Innovation Value Chain Research Articles

Narratives of growth of formative technological innovation systems based on a knowledge perspective: the case of medical devices

Purpose This study aims to analyze the narratives of growth during the initial stages of development of the medical device technological innovation system (TIS). This paper used micro/nanofluidic-based point-of-care testing (mnPOCT), a breakthrough technology in the health-care sector. Design/methodology/approach This study presents a framework that includes measures of knowledge breadth and sharing mechanisms based on cognitive and actor-based networks. The framework integrates bibliometric, network and statistics-based approaches with a focus on the first decade of mnPOCT development. Findings In addition to the typical patterns of technological emergence, the mnPOCT sector exhibits distinctive characteristics. This paper observed significant scientific content and a high geographic concentration. Although small- and medium-sized enterprises, particularly startups, detonate knowledge development, large companies play a subtle yet impactful role as innovation mediators. Interfirm alliances are sparse, reflecting the complementarities between startups and large firms throughout the innovation value chain. These alliances show a significant correlation with SME knowledge creation. Research limitations/implications This study provides researchers and practitioners with guidelines for assessing the dynamics of the growth of technologies in the earliest stages of growth through knowledge and implications for research strategy toward the development and deployment of effective system interventions. Originality/value The study of formative TISs presents challenges because of the nascent characteristics and uncertainties surrounding emerging technologies. Current discussions on the narratives of growth of emerging TISs are limited to broad descriptions, which hinder understanding of these formative stages. This study offers a unique approach to assessing the initial stages of technological evolution. Moreover, it contributes to the existing literature by providing guidelines for managing new technologies for R&D researchers and practitioners.

The impact of digital industrialization and industrial digitalization on regional green innovation efficiency in China -From the perspective of the innovation value chain

To systematically detect the influence of digital economy on regional green innovation, this study regards regional green innovation as a two-stage sequential process, and constructs a network SBM model to evaluate the overall and stage green innovation efficiency of 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020. Digital economy development is decomposed into digital industrialization and industrial digitalization, and an empirical study based on fixed effects regression model of panel data is conducted to determine their influence on the overall and stage green innovation efficiency. The results suggest the following: (1) The overall efficiency in China remained at a low level, with the efficiency of research and development being slightly higher than that of achievement transformation. (2) From the national perspective, there is no discernible effect of digital industrialization on overall efficiency, but there is a negative impact on research and development and a significant positive impact on achievement transformation. Industrial digitalization significantly improves achievement transformation and overall efficiency but has no discernible effect on the research and development stage. (3) In the eastern region, industrial digitalization promotes the improvement of both stages and overall efficiency, while digital industrialization does not have a significant impact. In the central region, digital industrialization and industrial digitalization have significant positive impacts on both overall efficiency and the efficiency of achievement transformation but have no impact on research and development. In the western region, digital industrialization inhibits the overall and achievement transformation efficiency, and industrial digitalization does not have significant impact on the overall efficiency or the efficiency of each stage. Finally, some relevant policy recommendations are proposed.

How do global value chains respond to climate change? A case study of Chinese manufacturing firms

This study investigates climate risk and its effects on global value chain (GVC) participation, with a focus on the impact of drought on the export value-added ratio (DVAR) of Chinese manufacturing firms. Using fixed effects (FE) and system GMM models, the main findings are: Drought significantly reduces manufacturing firms' DVAR, with the lagged dependent variable showing a strong persistence effect and an even greater impact in the second lag period. This impact varies based on the firm's location, the complexity of its value chain, and its ability to adapt to and mitigate climate change effects. Strategies such as improving operational efficiency, investing in sustainable technologies, and enhancing competitiveness in developed markets may help mitigate or reverse the adverse effects of climate change on these firms. Additionally, significant industry and regional differences are observed, with the Northeast, East, and South China regions being most severely affected by drought. Global innovation value chains and regional processing value chains are significantly negatively impacted, while labor-intensive value chains are affected only in the current period. These findings provide new insights into the economic impacts of climate change and offer a basis for policymakers to develop strategies that help firms adapt to and mitigate climate risks.

