Valuable Innovations Research Articles

When do firms not use patents and trademarks to protect valuable innovations? Evidence from the SIPU 2015 survey

When do firms not use patents and trademarks to protect valuable innovations? Evidence from the SIPU 2015 survey

Teaching Undergraduate Journalism Students Foreign Correspondence: Can It Be Done?

The University of Queensland has conducted five international field reporting courses in India and Vietnam since 2012,1 as well as three more courses based on similar work integrated learning principles (i.e., intensive, immersive and experiential) on campus at St Lucia in Brisbane during the same period. Previous research has found them to be valuable pedagogical innovations that have led to solid academic outcomes. The students themselves have also reported enjoying greater self-confidence, better reporting and technical skills, and increased employment prospects as a direct result of taking part in these courses. Some of that research is re-examined in this article but in a new light, given that the main focus here is on whether these courses in fact deliver on another important promise: to teach the core skills required of a foreign correspondent. To discover what those core skills might be, the researcher explored the extensive literature written by former and current correspondents about their experiences and their lessons learned. He also approached 12 former colleagues at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), all of whom have been high profile international reporters, correspondents and producers, and invited them to offer their unstructured reflections on this question. These insights have then been filtered and assessed through the researcher’s own reflections of working as a foreign correspondent for the ABC in London between 1984 and 1987. The results are both encouraging and challenging. They suggest that while the students and their teachers are largely satisfied with the reporting, technical and personal skills that have been taught and learned, many correspondents consider that their core attributes include extensive experience in senior reporting roles prior to heading overseas, where the basic skills have been honed to the highest degree. That, of course, is something that no undergraduate could ever claim to have achieved.

University spillover before the national innovation system reform in Japan

This study examined whether and how university knowledge affected industrial R&D in the period when university-industry collaborations encountered institutional barriers in Japan. Estimation results of the regional knowledge production function using panel data (1983-1997) revealed that university research in a region positively affected valuable innovations in the region, measured by US patents filed by the Japanese firms, with a five-year lag. University-industry joint research did not act as a conduit of university spillover, which suggested that informal channels, such as voluntary transfer of academic inventions in return to donation, worked in the pre-reform period. Intermediaries as part of regional innovation policy, such as local public technology centres, increased valuable innovations not through intermediation of university-industry joint research, but through technology diffusion, such as technical consultation.

University spillover before the national innovation system reform in Japan

This study examined whether and how university knowledge affected industrial R&D in the period when university-industry collaborations encountered institutional barriers in Japan. Estimation results of the regional knowledge production function using panel data (1983-1997) revealed that university research in a region positively affected valuable innovations in the region, measured by US patents filed by the Japanese firms, with a five-year lag. University-industry joint research did not act as a conduit of university spillover, which suggested that informal channels, such as voluntary transfer of academic inventions in return to donation, worked in the pre-reform period. Intermediaries as part of regional innovation policy, such as local public technology centres, increased valuable innovations not through intermediation of university-industry joint research, but through technology diffusion, such as technical consultation.

The Usefulness Of Narrow Band Imaging Endoscopy For The Real Time Characterization Of Colonic Lesions

Abstract Narrow band imaging represents a promising endoscopic technique which allows real time characterization of colonic lesions by assessment of mucosal and vascular patterns. Due to the ability to make an optical biopsy, NBI could become a useful tool in clinical decisions regarding therapy and surveillance. The aim of this paper is to review the current knowledge on the optical diagnosis of colonic lesions by using NBI endoscopy. We reviewed research articles, reviews and meta-analyses from the PubMed and MEDLINE containing relevant data in this field. The validity of endoscopic criteria for the differentiation of adenoma and hyperplastic polyps, as well as of invasive cancer, has been evaluated in recent studies. Based on the prediction of polyp histology, new potential cost saving strategies have been proposed. Many reports are focused on the accuracy of optical biopsy by using NBI for predicting colonoscopy surveillance intervals and adenomatous histology in diminutive polyps, according to the Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations statement. Optical diagnosis is still under evaluation, and cannot yet be endorsed in routine practice. The high level of performance achieved by expert endoscopists needs to be replicated in the community utilizing reliable and standardized endoscopic criteria.

Are Gastroenterologists Willing to Implement the "Predict, Resect, and Discard" Management Strategy for Diminutive Colorectal Polyps?: Results From a National Survey.

