, tools, and facilities needed to meet the need for innovation and sophistication (great skills) in global competitiveness. The findings revealed strong overall support for integrating computer science into the basic educational curriculum, with a mean score of 4.447(185 or 88.94%). They indicated perceived skills and experiences needed for teachers to instruct pupils, with a mean score of 4.341 (180 or 86.54%), agreeing strongly. The constructive learning and analytical thinking skills, with a mean score of 4.515 (187 or 89.90%), strongly agreed. The availability of appropriate technological resources, tools, and facilities to prepare students for global competitiveness, with a mean score of 4.692 (195 or 93.75%), strongly agreed. These results showed positive evidence that the ICSBEC holds potential impacts in cultivating innovation and sophistication among students’ preparedness in a globalized world. The study employed a descriptive-evaluative approach. To gather quantitative data, the researcher utilized surveys distributed to 208 professional teachers and the FGD for qualitative data. The FGD was selected among the supervisors, principals and classroom advisers who possessed the information sought.

CAUSALITY OF DEFINITIONS "COMPETITIVE COMPETITIVENESS" AND "COMPETITIVENESS OF INNOVATIONS": EPISTEMOLOGICAL ANALYSIS FROM THE POSITION OF MANAGEMENT GOALS

The purpose of the article is to prove the causality of the definitions of "enterprise competitiveness" and "innovation competitiveness" from the point of view of management goals and justify the feasibility of using the definition "innovation competitiveness" and its modifications in the terminological dictionary of the theory of innovation. When studying the epistemology of the term "enterprise competitiveness", we took into account a common feature in the set of definitions chosen for analysis - the relative nature of competitiveness as an object of management, and therefore, the relative nature of the methods of evaluating comparative criteria, which can affect the perception by target consumers of the degree of usefulness embedded in the innovation. Taking into account the high variability of the business environment and the structure of consumer needs, the expediency of using a value-oriented approach to managing the competitiveness of innovations is argued. In line with this approach, the author's position is expressed regarding the need to introduce the definition of "competitiveness of innovation", considering it in the context of comparing the alternatives of the final version of the implemented changes, which have undergone the entire set of works to create value and act as a means of satisfying a certain consumer need. Taking this into account, the features distinguishing internal and external innovations are highlighted. The internal "competitiveness of innovations" is proposed to be considered as the best option for innovative changes in the internal environment of the enterprise according to the established parameters, aimed at solving the problem that worsened/deteriorated its competitiveness in the strategic area of ​​management. External - as a better way to meet consumer needs, which tends to increase in demand by target audiences. It is emphasized that in both cases it makes it possible to determine the potential of utility (value) embedded in the innovation and to form a criterion base for comparative evaluation of consumer value compared to competitors.

The Teaching Mode of "Learning, Training, Competition and Research" in Cheerleading Teaching in Colleges and Universities

Cheerleading is a new sport, which is loved by college students. Cheerleading can fully show the students positive and vigorous spirit. This paper applies the new teaching mode of learning, training, competition and research into cheerleading teaching by means of analysis, and analyzes how to realize the teaching innovation of learning, training, competition and research, hoping to improve the enthusiasm of college students for cheerleading and promote their all-round development.

Enhancing student learning in innovation competitions and programs

ABSTRACT Universities have developed various informal learning experiences, such as design challenges, hackathons, startup incubator competitions, and accelerator programs that engage students in real-world challenges and enable environments for creative problem-solving. However, limited studies explain the extent and nature of the impact of student innovation competitions and programs (ICPs) on participating students' innovation mindset. Current literature was analysed using network analytics techniques to discover relations among ICPs and innovation skills. Using an online instrument, 194 students from two universities categorised and ranked skills/abilities they gained as the most or least improved due to participating in ICPs and their challenges during ICPs. The collected data was analysed to gain insight into the student's experiences and perceptions. The findings of this study showed that overall, students rated technical and problem-solving skills higher than some innovation mindset skills. However, the findings also suggested that incorporating more entrepreneurial elements in ICPs may improve the innovation mindset learning outcomes of ICPs. The findings contribute to how ICPs can be better designed to foster an innovation mindset, mitigate challenges that students come across, and increase the participation of all students.

