Technological Cooperation Research Articles

Maritime Cooperation Between Indonesia and South Korea: Analysis of MTCRC (Marine Technology Cooperation Research Centre)

Indonesia is the largest archipelago with abundant marine resources. To manage this optimally, Indonesia needs to cooperate with other countries to optimise it. The main focus of this study is the Marine Technology Cooperation Research Centre (MTCRC), a collaborative marine science and technology research establishment managed by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) between both the governments of South Korea and Indonesia. This research aims to analyse the functioning of Indonesia’s maritime cooperation with South Korea. The data collection method through library research and the theory of international cooperation are used to analyse this research. This study's results show that the maritime technology collaboration between South Korea and Indonesia research centres has built and implemented programs to support marine science and technology cooperation.

Electric Vehicle Battery Supply Strategy Considering Brand Spillover Effect

Electric vehicle manufacturers ensure power battery supply through either direct sourcing or technology cooperation. This paper examines the battery supply strategy of an entrant manufacturer(m2), in a two-tier supply chain that includes a battery supplier (s), an incumbent manufacturer (m1), and the aforementioned entrant. It investigates these strategies under the influence of the brand spillover effect. It reveals that when m1 opts for direct battery procurement, if m2 boasts higher after-sales service standards, adopting a technology cooperation strategy becomes more advantageous. A sweet spot exists wherein, given m2's brand power and after-sales service level fall within a certain range, all supply chain participants can achieve mutual benefits. In scenarios where m1 depends on technology cooperation for its battery supply, it is advisable for m2 to mirror this approach by also engaging in technology cooperation.

Rethinking the missions and functions of public research institutes: evidence from Iranian PRIs

Abstract Public research institutes (PRIs) are pivotal in national and sectoral innovation systems and the transition to a knowledge-based economy. So, the current study has reassessed these institutes’ functions and suggested policy recommendations to augment their influence in moving toward a knowledge-based economy. The findings of this research reveal that functions such as innovation hub and specialized accelerator; strategic and problem-oriented research management platform; standard and regulatory reference; specialized technical service center; center for cooperation, transfer, and dissemination of technology; and the hub of technology and policy intelligence in a specific industrial sector are crucial functions of PRIs in transitioning to a knowledge-based economy. Additionally, to foster a conducive environment for the influence of PRIs in actualizing a knowledge-based economy, policies related to governance and division of responsibilities, stimulation of both supply and demand sides, strengthening the linkage between the supply and demand sides, and provisioning supportive environment and infrastructure are recommended.

Optimizing Transmit Power for User-Cooperative Backscatter-Assisted NOMA-MEC: A Green IoT Perspective

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) enables the parallel offloading of multiuser tasks, effectively enhancing throughput and reducing latency. Backscatter communication, which passively reflects radio frequency (RF) signals, improves energy efficiency and extends the operational lifespan of terminal devices. Both technologies are pivotal for the next generation of wireless networks. However, there is little research focusing on optimizing the transmit power in backscatter-assisted NOMA-MEC systems from a green IoT perspective. In this paper, we aim to minimize the transmit energy consumption of a Hybrid Access Point (HAP) while ensuring task deadlines are met. We consider the integration of Backscatter Communication (BackCom) and Active Transmission (AT), and leverage NOMA technology and user cooperation to mitigate the double near–far effect. Specifically, we formulate a transmit energy consumption minimization problem, accounting for task deadline constraints, task offloading decisions, transmit power allocation, and energy constraints. To tackle the non-convex optimization problem, we employ variable substitution and convex optimization theory to transform the original non-convex problem into a convex one, which is then efficiently solved. We deduce the semi-closed form expression of the optimal solution and propose an energy-efficient algorithm to minimize the transmit power of the entire wireless powered MEC. The extensive simulation results demonstrate that our proposed scheme significantly reduces the HAP transmit power by around 8% compared to existing schemes, validating the effectiveness of our approach. This study provides valuable insights for the design of green IoT systems by optimizing the transmit power in NOMA-MEC networks.

