Synthetic Knowledge Base Research Articles

Breakthrough inventions in solar PV and wind technologies: The role of scientific discoveries

Breakthrough patents are highly influential patents with regard to further technology development. However, there is so far insufficient evidence about the driving forces for the creation of a breakthrough patent. We state that the probability of creating breakthrough patents is driven by the firms' closeness to science. In order to test this hypothesis, in a first step, we identify breakthrough patents based on forward citations. Subsequently, we estimate firm heterogeneity with regard to the probability to create breakthrough inventions based on a firm's closeness to science as well as on other potentially driving factors such as the tendency for international cooperation and the average number of people involved. Thereby we distinguish the solar PV industry (analytic knowledge-base) from the wind industry (synthetic knowledge-base). We find that closeness to science is more relevant in the wind industry to create breakthrough patents where technology development mostly relies on engineering knowledge. Furthermore, our results indicate that technological specialization is more advantageous for breakthrough creation in photovoltaics, while breakthrough patents in wind industry correlate with a broader knowledge-base.

Combining knowledge bases for small wins in peripheral regions. An analysis of the role of innovation intermediaries in sustainability transitions

A growing number of economic geography scholars have discussed the spatial dimensions of sustainability transitions (STs), which entail radical changes in socio-technical systems to overcome societal, economic, and ecological problems. This involves innovation processes with a broad range of distinctive actors. Innovation intermediaries, such as universities and research institutes, are needed to support and accelerate the transfer of knowledge. Nevertheless, little is known about the influence of such actors on the configuration of the knowledge bases required for STs. This article presents insights from 14 semi-structured interviews with experts conducted in a regional innovation system (RIS) in East Germany. In cooperation with the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, we investigate four innovation intermediaries in the region of Eberswalde. The analytical framework links the concept of differentiated knowledge bases to small wins. Our results show that, first, in the Eberswalde region, the relevant actors involved in regional knowledge transfer focus predominantly on synthetic knowledge bases, such as experience-based knowledge of local area settings. Second, symbolic knowledge bases are crucial and often prerequisites for intermediary organizations to recombine knowledge bases and support the capability to innovate in regional knowledge transfer. Symbolic knowledge entails the ability to translate scientific findings to a language that can be understood by the various actors in knowledge transfer. Third, changes in organizational structures complement changes in cultural–cognitive and normative institutions to support innovation on a systemic level and foster change processes.

Technological Novelty, Knowledge Bases, and Regional Differentiation: towards a Regional Typology of Radical, Breakthrough, and Discontinuous Innovations

ABSTRACT Exceptional innovations have recently been investigated in the literature as they may change the trajectories of field or regional development and thus impact their innovation and economic performance. However, there still lacks empirical evidence as to the impact of different types of knowledge bases on the emergence of discontinuous, breakthrough, or radical innovations. This study addresses this research gap and investigates the impact of analytical, synthetic, and symbolic knowledge bases on the share of different types of exceptional innovations in the Central European regions during the 2010–2018 period. Results indicate the positive impact of the symbolic knowledge base on the share of radical and discontinuous innovations, whereas the analytical knowledge base has a negative impact on the radical and synthetic knowledge bases – on discontinuous innovations. Contrariwise, none of the knowledge bases were relevant to the emergence of breakthrough innovations.

Eco-innovation and openness: Mapping the growth trajectories and the knowledge structure of open eco-innovation

Open innovation runs contrary to the individualistic mentality of traditional corporate R&D implementation while embracing external cooperation in a complex world. Our main motivation for the study is to assess and characterize knowledge structure that represents radical transformation toward accelerating co‐development of sustainable innovations. Our review points to the role of the open eco-innovation research landscape as an emerging research domain of potential contributions to sustainable development. Specifically, in this systematic analysis, we apply exploratory, bibliometric, and network visualization techniques to characterize the available knowledge in the field. We trace the growth trajectory of this emerging literature and map the knowledge base of the open eco-innovation (OE) research field. We conceptualised four phases of research domain development and recognised that OE is at the acceleration phase. We emphasized that a synthetic knowledge base is one of the basic ingredients of an open eco-innovation model in addition to analytic and symbolic knowledge bases. Finally, we highlighted what might seem to be budding theoretical perspectives underlining open eco-innovation.