To determine whether gastroenterologists would be willing to accept the "predict, resect, and discard" strategy for diminutive colorectal polyps and identify potential barriers to implementation in clinical practice. The ASGE recently published a Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations (PIVI) document on managing diminutive colorectal polyps using the "predict, resect, and discard" strategy. However, there is no data on whether gastroenterologists would accept this paradigm shift. We performed a random survey of gastroenterologists at a national meeting. Awareness of and willingness to adopt the "predict, resect, and discard" practice, reasons for not utilizing it, and whether a financial incentive would be persuasive in implementing the practice were assessed. A total of 105 gastroenterologists were surveyed. Seventy-six (72%) were aware of the PIVI statement and 64 (61%) stated they would be willing to implement this in practice. Medical-legal concerns (85%) and lack of financial incentives (32%) were the 2 most commonly cited barriers to implementation. Greater than 50% of those resistant to performing the service would be willing do so if given a financial incentive, with ∼50% of gastroenterologists who cited an appropriate incentive preferring >$75 to do so. Of these, private practice gastroenterologists and those who had financial interest in sending polyps to pathology were the most likely to request this amount. Approximately two-thirds of gastroenterologists are willing to adopt the "predict, resect, and discard" strategy for managing diminutive colon polyps. Medical-legal concerns and lack of financial incentives are the primary barriers to implementation.

Inbound open innovation for pharmaceutical markets: a case study of an anti-diabetic drug in-licensing decision

Purpose– This paper aims to increase understanding of how firms can more effectively identify valuable and profitable innovations in the pharmaceutical industry and to identify the issues and challenges posed by current managerial decision-making practices.Design/methodology/approach– A case study of a single project is presented: a drug in-licensing decision made by a team of three managers in a large Australian pharmaceutical firm. Using participant-observation, interviews and archival analysis, the authors followed the managers as they identified and evaluated 122 late-stage anti-diabetic drug variants for further development.Findings– The managers used decision heuristics to arrive at a short list of three drugs from a choice set of 122. While the process was ostensibly rational and systematic, there was evidence of data quality issues, misleading mental models and cognitive bias. The authors concluded a high probability of accepting a poor candidate or rejecting a stronger candidate (i.e. making Type I and II errors).Research limitations/implications– This paper focuses on initial market and technology evaluation stage only (i.e. not commercialization) and is a single case study design; therefore, care should be taken in generalizing to other decisions or other contexts. This paper highlights the need for further research integrating organizational decision-making and open innovation from a multi-disciplinary perspective.Practical/implications– This paper raises awareness of potential decision-making pitfalls and includes a detailed audit framework to support improved managerial decision processes and double rather than single loop learning.Social/implications– The findings support better decision-making and therefore supports higher quality drug selection and development, leading to improved population health outcomes.Originality/value– Multi-disciplinary, draws attention of marketing and new product development scholars to open innovation research. It adds to knowledge about open innovation practices at the project level. It also provides an extended model of market opportunity analysis for high technology markets.

Institutional diversity, internal search behaviour, and joint-innovations

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the innovation performance of R & D collaborations from an institutional perspective.Design/methodology/approach– The authors conduct an empirical analysis based on 487 joint-inventions developed by 50 US biotechnology firms from 1985 to 2002.Findings– The authors find that institutional diversity between the partners, as reflected by firm-university partnerships, positively affects the value of their joint-innovation. This effect is reinforced by the firm’s behaviour in searching for knowledge broadly (scope) and in the non-commercial realm (science-based nature). Conversely, as the firm searches for knowledge in few domains areas (depth), the positive effect of institutional diversity is reduced.Research limitations/implications– The study contributes to literature on partner selection, university-industry collaborations, balance between exploration and exploitation, as well as to research on the interdependence between firm’s external and internal resources.Practical implications– The study reveals that when firms innovate together with universities, this promotes the development of high valuable innovations. In addition, it emerges that to fully capture the benefits of these collaborations, firms have to develop a wide set of competencies supported by a scientific approach in problem solving.Originality/value– The study sheds new light on the dynamics favouring the joint development of valuable innovations by focusing on the impact exerted by partners’ institutional differences, as revealed by how norms and rules shape innovation’s modes.

Per oral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of achalasia.