Space 4.0 – a common, democratic European space, part 2

Today we are in a period of explosion of business taking advantage of the new opportunities offered by the new environment of economically open space. The period, sometimes called Space 4.0, is a paradigm shift, with changes in motivation and understanding, actors, and technology. For over a dozen years, under the name NewSpace, a revolution has been taking place in the space sector with the participation of new players, schools and universities, new commercial entrepreneurs and businesses. NewSpace entered the area traditionally occupied by OldSpace – government space agencies and large companies, testing new possibilities. These possibilities include new services, e.g. using data transmission from space, regarding communication, precise navigation, agriculture, surveillance, mapping, geology, climate, space weather, environmental monitoring, and security. The transformation of OldSpace into NewSpace was associated with the business risk of changing old, conservative business models into completely new ones, unknown in this area. The transformation is related to the need to maintain the changes in a reasonable legal system so as not to experience the „Wild West” again, this time in space. It is currently difficult to establish strict rules regarding the still distant colonization of Mars, but undoubtedly establishing rules for the use of the LEO area, i.e. the already crowded low Earth orbits, is becoming an increasingly urgent necessity. In the context of competition and technological cooperation between giga-regions, international cooperation, combating old prejudices and establishing equal opportunities, under the umbrella of social acceptance, we are building in Europe, not without difficulties, a common, democratic space.

Being Together, Growing Affluence: Institutions of Integration and the Making of Technological Power in the Comecon

The article examines inter-state attempts to enhance industrial development in the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (Comecon, or CMEA) between the 1950s and 1980s. It studies how state socialism aimed to build a network of economic and research institutions to transform the bloc into a technological leader during the Cold War. Building upon previously unpublished archival sources, this research focuses on cooperation in chemistry through the framework of scientific and technological cooperation of Comecon. This study argues that socialist countries built a complex institutional system for cooperation and integration, yet whose effects were limited by material shortages and inter-state contradictions.

Recognizing Key Macro-factors of Technological Innovation Based on Leading Technology Companies’ Research

Abstract The current state of technological development shows that most inventions arise in response to specific circumstances, such as new business risks, changes in legislation, or crisis events. Reactions to new social trends, business models, problematic processes, or competing goods and services are also some of the main drivers of technological innovation. But before these technologies are implemented, there should be adequate regulations in place to prevent them from negatively impacting businesses or society. Two main practical research objectives are the subject of this study. To analyze 100 leading technology companies to identify the main trends and issues in the field of Technology innovation management, as well as their links to economics and society. And to identify the most important technological innovation trends and the corresponding macro-factors more suitable for realistic innovation assessment. As a result of this study, the innovation progress of certain nations (China, the U.S., Japan, and the EU) was measured to a certain extent. The research focus is to depict the key macro-factors that can characterize more complex technological innovation development and certain regional differences. The important intention of this study is also to raise awareness of technological innovation and cooperation in different countries. This research study was carried out from 2022 to 2024.

Does the impact of open innovation depend on contextual factors? A case of the Korean biopharmaceutical industry.