The transition of regional innovation systems to Industry 4.0: the case of Basque Country and Catalonia

ABSTRACT The work looks at how regions design policies to facilitate the transition of regional innovation systems to Industry 4.0. The research analyses how regional Industry 4.0 policies should take into account the integration of the position of the regional productive system into international supply chains, the games of legitimacy and power of the actors involved in the innovation system, the institutional structures that allow the exchange of knowledge on Industry 4.0. between the agents and the connection between the synthetic knowledge base (engineering driven) and the analytical knowledge base (science driven) of the region. Through a detailed case study of the background, structure and impact of Industry 4.0 in the Spanish regions of the Basque Country and Catalonia, the work demonstrates how it is not possible to define a policy of promoting Industry 4.0 that is generalizable to all regions and how each region will have to adapt the design and implementation of its Industry 4.0 policies to the specific characteristics of its regional innovation system. Therefore the replication of policies from other regions will not be an effective mechanism for promoting Industry 4.0 since the transition to Industry 4.0 is a very regional specific and diverse process.

Service Failure and Recovery at the Crossroads: Recommendations to Revitalize the Field and its Influence

In this editorial, we offer a critical assessment of the service failure and recovery (SFR) literature and suggest that the field is at a crossroads in terms of growth and relevance. Specifically, we address two key questions: (1) What is the current state of the field? (2) What avenues should SFR researchers pursue to promote a new stage of success? To answer the first question, we tracked the evolution of SFR articles over the last 15 years by using Web of Science. Our analysis suggests that the recent growth of SFR research is mainly attributable to articles published in specialized journals; the number of articles published in leading journals remains stable and relatively low for the last 10 years. This situation reflects the poor integration of two core SFR domains: Behavioral-subjective research tends to be published in specialized journals, whereas quantitative-objective articles have been in high demand in leading journals. To answer the second question, we propose a dozen research avenues to help the integration of the two domains, so that the whole field can regain prominence. These research avenues are organized in four categories: (1) expanding the static “customer-firm” dyad, (2) studying new contexts that challenge the assumption of recovery, (3) collecting better data and using stronger analytics, and (4) building on the synthetic knowledge base already created. By making such changes, the SFR domain will reclaim its rightful place as an important subfield of service science.

Quality of Transmission Estimation and Short-Term Performance Forecast of Lightpaths

With ever-increasing traffic, the need of more dynamic, flexible, and autonomous optical networks is more important than ever. The availability of performance monitoring data makes it possible to leverage machine learning (ML) for fast quality of transmission (QoT) estimation and performance prediction of lightpaths in complex optical networks. In this article, we will explore classifiers based on support vector machine (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN) for QoT estimation of unestablished lightpaths. Using a synthetic knowledge base (KB), the classification accuracy of the ANN and SVM models decreased from 99%, with a complete feature set, to 85.03% and 88.52%, respectively, with a reduced feature set. We also propose a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), an Encoder-Decoder LSTM and a Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) models, trained with 13-months field performance data, for lightpath signal-to-noise (SNR) prediction over forecast horizons up to four days. Positive R2 values combined with low (<0.285 dB) root mean square error (RMSE) indicated that the GRU model achieved slightly better predictions than the naive method for forecast horizons ranging from 1 to 96 hours, whereas the LSTM performed better over 24 to 96-hour forecast horizons. The Encoder-Decoder LSTM model achieved the lowest R2 and the highest RMSE values (0.296 dB). Additional input data will be needed to improve the prediction accuracy of the LSTM and GRU models trained with single lightpath data.