We examine the most recent literature concerning POEM since the last two comprehensive analyses [Natural Orifice Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research (NOSCAR) White Paper, ASGE Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable endoscopic Innovations (PIVI)], and integrate this literature in the consensus POEM guidelines and perspective. These current works are largely centered on POEM operator learning curve, comparison of POEM and laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and extended application of POEM. POEM and LHM are comparable in terms of efficacy (diminished dysphagia and Eckardt score) and complications including GERD. POEM has been successfully performed in a wide variety of patients including children, those with prior achalasia therapy and those with spastic esophageal disorders. POEM has been validated as a treatment for achalasia. Issues remain regarding its longer term efficacy in comparison with LHM. Subsequent comparison trials are needed. http://links.lww.com/COG/A14.

Computer-aided diagnosis of colorectal polyp histology by using a real-time image recognition system and narrow-band imaging magnifying colonoscopy

It is necessary to establish cost-effective examinations and treatments for diminutive colorectal tumors that consider the treatment risk and surveillance interval after treatment. The Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations (PIVI) committee of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy published a statement recommending the establishment of endoscopic techniques that practice the resect and discard strategy. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether our newly developed real-time image recognition system can predict histologic diagnoses of colorectal lesions depicted on narrow-band imaging and to satisfy some problems with the PIVI recommendations. We enrolled 41 patients who had undergone endoscopic resection of 118 colorectal lesions (45 nonneoplastic lesions and 73 neoplastic lesions). We compared the results of real-time image recognition system analysis with that of narrow-band imaging diagnosis and evaluated the correlation between image analysis and the pathological results. Concordance between the endoscopic diagnosis and diagnosis by a real-time image recognition system with a support vector machine output value was 97.5% (115/118). Accuracy between the histologic findings of diminutive colorectal lesions (polyps) and diagnosis by a real-time image recognition system with a support vector machine output value was 93.2% (sensitivity, 93.0%; specificity, 93.3%; positive predictive value (PPV), 93.0%; and negative predictive value, 93.3%). Although further investigation is necessary to establish our computer-aided diagnosis system, this real-time image recognition system may satisfy the PIVI recommendations and be useful for predicting the histology of colorectal tumors.

How to innovate with a brand community

This study examines how a firm can innovate with a brand community via an inductive, longitudinal study of three brand communities. The proposed framework for building an innovative brand community features six mechanisms: animation, openness, structuring, linking, theorization, and integration that support three processes: generation, socialization and adoption of user contributions. An innovative brand community can generate valuable innovations for the firm without reducing its own vitality. It brings together lead, creative, and other types of users to create ideas and new functions, uses, and contents pertaining to innovation. On the one hand, firms that partially open their boundaries by leaving space in the process of innovation for creation and discussion can benefit from the contribution of users without suffering appropriation problems. On the other hand, brand communities should receive toolkits for creation and animation, and encourage the development of both communities and innovation.

Does patenting influence SME sales performance? A quantity and quality analysis of patents in Northern Italy

Purpose – In today’s economy, intangibles have become more important than physical assets for firm success. In particular, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) registered an increasing trend in patenting, exceeding large firms in the number of patent registrations. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between patents and SME sales performance, taking into consideration also patent quality. Design/methodology/approach – The approach uses panel regression model to investigate the relationship between patenting and sales, controlling for firm size and firm age. The authors adopt a purposive sampling technique focusing on a sample of Italian SMEs in the mechanical industry. Findings – The results show that the count of patents do not have any effect on sales performance, while the number of jurisdictions where the protection is extended produces a positive and significant result. Practical implications – The main implication for SME entrepreneurs and managers is that relying on a large number of patents does not automatically lead to higher performance; instead, filing those patents which protect particularly valuable innovations could be more productive in terms of SME sales performance Moreover, the results suggest that a longer time lag between patent filing and SME sales performance might be possible. Originality/value – This paper is one of first attempts to shed light on the issue regarding SMEs patent quality. It is notable that the quality of patents in terms of geographical scope is positively associated to SME sales performance.

Are gastroenterologists willing to implement imaging-guided surveillance for Barrett's esophagus? Results from a national survey.