Investments in the strategic development of the biopharmaceutical industry are increasing in both developed and developing countries. The biopharmaceutical industry is a technology-intensive industry where securing original technology and intellectual property rights is important. The role of open innovation is becoming more important due to the enormous research and development (R&D) funds and long development period in the early development process, and open innovation (OI) is becoming more important in the corporate world. Many empirical studies have been conducted on the impact on performance. However, the contextual factors that affect the relationship between OI activities and innovation performance have received relatively little attention, and studies from the perspective of developing countries catching up with developed countries are even rarer. Accordingly, this study examined the moderating effects (government R&D support, absorptive capacity, and alliance management capacity) that affect open innovation and innovation performance in the biopharmaceutical industry using data from Korea, one of the most representative latecomer countries in the biopharmaceutical industry. The basic information, OI activities, and patent achievements of Korean biopharmaceutical firms were collected and organized into a database. Samples with missing or incorrect information were excluded, and 527 firms were analyzed. Negative binomial regression analysis was performed considering the characteristics of patent performance, which is the dependent variable, and a time lag of one to two years was assumed considering the time required to generate results. OI in the form of technological cooperation, rather than technology purchasing, has a positive effect on patent performance. Meanwhile, the greater the absorptive capacity and government R&D support, the greater the positive impact of technological cooperation on patent performance. Conversely, the greater the alliance management capacity, the greater the positive impact of technological cooperation. These results indicate that the impact of OI activities on technological innovation performance may vary depending on context.

Recent Advances for the Development of Sustainable Transport and Their Importance in Case of Global Crises: A Literature Review

The 21st century is a time of rapid development, marked by technological advances, globalization, and international cooperation. It is also a period that has witnessed numerous global crises. In light of recent events, such as the migration crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, it is crucial to consider how to ensure economic stability and enhance the security of the transportation sector in the face of emerging threats. The goal of this publication is to identify the latest solutions in sustainable transportation development and to highlight their relevance in the context of potential global crises. To achieve this, a systematic review of the current research on transportation industry innovations was conducted using 4 different databases, yielding 492 results. From these, 223 publications were selected for analysis based on established criteria. The selected transport solutions were grouped into specific categories, and then their relevance in the context of global crises was discussed. The findings highlighted key solutions essential for economic stability and transport sector safety in potential crisis situations, while also pointing to further research directions. Additionally, they offer actionable concepts for transport organizers to promote a more resilient and sustainable flow of passengers and goods in anticipation of future crises.

Adaptation of Islamic Criminal Law in Facing Digital Economic Crime in the Era of Technological Disruption

The rapid development of digital technology has significantly impacted various aspects of life, including the economy, but it has also given rise to complex digital economic crimes. This research examines the adaptation of Islamic criminal law in facing the challenges of digital economic crimes, such as online fraud, money laundering, and skimming. The method used is qualitative with a descriptive-analytical approach, relying on literature and official documents. The research findings indicate that Islamic criminal law needs to update its definitions and classifications of crimes to include actions in the digital space and apply principles of justice, prevention, rehabilitation, legal certainty, and limitations on punishment. In addition, using technology in law enforcement and international cooperation is crucial in addressing transnational crime. With a comprehensive approach, Islamic criminal law can serve as an effective tool in creating a safer and more just society in the era of technological disruption.

Crypto-Enabled Espionage: The Growing Threat to National Security

This paper examines the growing threat of crypto-enabled espionage and its impact on national security. The research addresses the central questions on how cryptocurrencies facilitate espionage, and what the implications for national security are. Using a qualitative approach, the study draws on existing literature, case studies, and intelligence reports to explore how cryptocurrencies are increasingly being leveraged by state and non-state actors for covert operations. The findings reveal that the key features of cryptocurrencies—such as anonymity, decentralization, and the lack of regulation make them highly attractive to espionage actors. Specific cases, including the use of cryptocurrencies by North Korean and Russian state sponsored espionage networks, demonstrate how these actors bypass financial surveillance systems. The study concludes that while cryptocurrencies offer significant advantages for espionage, they pose severe challenges for national security agencies, especially in terms of monitoring and preventing illicit activities. To address these threats, stronger international cooperation, regulatory reforms, and advancements in blockchain surveillance technology are necessary. The paper recommends further research into counterintelligence strategies that incorporate blockchain technology and artificial intelligence for monitoring crypto-enabled espionage.

