Showing papers in "Innovation-the European Journal of Social Science Research in 2004"
TL;DR: Open Innovation: The New Imperative For Creating and Profiting From Technology as mentioned in this paper is a recent book about open innovation in technology, which is based on the concept of open innovation.
Abstract: (2004). Open Innovation: The New Imperative For Creating and Profiting From Technology. Innovation: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 474-474.
404 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a systematic approach to the Europeanization of public spheres, which distinguishes three forms of Europeanized political communication: supranational, vertical and horizontal, is presented.
Abstract: In this paper we address the alleged communication or public sphere deficit of the EU. We develop a systematic approach to the Europeanization of public spheres, which distinguishes three forms of Europeanized political communication: supranational, vertical and horizontal. We propose that the spatial reach and boundaries of public communication can be determined by investigating communicative flows and assessing the relative density of public communication within and between different geopolitical spaces. We apply this model to data on political claim making in seven issue fields in German print media in the year 2000. We find that the degree and forms of Europeanization of political communication vary considerably among policy fields. These differences are strongly linked to the extent and type (supranational or intergovernmental) of competencies of the EU in these fields. Contrary to the hypothesis of a public sphere deficit, the German mass media seem to quite accurately reflect the Europeanization of...
274 citations
128 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compare two niche-based approaches to sustainable development, both recommended for greening technology systems, one is new, the other is old, and they reveal fundamental issues regarding alternative technology niches and sustainable development.
Abstract: This paper contrasts two niche-based approaches to sustainable development, both recommended for greening technology systems. One is new, the other is old. In fact, a gap of thirty years separates Strategic Niche Management (SNM) from the Alternative Technology movement (AT), yet both share a niche-based perspective on change. Their core approach is to generate knowledge and disseminate lessons about sustainable technological practices through innovative, bottom-up activities. The ambition for both is to seed a sustainable transformation of incumbent technological regimes. SNM proves to be more managerial in its approach; while AT conceptualises niches as a much more grassroots activity. This reflects their different histories. Comparisons between the two uncover some fundamental issues regarding alternative technology niches and sustainable development.
47 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of demonstration projects in the development and adoption of emerging technologies has been investigated and some criteria for selecting and assessing demonstration projects have been identified, including environmental assessments.
Abstract: SummaryThe present technological trajectories in many sectors are not sustainable. A range of policy instruments is needed to foster radically new and environmentally superior technologies. Support of demonstration projects is a standard instrument in early phases of the technology life-cycle. However, the role demonstration projects play and could play for the development and adoption of emerging technologies has been the subject of few studies. Here we try to ident6 some criteria for selecting and assessing demonstration projects. We stress that they could have an important role to play not only for technical development but also for market creation and network formation. We pay some extra attention to the role of environmental assessments and make some initial observations of how our framework could be applied to the area of fuel cells and hydrogen supply system.
33 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the role of science in the regulation of transboundary air pollution is discussed, and consensus-building strategies developed by scientists as well as contemporary strategies for making science matter in regulative work are discussed.
Abstract: The development of consensual science has greatly influenced the international environmental negotiation processes. This is not least the case for the Convention on Long‐range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP). Negotiators as well as regime analysts regard CLRTAP as a successful example of how scientists have succeeded in influencing international policy making through consensus‐building strategies. Drawing on Ulrich Beck's work on reflexive scientization and the concept of ‘stage management’ from the field of the Sociology of Scientific Knowledge (SSK), this paper critically analyzes the role of science in the regulation of transboundary air pollution. It discusses the consensus‐building strategies developed by scientists as well as contemporary strategies for making science matter in regulative work. It is argued that scientific credibility is crucial for attracting political and public attention, but that credibility does not necessarily have to be based on scientific consensus. The challenge for sc...
29 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors elaborate the concept of technological regimes in terms of rules and show that rules will generally guide actors into historically grown paths and directions, while at the same time their behaviour is a source for rules creation.
Abstract: Technological regimes are a common concept in innovation literature. We elaborate the concept of technological regimes in terms of rules. Rules tell actors how to behave, while at the same time their behaviour is a source for rules creation. We distinguish different types of rules for different actor groups. These rules can be embedded in both variation and selection environment and they can be hierarchal. Our hypothesis is that rules will generally guide actors into historically grown paths and directions. They tend to favour the incumbent technology over radical innovations. Our two case studies, power generation from heat pumps and bio-gas production from manure, seem to confirm this hypothesis. Both, potentially radical, innovations failed in the Netherlands, while they succeeded elsewhere. The heat pump case clearly endorses our hypothesis that rules from the incumbent regime do guide the development of innovations into specific directions. In the manure digestion case, changing rules from the selection environment directly interacted with the variation environment. Also, the innovation process occurred within the context of multiple regimes. Overall, the notion of rules seems a promising approach to explain success or failure of radical innovations, but a more extended elaboration of the relative importance of different rules is still needed.
26 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on the initial results of research on the characteristics of industrial clusters being carried out through the (Canadian) Innovation Systems Research Network (ISRN), which is one of the few true economic and social federations in the developed world.