Innovations in Aquaculture Technology and Market Access in Sub-Saharan Africa

Aquaculture refers to the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and plants in controlled environments, addressing global demands for seafood while supplementing natural fish stocks and supporting food security initiatives worldwide. Aquaculture in Sub-Saharan Africa is pivotal for addressing food security challenges and fostering economic growth amidst a rapidly growing population. This article reviews the transformative role of technological innovations, sustainable practices, and market access strategies in advancing aquaculture across the region. Technological advancements such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and improved breeding techniques are enhancing productivity and sustainability. Sustainable practices like integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) promote resource efficiency and environmental integrity. Market access initiatives, including infrastructure development and value chain innovations, are critical for connecting small-scale producers with markets and improving economic returns. The methodology employed in writing this review article involved synthesizing recent literature on aquaculture innovations, sustainability practices, and market dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa, drawing from peer-reviewed sources and recent publications to present a comprehensive overview of the subject matter. By embracing these innovations and practices, Sub-Saharan Africa can strengthen food security, support economic development, and promote sustainable aquaculture while conserving natural resources. Keywords: Aquaculture, Sub-Saharan Africa, Technological innovations, Sustainable practices, Market access.

Spatial network structure and formation mechanism of China’s marine science and technology innovation efficiency from the perspective of innovation value chain

Spatial network structure and formation mechanism of China’s marine science and technology innovation efficiency from the perspective of innovation value chain

Differences in the innovation effectiveness of China's new energy vehicle industry policies: A comparison of subsidized and non-subsidized policies

The adjustment of China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry policies and innovation incentives is currently in progress. This study takes a new perspective by comparing subsidized and non-subsidized policies, and empirically examines their innovation effects on NEV enterprises using the innovation value chain theory. The results indicate that in the previous technology development stage, the subsidized policy exhibits a relatively stronger but volatile impact on incremental innovation, whereas the non-subsidized policy demonstrates a more stable effect on radical innovation. In the latter innovation value realization stage, both policies show a better impact on the short-term innovation value (output value) of NEV enterprises compared to the long-term value (market value). The mediation effect and threshold effect tests show that there is a significant mediating effect of technology development behavior of NEV enterprises in the whole value chain, although the specific mediating pathways and threshold effects are inconsistent, and overall innovation transmission efficiency is insufficient. Moreover, considering the internal ownership of NEV enterprises and external regional innovation atmosphere characteristics, the effects of the two policies also have their own distinct emphases. This study provides new insights for addressing issues related to innovation incentives and policy decisions for NEVs in the post-subsidy era.

Capabilities, sustainability, and innovation in mining value chains

Abstract The original research presented in this Special Section analyzes different aspects of the potential offered to mining firms in developing countries by new demands for solutions to face environmental, social and technological challenges. The evidence is drawn from extensive fieldworks and comparative econometric research on Latin America, and suggests that the existing opportunities will need to be pursued with firm-level efforts and active regulatory and innovation policies.

Digital Economy Development and Green Innovation Efficiency from a Two-Stage Innovation Value Chain Perspective

Resolving the conflict between economic growth and ecological sustainability is crucial when transitioning from traditional economic development towards a sustainable green model. In this context, the super-NSBM model was applied to measure the efficiency of green innovation technology research and development. Additionally, it was applied to measure the efficiency of the green innovation achievement transformation among 30 Chinese provinces. This evaluation was conducted for the period from 2011 to 2021, and it utilized a two-stage innovation value chain perspective. The entropy method was used to comprehensively calculate the digital economy development index, and the impact of digital economy development on the two-stage green innovation effect was empirically explored using SDM. The findings revealed the following: Firstly, both two-stage green innovation efficiency and digital economy development exhibited significant spatial characteristics. Secondly, digital economy development had a positive effect on two-stage green innovation efficiency not only in the local region but also in neighboring regions. This conclusion remained valid throughout a series of robustness tests. Thirdly, in terms of regional heterogeneity, the eastern region and non-resource-based regions had greater digital economy development dividends than the central, western, and resource-based regions; therefore, the effect on two-stage green innovation efficiency was more significant. Lastly, both intellectual property protection and data factor endowment exerted positive moderating effects on the influence of the digital economy on two-stage green innovation efficiency. The conclusions of this research provide a theoretical backing for and empirical proof of the mechanism of digital economy development and its impact on two-stage green innovation efficiency. Policy implications are suggested based on these findings, such as reinforcing digitalization, establishing targeted policies, and fostering a favorable external environment conducive to technological innovation.

The driving effect of technological innovation on green development: From the perspective of efficiency

Green development is considered to be an effective way to achieve win-win between economy and environment, and technological innovation is the core driving force of green transformation development. High-tech industries are the core industries of industrial technology and economic development, and their technological innovation ability and green development level are important supports for optimizing the national industrial structure and promoting the green transformation of industries. Therefore, based on the concept of innovation and green development, this paper analyzes the industrial development rule from the perspective of the interaction mechanism between technological innovation and green development, to provide theoretical reference for the design of corresponding development strategies and planning. Hence, NSBM model is constructed to evaluate the efficiency of multi-stage technology innovation and deconstruct the evolution law of technology innovation value chain of high-tech industry. Secondly, GML model is used to evaluate green total factor productivity and clarify the green and high-quality development status of high-tech industry. Finally, the truncated regression model is constructed to analyze the factors affecting the external environment of green transformation development. The results indicate that the upgrading of technology innovation value chain is conducive to promoting green transformation development.