Economic Cooperation and Development Strategies in New Energy Technology Between China and Central and Eastern European Countries in the 21st Century

Abstract: In the 21st century, the economic cooperation in new energy technologies between China and Central Eastern European countries is becoming more and more important. China, being the worlds largest energy consumer and a significant investor in sustainable energy, plays a pivotal role in this global transformation. This paper will study about the current state of this cooperation, existing challenges and opportunities. It will also talk about the development strategies for strengthening collaboration. The case study will be focused a successful program between China and Poland, highlighting the factors that contributed to its achievements. On the contrary, the failed project between China and Romania is also examined to understand the experiences and lessons. The paper aims to offer ideas and advices on improving economic and technological cooperation in the new energy sector. By highlighting the key experiences, fully showing the potential of the partnership between China and Central Eastern European countries in developing sustainable energy in the future.

Environmental impacts of drugs against parasitic vector-borne diseases and the need to integrate sustainability into their development and use.

The current scientific discourse on environmental impacts of veterinary medicines mostly focuses on ectoparasiticides. Meanwhile, the environmental impacts of widely prescribed drugs for the treatment of human and animal parasitic vector-borne diseases (PVBD) remain largely unexplored. There is thus a need for evidence-based information to support guidelines and protocols for sustainable One Health PVBD drug development and use, while promoting greener research practices. Here, we reflect on the potential environmental impacts of PVBD drugs in current use, and the environmental impact of our research practices for developing new antiparasitics. We conducted a survey of the membership of the "One Health drugs against parasitic vector borne diseases in Europe and beyond" Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action 21111 (OneHealth drugs) to assess the current appreciation of sustainable drug design concepts and the extent to which One Health and sustainability principles are integrated into PVBD drug discovery and development. The survey also explored which human, technical, and funding resources are currently used in Europe and neighbouring countries in PVBD drugs research. The survey was conducted and analysed by OneHealth drugs and garnered 89 respondents, representing a response rate of 66% from 32 countries, predominantly European. 87% of participating collaborators worked in Academia; research groups were small (60% with 1-4 researchers) and mostly consist of few researchers, mostly at early career stages (63% <35 years old). Collaborations were mostly between academics, and 60% collaborated with non-European researchers, while funding was mostly from national governments. Motivation for greener research practices was high but there was as yet low implementation of green strategies or the incorporation of ecotoxicological test in drug development workflows, due to cost and unfamiliarity. We highlight the need for early-ecotoxicological testing of new drug candidates and suggest best practices as we move towards standardized protocols in developing safe and efficacious PVBD drugs.

Geopolitical Implications of the US-India Strategic Partnership in the Indo-Pacific Region

A geo-economics and geopolitical analysis of the shifting dynamics of the bilateral relationship between the USA and India has significant implications for the IPE in the Indo-Pacific region. This paper aims to evaluate the interaction process between the US and India, utilizing major theories related to China's emergence. This work, guided by the methodologies of realism, neoclassical realism, constructivism, and geo-economics, analyzes the strategic coordination of security defense technology and economic cooperation. It also scrutinizes how the cooperation impacts regional players such as ASEAN, Japan, and Australia, balancing the divergence of geographical perspectives and India's decoupled strategic sovereignty. The last chapter of the study analyses the transformation of the Indo-Pacific by the partnership and presents ways to advance this alliance. In fact, this paper will assist in developing a theoretical understanding regarding the great-power rivalry with the region and the importance of the bilateral partnership for the maintenance of the rule-based international order.

Middle powers and minilateralism against hybrid threats in the Indo-Pacific: South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan

ABSTRACT Asian middle powers are adopting strategies to address emerging hybrid warfare threats by building a web of partnerships with capable and advanced states. This shows an inflection point in the foreign behaviours of Asian states, which have been largely regarded as hedgers between the US and China. To demonstrate the relationship between hybrid threats and complex alignment, this study focuses on three second-tier Indo-Pacific states: South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. South Korea has opened a new era of the trilateral relationship with the US and Japan, and has released its revised cybersecurity strategy emphasising liberal international cooperation against North Korea’s and other hybrid threats, while deepening its cyber and technology cooperation with like-minded states. Singapore has sought to further develop its relationship with the US, whilst maintaining ties with Taiwan; such an arrangement provides an opportunity for the two countries to promote joint leadership to support minilateral efforts in countering Chinese hybrid warfare threats. Over the past two decades, minilateral cooperation has become increasingly popular among Asian states that are implementing institutional balancing against the newly emerging threats.