Introduction: The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has published a Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations (PIVI) statement on incorporating an imaging-guided surveillance protocol to replace the current practice of four-quadrant biopsies every two centimeters for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) surveillance. We sought to determine if current gastroenterologists would be willing to apply these changes to their practice and identify any barriers to implementation. Methods: We collected data using surveys that were distributed at two national meetings and using a random selection process emailed surveys to members listed in the American Gastroenterological Association directory. Physicians from a variety of practice settings participated. Primary outcomes of our study included determining whether clinicians would be willing to accept an imaging-based surveillance protocol, their reasons for not doing so, and whether a financial incentive would be persuade them to implement the protocol. Continuous variables were reported as mean ± standard deviation. Categorical variables were summarized with percentages and 95 % confidence intervals. Results: Gastroenterologists (172) completed the survey; and 140 (81.4 %) of them stated they would implemented the PIVI recommendations into practice. Using a multivariate analysis of the data, physicians who reported a financial incentive for submitting biopsy specimens to pathology were less likely to implement the PIVI recommendations. The two main barriers to implementation of the protocol were medical-legal and financial reasons. Of the 32 gastroenterologists who were not willing to implement the imaging-guided surveillance protocol, 20 (62.5 %) stated that they would implement it if there were a financial incentive. Discussion: The PIVI statement focuses on re-evaluating our current method of surveillance for BE. The results of our survey show that gastroenterologists may be willing to implement an imaging-guided surveillance program, but concerns regarding financial compensation and proper training in advanced imaging techniques remain.

Supply market uncertainty: Exploring consequences and responses within sustainability transitions

Often it is commercial, not technological, factors which hinder the adoption of potentially valuable innovations. In energy policy, much attention is given to analysing and incentivising consumer demand for renewable energy, but new technologies may also need new supply markets, to provide products and services to build, operate and maintain the innovative technology. This paper addresses the impact of supply constraints on the long-term viability of sustainability related innovations, using the case of bioenergy from organic waste. Uncertainties in the pricing and availability of feedstock (i.e. waste) may generate market deadlock and deter potential investors. We draw on prior research to conceptualise the problem, and identify what steps might be taken to address it. We propose a research agenda aimed at purchasing and supply scholars and centred on the need to understand better the interplay between market evolution and supply uncertainty and ‘market shaping’ – how stakeholders can legitimately influence supply market evolution – to support the adoption of sustainability related innovation.

How to treat diminutive polyps? Do we need more evidence?

How to treat diminutive polyps? Do we need more evidence?

ASGE Technology Committee systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the ASGE PIVI thresholds for adopting real-time endoscopic assessment of the histology of diminutive colorectal polyps

In vivo real-time assessment of the histology of diminutive (≤5 mm) colorectal polyps detected at colonoscopy can be achieved by means of an “optical biopsy” by using currently available endoscopic technologies. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) Technology Committee to specifically assess whether acceptable performance thresholds outlined by an ASGE Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable endoscopic Innovations (PIVI) document for clinical adoption of these technologies have been met. We conducted direct meta-analyses calculating the pooled negative predictive value (NPV) for narrow-band imaging (NBI), i-SCAN, and Fujinon Intelligent Color Enhancement (FICE)–assisted optical biopsy for predicting adenomatous polyp histology of small/diminutive colorectal polyps. We also calculated the pooled percentage agreement with histopathology when assigning postpolypectomy surveillance intervals based on combining real-time optical biopsy of colorectal polyps 5 mm or smaller with histopathologic assessment of polyps larger than 5 mm. Random-effects meta-analysis models were used. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by means of I2 statistics. Our meta-analyses indicate that optical biopsy with NBI, exceeds the NPV threshold for adenomatous polyp histology, supporting a “diagnose-and-leave” strategy for diminutive predicted nonneoplastic polyps in the rectosigmoid colon. The pooled NPV of NBI for adenomatous polyp histology by using the random-effects model was 91% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88–94). This finding was associated with a high degree of heterogeneity (I2 = 89%). Subgroup analysis indicated that the pooled NPV was greater than 90% for academic medical centers (91.8%; 95% CI, 89-94), for experts (93%; 95% CI, 91-96), and when the optical biopsy assessment was made with high confidence (93%; 95% CI, 90-96). Our meta-analyses also indicate that the agreement in assignment of postpolypectomy surveillance intervals based on optical biopsy with NBI of diminutive colorectal polyps is 90% or greater in academic settings (91%; 95% CI, 86-95), with experienced endoscopists (92%; 95% CI, 88-96) and when optical biopsy assessments are made with high confidence (91%; 95% CI, 88-95). Our systematic review and meta-analysis confirms that the thresholds established by the ASGE PIVI for real-time endoscopic assessment of the histology of diminutive polyps have been met, at least with NBI optical biopsy, with endoscopists who are expert in using this advanced imaging technology and when assessments are made with high confidence.