Evaluation of innovation primacy in cross-regional central cities: Evidence from the Huaihai Economic Zone in China (2010-2020).

With the intensification of global economic competition, innovation has become one of the core elements of vigorous development in various regions. Improving the innovation ability of cross-regional central cities is the main factor influencing whether a region can achieve economic and social development. In this paper, an innovation primacy index system is designed according to the links of the innovation value chain, and the innovation advantages and empirical effects are comprehensively analyzed by using the point-to-point method, entropy weight method, gravity model and two-way fixed effect model. Based on the data of 8 cities in the core area of the Huaihai Economic Zone from 2010 to 2020 in China, Xuzhou's innovation primacy ranks first in the core area of the Huaihai Economic Zone, which accords with its status as the central city of the region. Its index has been rising, and its development trend is also good. However, the overall innovation ability of the core area of the Huaihai Economic Zone is unbalanced; the overall economic foundation is not solid enough. In terms of knowledge innovation, R&D innovation and industrial innovation, the industrialization level, around the activation of Xuzhou city vitality, enhances the Xuzhou innovation radiation drive, leading to a decrease in the Huaihai Economic Zone. Finally, some corresponding suggestions on innovation primacy have been proposed for the city of the Huaihai Economic Zone.

Innovative models of enterprise activities in global value chains

Methods. The research is based on the use of such general scientific methods as: logical and historical – to study the historical conditions of the development of the world economy, which influenced the change of scientific ideas about the nature of the innovation process; general and specific – to establish the specifics of theoretical innovation models; analysis and synthesis – to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of open innovations. Results. The evolution of scientists’ views on the nature of innovation processes is traced in the article. Five dominant theoretical models of innovation are characterized, namely: «technological push», «market involvement», «combination of technological capabilities and market needs», «integrated innovation process», «chain» and «open innovation». The relationship between changes in the economic system of society and the development of scientific ideas about the nature of innovation processes has been established. Specific features of the open innovation model are singled out and directions of its application in the organization of innovative activities of enterprises joining global value chains are demonstrated. The advantages and disadvantages of the model of open innovation in global value chains are demonstrated. Novelty. The scientific novelty of the research results lies in the determination of the possibilities of using various types of open innovations existing at the current stage in global value creation chains, for which their ranking was carried out based on the combination of the value of the level of innovation inclusion in the global value creation chain and the purpose of the enterprise’s activity. Practical value. The results of the study reveal the variability of theoretical ideas about the innovation process depending on the transformations of economic systems, and therefore allow enterprises to choose more effective competitive strategies for their development.

A Double-Layer Coupled Network Model of Network Density Effects on Multi-Stage Innovation Efficiency Dynamics: Agent-Based Modeling Methods

This paper proposes a double-layer coupled network model to analyze the multi-stage innovation activities of online, and the model consists of two layers: the online layer, which represents the virtual interactions among innovators, and the offline layer, which represents the physical interactions among innovators. The model assumes that the innovation activities are influenced by both the online and offline network structures, as well as the coupling effect between them. And it simulates the entire innovation process including knowledge diffusion and knowledge recombination. The model also incorporates the concept of network density, which measures the degree of network connectivity and cohesion (network structure). Observing the network density influence on innovation efficiency during the innovation process is realized through setting the selection mechanism and the knowledge recombination mechanism. The coupling relationship between the two layers of network density on the three stages of innovation is further discussed under the theoretical framework of the innovation value chain. Simulation and experimental results suggest that when the offline network density is constant, a higher online network density is not always better. When the online network density is low, the sparse structure of the online network reduces innovation efficiency. When the online network density is high, the structural redundancy caused by the tight network structure prevents innovation efficiency from improving. The results of the study help enterprises to adjust and optimize the internal cooperation network structure at different stages of innovation in order to maximize its effectiveness and improve the innovation efficiency of enterprises.