Improving Mechanisms for an Equitable Transition to Low-Carbon Development within the BRICS Framework

Nowadays transformational changes are going together with the need to address global environmental and climatic challenges. The BRICS member countries realize the need for a fair energy transition to lowcarbon development both within the association and globally.Aim. The objective of the research is to highlight the priority areas that BRICS member countries need to focus on to ensure an equitable and cost-effective transition to low-carbon development at the global level.Tasks. In order to achieve the objective of the study, it is necessary to analyze the components of the BRICS equitable low-carbon development agenda as well as its applicability at the global level.Methods. The research was conducted using the method of systematic analysis of a wide range of academic and empirical sources. The author adheres to a systematic scientific approach.Results. Through the analysis of key initiatives of the BRICS member countries, including legislative ones, five priority areas on which the BRICS needs to focus on to ensure a fair energy transition at the global scale are identified: removing discriminatory measures in multilateral trade, achieving food security and economic growth, facilitating non-discriminatory access to technology, promoting environment and climate cooperation, and enhancing the human resource potential of the energy sector.Conclusions. The author concludes by noting that such a BRICS sustainable development agenda is capable of initiating energy transition processes on a global scale.

Quantitative Analysis of Contributions of KIGAM to Domestic Industry Through Technology Transfer, Technical Consulting, Startups, and Cooperation in the R&amp;amp;D Fields of Mineral and Energy Resources and Geological Information

Quantitative Analysis of Contributions of KIGAM to Domestic Industry Through Technology Transfer, Technical Consulting, Startups, and Cooperation in the R&amp;amp;D Fields of Mineral and Energy Resources and Geological Information

Supporting inclusion in teaching and learning STEM subjects within the DISCO+ project

Aim. The objectives of DISCO+ (Dropout and Inclusion at SChOol) project are two- fold: to implement an inclusive approach and prevent early school leaving in STEM sub- jects. The participating partner institutions apply cooperative engineering to develop units in mathematics and science subjects that can be implemented in different European educational contexts to meet the project objectives. Within the project (WP2) 16 transna- tional groups of pre- and in- service teachers take part in an eTwinning digital training sessions on the notion of school inclusion in Europe, the implementation of the principle of equality between girls and boys, the development of the critical thinking in learning scientific disciplines. Small group discussions refine each participant’s understanding of the issues involved, and the work carried out makes it possible to go beyond the local character of the definitions and to reach a common and shared understanding of the intercultural nuances present in each country. These exchanges will help build links be- tween participants and create a network of European colleagues. The groups’ experience books will serve as a basis for posters, which will be presented in June 2024. These pres- entations can be filmed and contribute to a 5-hour MOOC, which will be developed at a later phase in the project. Methods. By adopting a methodology which includes collectively designing teach- ing-learning sequences in transnational context, the project applies transnational engi- neering. Each partner involved in the creation of one or more teaching-learning sequenc- es must question the conditions of transferability of its point of view, its analyses and its testimonies in different educational contexts. In other words, the intercultural component of sequences designed jointly by partners from different countries should be ensured by addressing socially relevant issues and enriching their treatment with a variety of cul- tural viewpoints. The design of sequences on a transnational scale from this intercultural perspective will also make it possible to deal with the language issue in subjects such as mathematics and science. This methodology intends to develop a common culture on key issues such as sustainable development, inclusion and gender equality and to contribute to the creation of a European citizenship. Results. The activities will result in several deliverables, which include a round ta- ble, dedicated to the notion of school inclusion on a European scale, a four-month long eTwinning digital training in 16 transnational groups (teacher trainees, practioners) dis- cussing and exchanging ideas on inclusion in European education systems, teaching Sci- ence subjects, equality of girls and boys and developing critical thinking. Group experi- ence notebooks will be published as the result of exchanges between students, and will be dissemminated through the realisation of a poster session allowing the mutualisation of the work of the different working (16 transnational) groups. During the implementa- tion of „cooperative engineering” around inclusion and STEM teaching approaches by deconstructing representations of these objects to identify European variables and in- variants, an „online serious game”, and an accompanying guide is to be developed. The production of at least 4 teaching units (one per transnational team), two of which will be in mathematics and two in earth sciences (at least one unit is taught in the mother tongue and another in a CLIL approach) will be filmed and analysed by each “cooperative en- gineering” group on the eTwinning platform. Several activities will be used to produce resources, which in turn will be scripted into am5-hour MOOC training module to be made available on the platform already developed as part of the DICO+ project. Conclusions. In conclusion, the structure of the DISCO+ project will enable it to ad- dress the entire educational community in each country, including pupils, teachers, fu- ture teachers, trainers of trainers and inspectors.