Digital Marketing Strategy in Increasing Brand Awareness at PT. Deacom Technology in Sipodeceng Village, Sidenreng Rappang Regency

Strategy, which is defined as a unified, comprehensive and integrated plan, is becoming a challenge for increasingly fierce competition for innovation and creativity. The benefit of this research is that it can help PT. Deacom Technology optimize the marketing of its products using digital marketing as an effective marketing tool. Business people must emphasize strategy more digital marketing which is sufficient to be able to introduce their products to the community, this term is referred to as brand awareness or brand awareness. The aim of this research is to provide a strategy digital marketing in increasing brand awareness or brand awareness PT. Deacom Teknologi. This research uses qualitative methods with research subjects namely company owners, employees, village government, customers, youth leaders, and the community who have not used the services of PT. Deacom Teknologi. The data collection technique is by purposive sampling through observation, interviews, and documentation. This research was conducted in Sipodeceng Village, Sidenreng Rappang Regency.

Innovative Approaches Supporting Social Change, Improved Quality of Human Life, and Enhanced Planetary Consciousness Across Europe

This research uses a dialogical approach to the theory of social representations to investigate examples of social innovation in volunteer and community projects across Europe. Social representational processes shape public agendas and determine which issues are put forward. One example of this dynamic communicative exchange is the annual Social Innovation Competition of the European Innovation Council, for which an award is given each year. The study looks at a total of 36 projects that won awards over 10 years of the competition in Europe. Our archival research focuses on and discusses the co-construction of the meaning of innovation in relation to ecology. The analysis concentrates on the countries of origin of the projects, as well as the thematic areas, in relation to the themes of social innovation selected by the European Innovation Council. In this process, three crucial voices are examined, including the voice of the European Innovation Council, voice of the innovator in each award-winning project, and voice of the general public. The results indicate that members of volunteer and community sectors propose socially innovative initiatives, especially in the areas of enhancing planetary consciousness and improving the quality of human life.

Enhancing innovation competitiveness spun pile method risk: Insights from ISO 56002:2019

Enhancing innovation competitiveness spun pile method risk: Insights from ISO 56002:2019

Navigating the innovation policy dilemma: How subnational governments balance expenditure competition pressures and long-term innovation goals

In the pursuit of economic growth, the role of innovation has become increasingly important, posing dilemmas for subnational governments as they navigate the balance between expenditure competition and long-term investments in innovation. This study aimed to investigate the intricate relationship between fiscal pressures and the pursuit of innovation goals faced by regional authorities. To achieve this, a systematic literature review was conducted, synthesizing more than 150 studies published within the past 15 years. Keyword searches were conducted across multiple databases, and additional scholarly articles were incorporated through citation tracking. Rigorous qualitative analysis techniques, including inductive coding and thematic analysis, were employed to distill conceptual insights from the literature. The analysis performed in this review reveals extensive discussions regarding the influence of competition on innovation outcomes, encompassing a wide range of perspectives. The potential advantages of localization are emphasized by some viewpoints, while others caution against the risks of inadequate investment. The effective coordination of policies across multiple levels of governance to maximize synergies between national and subnational innovation systems emerges as a complex yet crucial challenge. It is observed that collaborative networks, which facilitate knowledge exchange through industrial clustering and public-private linkages, play a significant role in leveraging regional innovation assets. Strategic approaches that successfully balance competition with long-term capacity development have been demonstrated by leading jurisdictions. These findings highlight the significance of tailored policy frameworks that account for the unique contexts of each region, providing opportunities to harness competitive motivations while sustaining investments in innovation. Ongoing coordination is essential to strike a balance between responsiveness and coherence across diverse territories. This study offers practical guidance and academic insights on strategies to align decentralized imperatives, aiming to optimize prosperity through knowledge creation within evolving multi-level innovation systems. By shedding light on these strategies, the research contributes to both practical and academic understandings of how to effectively navigate and capitalize on the dynamics of such systems.

Assessing the infringement risk of patent portfolios using network analysis and IF-TOPSIS: A case of standard-essential patent portfolios in the ICT industry

With the intensification of technological innovation competition and the surge in the number of patents in modern society, companies' technology activities such as technology R&D, technology licensing and technology transfer now regularly involve large patent portfolios, as well as a rising risk of patent infringement. However, the existing patent infringement risk assessment methods are only designed for individual patents, which is not enough to meet the companies' practical need for assessing and managing the infringement risk of large patent portfolios. Therefore, this study proposes a combined approach using network analysis and intuitionistic fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (IF-TOPSIS), which can assess and rank the infringement risk of a company's patent portfolio relative to each of its competitors' patent portfolios, thereby providing a scientific base for the company's management decisions on patent portfolios. In this approach, one-mode weighted patent proximity networks are constructed to extract topology information of patent portfolios, and the IF-TOPSIS method is combined to obtain and rank the risk results under a proper fuzzy framework. The case study uses patent portfolios containing a total of 6736 standard-essential patents (SEPs) in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry as test data, and verifies the practicality and validity of this intelligent approach. Managerial implications for technology managers and patent attorneys are elaborated.