Analysis the mediating role of knowledge sharing and innovation value chain on the company's sustainable competitive advantage

In an era where knowledge has become one of the most valuable assets, the ability to effectively gather, store, manage, and utilize knowledge is critical. Given the ever-changing market needs, the sustainable competitive advantage of a company is crucial. The aim of this research is to analyze the role of knowledge management capabilities in sustainable competitive advantage and to assess the effectiveness of the impact provided by knowledge sharing and the innovation value chain in enhancing a company's competitive advantage. The research method employed is quantitative research using a questionnaire with a 1 – 7-point Likert Scale for data collection. This study was conducted on employees, staff, and managers of a state-owned bank in Indonesia, with a sample size of 206 respondents. Data analysis will be performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique with SmartPLS 4 software. The results of hypothesis testing indicate that the influence of knowledge management capabilities on knowledge sharing, and the innovation value chain is statistically significant. Furthermore, there is a statistically significant influence between knowledge sharing and sustainable competitive advantage, and knowledge sharing mediates the relationship between knowledge management capabilities and sustainable competitive advantage. The influence of the innovation value chain on sustainable competitive advantage is also significant, however, there is no significant evidence found that the innovation value chain mediates the relationship between knowledge management capabilities and sustainable competitive advantage.

Does Entrepreneurship Education ensure Entrepreneurial Competencies? -An Omani Higher Education Perspective of Faculty Professional Development Program

In the scenario of Omani Higher Education, populating the eco-system with ‘Certified Entrepreneurship Educators as trainers’, along with allied organizations that enable entrepreneurship in Oman is a necessity that needs to be addressed. A ‘Certified Entrepreneurship Educators’ program is a professional development workshop that had precisely been conceptualized for this reason in Oman and has served the purpose to this end. Specifically, the program had been proposed to raise awareness about innovation, including new scientific theories and newer pedagogies for benchmarking as well as expanding the knowledge to learn, “Teaching Entrepreneurship’ as a subject-area to teachers at varied skills levels. Furthermore, the content and concepts of the program had focused on enhancing the innovation value chain to improve the perspectives of the learners from not just being “small businesses” but aspire themselves to be “creative enterprises.” The Information that was captured in the process of delivery of this modular faculty development program was the first step to the development of a set of competencies. These competencies when tested can imbibe trainable skill set for a result-oriented and enhanced learning outcome-based faculty development program. The professional development program was a customization of an international experts’ modular approach to cater to needs. of the local environment. Capacity-Building on Competencies was the value expected to be captured and this paper reviews some competence development frameworks and their implications for stakeholders in the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Research on the enhancement path of green technology innovation efficiency under the group perspective.

China is at a critical moment of transforming high-speed development to high-quality development, and it is significant to improve the efficiency of green technological innovation. In this paper, under the perspective of two-stage innovation value chain, we construct the evaluation index system of green technology innovation efficiency, adopt the super efficiency SBM model to measure the green technology innovation efficiency of China's high-tech industries, and based on the results obtained, we assume the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method (fs-QCA) based on the group theory to explore the complex causal mechanism and grouping paths of the interaction between enterprises, government and market that affects the green technology innovation efficiency Mechanism and group path. The study results show that (1) enterprise, government, and market are not necessary conditions to influence the efficiency of green technological innovation, and even if a particular party plays a central role, it needs the assistance of other parties. (2) The improvement of green technological innovation efficiency requires the interaction of enterprises, government, and market, and even if any party does not have the core conditions, it can still produce high green technological innovation efficiency. (3) The path of the "innovative compensation" effect is identified, which indicates that enterprises will generate a high level of green innovation efficiency under sufficient investment brought about by the enterprise scale effect and matched with a good level of economic development. (4) The market economy-led pathway suggests that when the market economy is highly developed, firms do not need environmental regulation and government support to generate efficient levels of green technological innovation.

How public education investment and advanced human capital structure affect regional innovation: A spatial econometric analysis from the perspective of innovation value chain

This research delves into the impact of public education investment and advanced human capital structure on the innovation outputs at various processes of China's regional innovation value chains. Utilizing the spatial Dubin model, the study analyzes panel data from 30 provinces spanning from 2002 to 2020, distinguishing between the Research and Development (R&D) and Commercialization sub-processes in regional innovation. It reveals that public education investment significantly boosts R&D output directly and also positively influences commercialization output through spillover effects. This trend remains consistent over time. The study also uncovers regional variations in the effects of public education investment on innovation outputs between China's eastern regions and its central-western counterparts. This study does not find any evidence that public education investment leads to local advanced human capital structure. In terms of direct impacts, there appears to be a substitution effect between public education investment and the advanced human capital structure on local R&D outputs, while a more advanced human capital structure tends to negatively correlate with local commercialization outputs. Notably, the study indicates that the higher the level of advanced human capital structure, the more pronounced the negative impact of public education investment on local commercialization outputs. In light of the above findings, we believe that governments should increase public investment in education, but also recognize that investment alone is not enough. It is necessary to transform the education development model and establish a high-quality innovation system. Differentiated strategies for different regions should be implemented, and an appropriate investment compensation mechanism should be established to solve the problem of uneven investment returns. We also do not recommend blindly pursuing the advanced human capital structure. Only when investment in education is in line with the human capital structure will it produce the best results.