Materiality of Memorialisation: Mapping Migrant Women's Landmarks in Europe

This article investigates the memorialization of migrant women across transcultural landscapes, and analyses results from the Register of Migrant Women Landmarks in Europe (hereinafter RMWLE), central to the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) action project “Women on the Move” (CA19112 – WEMov). It serves as reference for subsequent research based on data from this Register, for which data collection is continuing. The RMWLE registers toponyms, such as monuments, plaques, streets and other infrastructures named after women with a significant history of migration. It honours aspects rarely prioritized in memorialisation agendas, which are skewed towards men’s stories, and towards the more linear biographies of sedentary figures whose European, national, and regional memorialisation have remained uncomplicated by migration. This Deep Data study reveals recurring patterns at the level of Europe in the memorialisation of these women migrants. The diversity of stories, the richness and the prominence of landmarks devoted to men compared to women is a subject well-covered in memorialisation studies. This unbalance is compounded by the data from our register which shows landmarks on women migrants that are sometime tokenized, often marginalized, and which reproduce the bias towards nurture and care that have besieged the memorialisation of women in general. It further shows that the memorialisation process and the political and cultural mechanisms of official celebration often work against the recognition of cross-border careers and stories. The intersectionality of the project, highlighting both gender and migration, uncovers a political landscape of toponyms – and we reflect on how this register can help combat cultural prejudice by recovering migration episodes. The RMWLE helps us reflect on the defining impact of migration episodes, a reality rarely underlined in the biographies of famous women. This article favours a storytelling approach, to counter dominant cultural narratives and knowledge practices.

Digital natives, digital activists in non-digital environments: How the youth in Zambia use mundane technology to circumvent government surveillance and censorship

This study investigates the technological strategies the youth in Sub-Saharan Africa employ to circumvent government surveillance and censorship. Centered on the 2020 Zambian youth protests and informed by interviews with 37 participants, we explore the youth's innovative use of mundane skills to build digital communities, evade government surveillance, and leverage algorithms. The findings indicate that despite limited online access and government restrictions, the Zambian youth creatively employed their local skills to build social networks, disseminate information, and mobilize for social change. However, two contrasting narratives emerge: one celebrating the innovation and resilience of these young people, with the other raising concerns about the broader implications of their actions. Notably, some youth transitioned from influential activists to government insiders, a shift that may have diluted their capacity to champion social justice. The study emphasizes the need to scrutinize the balance between technological cooperation and potential discord, urging a more profound exploration of technology's role in shaping the trajectory of democracy, especially in settings akin to sub-Saharan Africa. We argue for further research into the role of digital influencers in electoral processes and democratic systems.