On the Transformation of the Organization of Scientific Activity in Russia

Rapid changes in the world order, digital transformation of human activity, and increased competition for a favorable future have formed a new focus of competition for digital innovation. The nature of development is changing – it is becoming socio-technological. Digitalization is fundamentally changing the field of science and technology and the requirements for the knowledge and skills of researchers. Changes in science act as a catalyst for further changes, the speed of which is increasing. Strengthening the role of artificial intelligence in the context of existing restrictions on its use leads to an increase in the role of humans as a task setter, a main partner participant, a beneficiary and even a sensor. Increasing competition for the future and aggravation of the geopolitical situation are leading to an increase in the importance of science, technology and innovation. This fundamentally changes the requirements for the organization of science, which requires the addition of the existing system of organizations with network communications of creative teams and researchers, the formation of hybrid intelligence through the joint training of humans and artificial intelligence. Science is becoming networked, going beyond the boundaries of organizations, acquiring regional and local components. In the context of a sharp increase in the diversity of digital innovations, scientific interaction between researchers with recognition (rating) in local fields of knowledge becomes a necessary condition. The high rate of change requires the inclusion of evaluation of the results of scientific activity in the research process. Effective results require the creation of processes for intelligent management of knowledge convergence and digital innovations of socio-technological development based on scientific knowledge.

Top management team gender diversity and green innovation: A contingent curvilinear link

AbstractThe increasing significance of green innovation for firm competitiveness introduces greater risks and uncertain returns, challenging top managers' strategic decisions. The influence of top management team (TMT) characteristics, particularly gender diversity, on green innovation remains unclear. Drawing on gender difference and social identity theories, this study examines the curvilinear relationship between TMT gender diversity and green innovation among 2026 Chinese publicly listed manufacturing firms from 2011 to 2018. Through the use of fixed‐effects Poisson models to confirm our hypotheses, we uncover an inverted U‐shaped relationship between TMT gender diversity and green innovation. Furthermore, we delve into the contingent roles of individual, corporate, and industry factors affecting this primary relationship. Specifically, our findings reveal that the educational attainment of female executives and the strength of green industry innovation flatten the inverted U‐shaped curve between TMT gender diversity and green innovation, whereas state ownership steepen it. Our study resolves the inconsistencies found in previous research by integrating multiple theoretical perspectives and offers empirical insights into the role of women in shaping sustainable development in emerging markets.

Інноваційні стратегії сталого розвитку підприємств в умовах мінливого ринку

The article analyzes various approaches to innovation development for enterprises operating in volatile markets. It explores critical innovation strategies, including proactive, reactive, imitative, niche, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), open innovation, incremental, and radical strategies. The proposed utilization of these strategies aims to ensure sustainable development for enterprises, considering their specific activities and market conditions. Proactive Strategies are characterized by their focus on anticipating and shaping market trends—proactive strategies position companies as market leaders by developing new products and services ahead of market demand. Analyzing technological trends and innovations is highlighted, enabling enterprises to maintain a competitive edge by staying ahead of competitors. Reactive strategies, however, adapt to changes in market and consumer demand. This approach involves responding swiftly to market shifts and competitive innovations. Imitative Strategies involve replicating or adapting innovations introduced by other companies. Niche Strategies concentrate on serving narrow market segments or specific technological niches. Companies utilizing niche strategies aim to become specialists in their chosen fields, offering unique solutions tailored to specific customer needs. This approach requires deep understanding, specialization, and expertise, allowing enterprises to command premium prices due to the distinctiveness of their products or services. This approach accelerates innovation processes by integrating external capabilities while reducing competitive pressures. However, successful implementation of M&A strategies demands meticulous planning and effective management to achieve synergy between organizations. In conclusion, the article offers a comprehensive framework for selecting and implementing innovative strategies tailored to enterprises’ specific needs and conditions in dynamic market environments. By strategically applying these approaches, enterprises can enhance their innovation capabilities, adapt to market changes effectively, and achieve sustainable development in the long term. Keywords: innovation strategies, sustainable development, dynamic market, proactive strategies, reactive strategies, imitative strategies, niche strategies, mergers and acquisitions, open innovation, incremental strategies, radical strategies, university partnerships, R&D, competitive advantage, market stability.