Environmental regulation, technology density, and green technology innovation efficiency

From the perspective of the innovation value chain, this study divides the innovation efficiency of green technology into two stages: R&D efficiency and achievement transformation efficiency. Technology density is introduced as a threshold variable to examine the influence of environmental regulation on the efficiency of green technology innovation at both stages. The findings reveal that China's overall green technology innovation efficiency (GTIE) is improving. R&D efficiency initially declined, then increased, while the efficiency of achievement transformation experienced a three-stage pattern: rise-fall-rise. The GTIE distribution across the two stages progressively increases from the northwest to the southeast, resulting in a concentrated, contiguous “line-shaped” and “block-shaped” pattern. High-efficiency areas are primarily found in the eastern coastal regions. Nationally, Environmental regulation and R&D efficiency share an inverted U-shaped relationship, with a double threshold effect of technology density. Environmental regulation does not significantly affect achievement transformation efficiency, but there is a single threshold effect due to technology density.

A post-COVID-19 IDEA to strengthen research, innovation, and development in Africa

Globally, research, innovation, and the associated education and entrepreneurship are essential for youth and socioeconomic development. Governments, universities, research institutions, and private sector play various roles in the innovation value chain. The weak research and innovation systems in Africa are often linked to the overarching challenges of poor financing, inadequate capacity, weak infrastructure, and processes. Many African universities and research institutions are challenged to validate and transition their ideas and discoveries from the laboratory to field evaluation, and downstream development, registration, and commercialization processes. The critical discovery–development interface that is normally driven by the private sector is also not well developed. Overcoming these constraints require concerted local and global partnerships, sharing of available resources and assets, and training and use of suitable Information and Communications Technology and digital tools to boost productivity. Importantly, this requires private sector engagement and development. We discuss how the Innovation Development and Entrepreneurship Africa aims to use available assets in Africa to support institutions and youths to stimulate innovation. Redoubling efforts toward African development in the post COVID-19 era, in alignment with the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, will require investment in support of these ideals. We offer some policy recommendations in this context.

The paradox analysis and functional mechanism between R&D efficiency and transformation effect: Evidence from key universities in China

To elucidate the paradox between high R&D efficiency and low transformation effect in China, we exploit this setting via two-stage DEA approach to calculate knowledge production efficiency (KPE) and knowledge transformation effect (KTE) at different stages and under different motivations. Using panel data of key universities in China, we conduct empirical analysis with the Fractional Logit model and find that: (1) The innovation motivation, which is the distinction between quantity-orientation and quality-orientation, is the root cause of this paradox; (2) The paradox can be alleviated by government stimulation by providing targeted financial support to high-quality research; (3) Within the imperfect regional market environment and system, the government has greater sway over Chinese research universities than the market does, but both have a limited impact on promoting the conversion of high-quality research results into actual productivity. Our study challenges the conventional wisdom that efficiency and effectiveness have a positive relationship and supports the critical role that research motivations play at different stages of the innovation value chain. It also adds to the body of knowledge on goal-setting theory and the innovation value chain.

Do Innovation and Institutional Quality Elevate Economic Growth? Empirical Evidence from Developing Countries

Research Highlights • An assessment of institutional quality, innovation, and economic growth in developing countries. • Long-run causality from innovation and institutional quality to economic growth is present. • Short-run directions of causality are varied among variables of interest. • Innovation and institutional quality generally positively impact economic growth. Continuous innovation is the lifeblood of a competitive economy. Furthermore, and arguably, the existence of institutions of governance of quality can be a catalyst for emerging economies to transition up the universal innovation value chain. In this context, we investigate temporal causal interactions among institutional quality, innovation, and economic growth for developing countries (DCs) spanning the period of 2005–2020. Employing a vector error-correction model (VECM), we find that for each case and specification (49 instances), there is evidence of the long-run causality from institutional quality and innovation to economic growth. Stated another way, in the long run, institutional quality and innovation Granger-cause economic growth. However, the short-run causality results differ depending on the specific measures of innovation and institutional quality. The strongest short-run conclusion is support for the feedback hypothesis for economic growth and innovation where there is a strong endogenous relationship between innovation, institutional governance, and economic growth. The empirical analysis shows over 70% of our observations support that economic growth and innovation jointly determine each other in the short run. The results suggest that DCs should develop and pursue long-term growth strategies that simultaneously develop innovation and improve institutional governance.