Comparison of two cluster life stages in a synthetic knowledge base

ABSTRACTKnowledge flows in clusters are highly important since they are related to innovation. Types and spatial levels of knowledge sources have been studied by many scholars. This study examines knowledge sources from evolutionary perspective. Evolutionary Economic Geography suggests that regional industries and their dynamics co-evolve. While conceptual and empirical studies argue that network characteristics take different characteristics throughout time, and that knowledge sources are subject to change, little is known about in what way they change in a synthetic knowledge base. In this study, we examined the knowledge sources in a specific knowledge base throughout time. The study was applied to two clusters in Turkey in a synthetic knowledge base yet in different life stages: emergence and maturity. The network structure was analysed by social network analysis, hypotheses were tested by Mann–Whitney U-Tests. The findings show that although network structure and density change through maturity, the types and spatial levels of knowledge sources do not vary between the two life stages, they keep the same characteristics of their knowledge bases.

Breakthrough Inventions in Solar PV and Wind Technologies: Identification and Explanation

Breakthrough patents are highly influential patents not only with regard to further technology development but also with regard to their potential economic impact. In a first step, we identify breakthrough patents based on forward citations. In a next step, we explain firm heterogeneity with regard to the probability to create breakthrough inventions based on a firm’s closeness to science. Thereby we distinguish the solar PV industry (analytic knowledge-base) from the wind industry (synthetic knowledge-base). We find that closeness to science is more relevant in the wind industry to create breakthrough patents where technology development mostly relies on engineering knowledge.

Knowledge bases, R&D structure and socio-economic and innovation performance of European regions

Due to numerous idiosyncratic features, a profound variety in the level of development and in the nature of regional innovation systems is often acknowledged. This paper has aimed to contribute to existing research by unraveling mutual relationships among knowledge bases, R&D structure and innovation performance of European regions. Our analysis showed that the differences among the European regions in their prevailing knowledge base and in the absolute and relative sizes of key segments of R&D systems are systematic and mutually interwoven. Generally, advanced regions are often typified by the lowest share of synthetic knowledge base and either by a dominance of the private R&D or by a relatively balanced structure between private and public R&D, while the opposite holds for lagging regions.

Local traditions as a means for commercial production of historical beers: The case of Vossaøl, Norway

ABSTRACTThe aim of the article is to analyse challenges facing the commercial production of historical beers, which are ‘extinct’ beers. The concept of ‘fictive terroir’ is introduced to emphasize these challenges. The author addresses the following questions: What kind of knowledge is needed to produce historical beers? How can this knowledge be acquired? How can it be used commercially in craft breweries? The studied case is Vossaøl, a craft beer imitation of a beer produced in the early 19th century. The data were obtained from written sources and interviews with local home brewers and brewers at Voss Brewery in Norway. The study revealed the need to reconstruct the terroir in the early 19th century. Additionally, Voss Brewery had to acquire knowledge about how to process and combine the ingredients, which included the traditional yeast (kveik). Involving traditional home brewers was crucial to determine how ingredients could be combined to produce Vossaøl. The author concludes that a synthetic knowledge base was a useful point of departure in this respect. Participation in the traditional culture of brewing proved an important means when working with this knowledge base. The results are interesting in the broader context of the reconstruction of beverages and food.

Factors shaping the international knowledge connectivity of industrial clusters: a comparative study of two Latin American cases

Recent research has emphasized that success of industrial clusters is not only driven by intra-cluster knowledge sharing (‘local buzz’) but also by externally sourced knowledge (‘global knowledge pipelines’). This article examines the factors that determine the channels through which clusters connect with global knowledge pipelines depending on the structure of the global value chain within which they are inserted, their knowledge base and their stage of evolution. Building on a comparative case study of the salmon farming cluster in Chile and the software cluster in Costa Rica, we adopt an evolutionary perspective based on historical analysis to better understand how the configuration of clusters’ international knowledge linkages shifts over time. Our findings suggest that (i) the more hierarchical the global value chain structure, the less room for knowledge co-creation between local and foreign actors; (ii) clusters relying on analytical knowledge bases opt for more formal and coordinated links with high involvement of public actors, whereas in clusters relying on synthetic knowledge bases, international knowledge interaction is based on less formal links mainly between business actors; and (iii) as clusters evolve the channels through which they connect with foreign knowledge increase in number and new ‘hybrid’ varieties develop.