Trend spotting and service innovation

Purpose – Improving the commercial success rate of innovations requires alternative approaches based on social science methodologies for identifying subtle, emerging changes in consumer needs and behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to address this call by proposing trend spotting to guide innovation researchers and service managers towards innovations that are more in accordance with emerging consumer needs. Design/methodology/approach – The authors develop, describe, and employ a methodology for trend spotting to derive eight consumer trends that will have a strong influence on their choices. To provide further insights into these trends, the authors label and describe three customer segments as a function of life-cycle. The goal is to provide a framework for identifying innovations that are of higher value consumers. Findings – The authors identified eight consumer trends, i.e. Always on the go, Always logged-in, Quality information faster, Nowism, Look at me now, Privacy, Sustainable living, and return on time (RoT), present across the three life-stage segments, i.e. Young free and single, Chaos in my life, and Got my life back. Practical implications – For illustration purpose, the authors elaborate on the trend RoT and employ their findings and framework to illustrate how the airline industry may derive ideas for valuable innovations. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time trend spotting has been employed in the field of service marketing and service innovations.

The Innovation Study of Japan and US Semiconductor Companies <br/>—Internal Invention and Non-Internal Invention

The negotiations with other firms (opponents) such as licensing are likely to take action as a routine-work of certain actions. It will make decisions in some paradoxical situation not only patent infringement lawsuit, but also cross-licensing negotiations in strategic business. It should be noted that inventions were regarded as only performance of RD we shall call them inventions for patent strategy. So then, we picked out for several US and Japanese semiconductor manufacturers, and so our analysis separated out the number of inventions motivated by technological strategy within the whole set of inventions. Unlike other types of property, IP (intellectual property) assets lack clear property lines and every type of intellectual property you can own comes with connections to other valuable innovations. These ownership rights are also exactly changing. They are embedded in a dynamic technology context, one in which new innovations and new advances are constantly added. One of the best ways to examine that context is observing the legal property provided by patent citations, the references to the prior IP on which the patented inventions build. Patent citations are very important because they make the relationships among technologies and related property rights. The objective is to show that firms make inventions not only on technological factors, but also on patent strategy. Simple analysis method is proposed to identify how many non-internal inventions are filed for patents.

Endoscopic histological assessment of colonic polyps by using elastic scattering spectroscopy

Elastic-scattering spectroscopy (ESS) can assess invivo and in real-time the scattering and absorption properties of tissue related to underlying pathologies. To evaluate the potential of ESS for differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic polyps during colonoscopy. Pilot study, retrospective data analysis. Academic practice. A total of 83 patients undergoing screening/surveillance colonoscopy. ESS spectra of 218 polyps (133 non-neoplastic, 85 neoplastic) were acquired during colonoscopy. Spectral data were correlated with the classification of biopsy samples by 3 GI pathologists. High-dimensional methods were used to design diagnostic algorithms. Diagnostic performance of ESS. Analysis of spectra from polyps of all sizes (N= 218) resulted in a sensitivity of 91.5%, specificity of 92.2%, and accuracy of 91.9% with a high-confidence rate of 90.4%. Restricting analysis to polyps smaller than 1 cm (n= 179) resulted in a sensitivity of 87.0%, specificity of 92.1%, and accuracy of 90.6% with a high-confidence rate of 89.3%. Analysis of polyps 5mm or smaller (n= 157) resulted in a sensitivity of 86.8%, specificity of 91.2%, and accuracy of 90.1% with a high-confidence rate of 89.8%. Sample size, retrospective validation used to obtain performance estimates. Results indicate that ESS permits accurate, real-time classification of polyps as neoplastic or non-neoplastic. ESS is a simple, low cost, clinically robust method with minimal impact on procedure flow, especially when integrated into standard endoscopic biopsy tools. Performance on polyps 5mm or smaller indicates that ESS may, in theory, achieve Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations performance thresholds. ESS may one day prove to be a useful tool used in endoscopic screening and surveillance of colorectal cancer.

Sir Harold Ridley: innovator of cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery has evolved greatly over the years, from the ancient practice of 'couching' where the lens is dislodged, to the modern surgical techniques of today. Sir Harold Ridley's invention of the intraocular lens (IOL) has altered the approach towards cataract surgery, benefitting individuals worldwide. This has been his most notable contribution, it is therefore interesting to explore the build up to this event and gain an understanding of the issues faced by Sir Ridley. This paper explores the significant events and key developments that influenced one of the most valuable innovations in the context of cataract surgery--the intraocular lens.