Reevaluating national innovation systems: An index based on dynamic-network data envelopment analysis

The aim of this study is to propose a novel analytical framework to evaluate the national innovation system (NIS) based on dynamic-network data envelopment analysis. This framework is then applied to a sample of 23 countries involved in oil production, enabling a comparative analysis of their performance in relation to the top 10 innovative countries as determined by the Global Innovation Index (GII).Unlike the GII, the proposed framework measures the efficiency score of each NIS, generates a new index based on these scores, suggests a set of target policies for countries aiming to improve their ranks, and conducts an in-depth longitudinal analysis to identify the underlying factors influencing efficiency dynamic over time.The empirical results show that the efficiency of the selected countries remains relatively steady over the designated study period. Upon closer examination at the country level, it becomes evident that Korea and Sweden emerge as the frontrunners in terms of performance, thereby establishing themselves as leaders in the field of innovation. Germany and Ukraine are identified as leaders in knowledge development, whereas Romania and Singapore are recognized as leaders in knowledge commercialization.To enhance the performance of the inefficient NIS, this study proposes targeted improvement policies, prioritizing underperforming countries to elevate their overall innovation system. These policy interventions aim to bridge the gap between the least efficient nations and global best practices, fostering a more competitive innovation landscape. Ultimately, the proposed analytical framework holds the potential to foster the performance of each country's national innovation system.

Exploring Students’ Perceived Values, Cost, and Barriers for Inclusive and Diverse Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

Student innovation competitions and programs (ICPs), including hackathons, start-up competitions, and customer discovery labs, have had a transformative impact on the higher education entrepreneurial ecosystem. They have also facilitated students’ experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). However, there is a disparity in the number of underrepresented students and dominant student groups participating in STEM fields. While research supports the benefits of ICP participation, literature discussing students’ perceptions of these programs remains limited. This study addresses three research questions about participation motivation (perceived values and associated costs), participation barriers, and differing perceptions among groups. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 38 students (25 females/13 males, 17 participants/21 non-participants). The analysis focused on the Situated Expectancy-Value Theory (SEVT) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The research findings contribute to fostering diversity and inclusion within educational or professional environments by uncovering values (e.g., acquiring professional skills) and costs (e.g., opportunity costs) that students associate with motivation to engage in ICPs. Institutional and individual barriers were identified, including limited program awareness, lack of diversity, and identity mismatch. Therefore, the study intends to inform STEM educators and ICP organizers, foster inclusivity and diversity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and offer guidance for interventions.

Price and product innovation competition with network effects and consumers’ adaptive learning: A differential game approach

For many high-tech and Internet related products, the utility of consumers depends partly on the scale of user groups, which is called network effects. In this paper, we formulate a differential game model to investigate the joint price and product innovation competition in a market exhibiting network effects. In the spirit of behavior economics, the consumers’ adaptive learning about network size is considered. The unique steady-state equilibrium is analytically characterized under both committed and feedback information structures. Our analysis mainly shows that (i) the network effects have negative influence on the result of price competition but have nothing to do with the result of product innovation competition under the premise of low market density; (ii) the marginal impact of network effects on the steady-state price is decreasing with the consumers’ learning speed; (iii) in the long-run, the product price converges to the level either higher or lower than the stationary price, depending on the strength of network effects; (iv) in a market where the consumers are extremely sensitive to the product price, the quality provision is insufficient compared with the first-best optimal level regardless of the choice of solution concept. The dynamic evolution patterns of the price and product innovation competition are illustrated by numerical experiments.

Theoretical Justification for the Implementation of Special Economic Zones: The Case of Luanda-Bengo Economic Zone in Angola

Purpose: In the present study, a literature review was carried out on theories of regional development, namely: the classic ones, those with an emphasis on agglomeration factors, and new theories of regional development. It intended to provide a theoretical foundation for implementing special economic zones, contextualizing the analysis to the Luanda-Bengo Special Economic Zone. Materials and Methods: Thus, the document analysis technique was used to review relevant literature on regional development and its main supporting theories. Findings: It was possible to achieve three main results: that the existence of hubs that bring together population and capital play a central role in the location of commercial and industrial activities; that companies come together in a logic of cooperation, innovation competitiveness, and ZEELB, as a hub of industrial activity, is no exception. Finally, the factors that determine the location and spatial agglomeration of economic activities, as well as the relationships of interdependence established between the various driving and driven units, possible in a ZEE, are also present in the foundations of adopting ZEELB operations. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theories about the location and agglomeration of economic activities in geographically, customs, and legally demarcated spaces, such as ZEELB, should be used in studies for future implementations of similar projects. Exchange between academia and structuring investment planning bodies such as ZEELB, so that based on its adoption as part of the global economic development strategy, is necessary. Public policymakers should see ZEELB as an opportunity to serve as a laboratory for policies at the following levels: tax, customs, regulatory, commercial, and management