The evolution of the ICT cluster in southern Sweden – regional innovation systems, knowledge bases and policy actions

ABSTRACTThis paper deals with the evolution of the ICT cluster in southern Sweden. It forges a link between the literatures on cluster development and regional innovation systems (RISs), and explores both conceptually and empirically how cluster evolution is shaped by regional context conditions, including changes in the policy support structure and the knowledge base configuration of the RIS. We use qualitative research methods and descriptive statistics to analyse the development and transformation of the ICT cluster. Cluster emergence was enabled by strong analytical and synthetic knowledge bases in the region. The global crisis and changing geography of the ICT industry triggered a transformation of the cluster towards a new growth path with stronger symbolic components. Cluster transformation was facilitated by policy actions that promoted a diversification of knowledge bases in the region. The strategy was to combine existing competences in ICT with new competences in media and design, and to develop new activities around the theme of New Media, which integrates analytical, synthetic and symbolic knowledge. We show that the endowment of the RIS of a variety of knowledge bases and their combination has essentially supported long-term cluster development and transformation.

Cluster evolution and the change of knowledge bases: the development of a design cluster

ABSTRACTMost studies portray cluster knowledge bases as a given resource, tied to specific industries and locations. However, this paper challenges that view and uncovers their dynamic nature by identifying endogenous and exogenous triggering events that influence and change the cluster knowledge base mix over time. This is done by building on the theoretical concepts of pre-existing conditions, triggering events and knowledge bases and by drawing on a case study of the design cluster located in the Triangle Area of Denmark. The paper concludes that the design cluster has changed its mix of knowledge bases several times during its evolution. Starting out as a firm-driven cluster with a dominant synthetic knowledge base, it then evolved into an artistic and creative cluster with a prevailing symbolic knowledge base. In the last few years, the cluster has increasingly adopted an analytical knowledge base at the expense of other knowledge bases. These developments have caused numerous changes in both knowledge building and the sources of knowledge in and around the cluster. These findings have implications for the framing of cluster knowledge bases, considering how they emerge, change and combine, as well as how that affects clusters’ composition of actors, activities and resources.

Identification of Knowledge Bases: The Case of the Czech Republic

This paper deals with the concept of differentiated knowledge bases, an area related to the study of the regional innovation systems. The concept explores the ways in which knowledge is involved in innovation processes and knowledge flows within and between organisations. Some limitation of this concept can be the fact that there is no clear methodology for identification of knowledge bases in regions. The aim of this paper is to propose appropriate indicators and methodology to empirically identify the knowledge base of a region. The second aim of this paper is to use this methodology for the identification of knowledge bases in the Czech regions. Based on this typology, the Czech regions are classified into four groups - those with a prevailing analytical, synthetic, analytical-synthetic, and synthetic-analytical knowledge base. The methods used for the classification include the point method and cluster analysis, which allows aggregating regions with similar characteristics. The Capital City of Prague, the South Bohemian Region, and the South Moravian Region were among the ones with an analytical base. A synthetic knowledge base was identified in the Liberec Region, the Zlin Region, and the Vysocina Region. One of the two transitional types was found in the remaining regions. In real-life practice the findings can be applied, above all, to the implementation of regional innovation policies, which should always respect the characteristics of the given region. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ee.27.5.14276

Upgrading of Symbolic and Synthetic Knowledge Bases: Evidence from the Chinese Automotive and Construction Industries

This paper deals with the question of how upgrading of the symbolic and synthetic knowledge bases takes place and, by doing so, we contribute to the upgrading literature by linking upgrading with the concept of the differentiated knowledge bases. We discern a number of upgrading mechanisms, and based on empirical evidence from the construction industry and the automotive industry in China, we show that the main upgrading mechanisms for symbolic knowledge include “learning-by-interacting in project teams” and “monitoring”, while upgrading of synthetic knowledge takes place via “technology transfer” and “learning-by-doing and-using”. “Mobility” and “on-the-job training and learning in Transnational Corporations” are the main upgrading mechanisms contributing to the development of both knowledge bases.

Knowledge bases, regional innovation systems, and Korea's solar PV industry

In order to more firmly align the study of Korean regional innovation systems (RIS) with contemporary place-based inquiry into innovation processes, this research deploys a knowledge base and RIS perspective to explore firms’ motivations to innovate and spatial variability in firms’ use of innovation-supporting infrastructure and external technical support. Results, on the basis of a survey of Korean solar photovoltaic firms, parallel expectations of firms with a synthetic knowledge base and indicate that firms are active in multiple ‘regional networked innovation systems’. This suggests a move away from Korea's historically dirigiste system toward an approach which is more balanced among regions. Concerning RIS research, wider applications derived from the study include suggestions to further integrate firm-level analyses in order to unearth shortcomings associated with policy, to deploy knowledge base considerations to identify possible policy mismatch, and to include multispatial demand support considerations for innovative activity, particularly for nascent industries.

Knowledge Sourcing, Knowledge Bases, and the Spatial Organisation of Car Design

This paper analyses the geographical implications of having different types of knowledge bases—synthetic and symbolic—involved in one single but complex innovation process: car design. To do so, we investigated three contrasting car design strategies (Audi, Renault, and SAIC-GM) with the aim of exploring empirical regularities and the reasons underlying the links between knowledge bases, knowledge sourcing mechanisms, and resulting spatial configurations. Evidence suggests that when the synthetic knowledge base is dominant, formal collaboration and mobility are prime knowledge sourcing mechanisms. Moreover, knowledge creation and exchange is likely to occur between actors permanently located within the same region or through the temporary colocation of globally spread innovation partners. On the other hand, when symbolic knowledge is dominant, mobility, monitoring, and buzz turn to be the most relevant sourcing mechanisms, and knowledge creation and exchange are likely to occur within a more strictly local dimension (eg, in cities), through temporary colocation configurations (eg, presence in fairs and via temporary staff exchange), and by global scanning of competitors and trends.

How Do Universities Contribute to Employment Growth? The Role of Human Capital and Knowledge Bases

The aim of this paper is to analyse whether employment growth is faster in regions housing a university compared to non-university regions. We argue that universities per se are less likely to trigger externalities that facilitate employment growth. Instead, we propose that it depends on the concentration of different skills in that particular region. This is analysed by running a number of ordinary least squares regressions, based on official data on a municipal level from Statistics Sweden, on how concentrations of human capital, analytic, synthetic and symbolic knowledge bases in Swedish university regions influence employment growth in 2002–2008. The results indicate that the presence of universities per se does not influence employment growth. However, the findings suggest that university regions with high concentrations of human capital and, in particular, with employees characterized by the synthetic knowledge base, show higher growth rates. This implies that the influence of universities on employment is greatest in regions with high concentrations of skills able to apply the knowledge created in universities. Consequently, the regional composition of skills needs to match the knowledge produced by universities for significant university-induced spillovers to occur.

Challenges to Bridging Discrepant Knowledge Bases: A Case Study of the Norwegian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy

From a theoretical perspective, it is possible to enhance the innovation of firms and institutions by combining the analytic (scientific) knowledge base of research and development (R&D) institutions with the synthetic (practical) knowledge base of industries. Such combinations of knowledge are also believed to support regional development. One such initiative to bridge knowledge from the R&D sector and industry is the Norwegian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy (NORCOWE). However, as our case study shows, it is hard to bridge knowledge from these two partner groups. We found that this is mainly because of differences in the partners' timelines (long versus short), their attitudes toward knowledge (research based versus experience based), application of the knowledge (knowledge per se versus commercialization), and organizational dimensions (linear/closed process versus interactive/open process). These differences show that the knowledge bases of these two groups may not just be different; they can also be seen as discrepant. We also argue that the NORCOWE initiative is influenced by a “policy push” logic. This implies that the initiative was not properly embedded in the industrial or R&D institutions before being launched, but was instead driven by a political will to promote the development of a new renewable energy source.