Abstract: SummaryThe concept of national innovation systems was first developed to describe the process of innovation in developed economies. The approach has shifted from solely a national perspective to one including regional or local systems. This focus on spatial aspects has two major advantages: it recognizes that innovation is a social process and a geographic process. For federations, the national system of innovation is more complex than that of a unitary system, since there are often provincial/state level institutions and actors that parallel national level institutions and actors. Canada is one of the few true economic and social (as well as political) federations in the developed world. Consequently, it provides a unique laboratory for studies on the processes of innovation in regions and regional innovation systems. This paper reports on the initial results of research on the characteristics of industrial clusters being carried out through the (Canadian) Innovation Systems Research Network – ISRN.
25 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the contributions that Michael Thompson has made to the development of cultural theory are laid out by highlighting the ways in which Thompson has built upon the group analysis of Mary Douglas.
Abstract: In this article, the contributions that Michael Thompson has made to the development of cultural theory are laid out. This is done by highlighting the ways in which Thompson has built upon the grid–group analysis of Mary Douglas. Thereafter, it is shown how cultural theory is compatible with, and can be strengthened by, the complexity theories that have been formulated within the natural sciences. The resulting theoretical framework is then applied to explain the persistent cultural gap between the business planning and the information systems (IS) departments within companies. It will be argued and demonstrated that the IS professional can usefully be understood as following the views and practices characteristic of the hermit, as defined in cultural theory.
23 citations
21 citations
TL;DR: There are two types of clusters: trade-driven and knowledge-driven clusters as mentioned in this paper, where the emphasis is on trade between the members of the cluster and on collaborating in precompetitive activities.
Abstract: SummaryClusters have become recognised as a potentially effective mechanism for enhancing competitive advantage, and governments around the world have sought to develop mechanisms to identify actual and potential clusters and to promote their formation and operation. Clusters enhance economic performance through increases in the productivity of member organisations, driving the pace and direction of innovation, stimulation of the formation of new businesses, and access to new knowledge and learning.There are a variety of types of cluster; the most fundamental distinction is between trade-driven clusters, where the emphasis is on trade between the members of the cluster and on collaborating in pre-competitive activities, and knowledge-driven clusters, where the benefits are based on access to new knowledge emerging from research organisations, and knowledge held by other firms. On this basis, a typology of clusters has been developed.It is evident from many studies that clusters cannot be artificially ‘man...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the need for literacy education and a reading policy in South Africa and provide a summary of statistical information about learners and schools, and argue that a national policy is needed that focuses specifically on reading.
Abstract: This paper focuses on the need for literacy education and a reading policy in South Africa. A summary of statistical information about learners and schools is provided. The policy frameworks that shape literacy education and current provision and campaigns are described and critiqued. It is argued that a national policy is needed that focuses specifically on reading.
Innovation (2003) No. 26, pp 1-10
TL;DR: The authors investigate the status and role of the South African library profession within the current neo-liberal context, and explore ways that socially responsible initiatives might provide some support for a more democratic and equitable South African future.
Abstract: This research project seeks to investigate the status and role of the South African library profession within the current neo-liberal context, and to explore ways that socially responsible initiatives might provide some support for a more democratic and equitable South African future. The survey questions addressed four major topics: Africana librarianship, LIS education, status, and professional development. Four groups were surveyed: academic and public librarians, librarians working for provincial library services, and LIS educators.
(Innovation: 2002 25: 1-26)
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted semi-structured interviews with managers, supervisors and other members of Fuji Xerox staff from the Eco Manufacturing Centre at Zetland, New South Wales.
Abstract: SummaryThe Fuji Xerox Company is a leading global corporation that has achieved success by re-inventing its business through re-manufacturing the components of its office equipment products. In this study we explore the particular progress towards sustainability achieved at the Fuji Xerox Eco Manufacturing plant in Sydney, Australia and the organisational qualities which have enabled this progress. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with managers, supervisors and other members of Fuji Xerox staff from the Eco Manufacturing Centre at Zetland, New South Wales. Promotional and other literature produced by Fuji Xerox and other sources were also examined. This case demonstrates some of the challenges and business advantages of the emerging concept of corporate sustainability.
TL;DR: A comparison of the city development of Munich (Germany) and Birmingham (England) shows the adverse consequences of excluding egalitarian-minded organizations and perspectives from public decision-making as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A comparison of the city development of Munich (Germany) and Birmingham (England) shows the adverse consequences of excluding egalitarian‐minded organizations and perspectives from public decision making. Since the Second World War, Munich has become an economically thriving and beautiful city in which people from all walks of life can feel at home. During the same period of time, Birmingham has struggled economically, socially and aesthetically. Their diverging paths, from quite similar starting positions, can be explained with the help of the argument that in Munich a much more pluralistic policy regime has reigned, whereas in Birmingham egalitarian views have been ignored until very recently. Yet, another attempt at urban revitalization—this time in the multi‐ethnic, impoverished Schilderswijk in The Hague, the Netherlands—illustrates that policy making can also become too egalitarian. An in‐depth study of a municipal attempt to revitalize this neighbourhood reveals that this effort floundered, as it w...
TL;DR: This book is an excellent collection of articles on the subject with the greatest value for researchers who would like to better understand the implications of their work on management practice, and it makes a fine accompanying textbook for a PhD or graduate course on managing knowledge and innovation.
Abstract: (2004). Organizations As Knowledge Systems: Knowledge, Learning and Dynamic Capabilities. Innovation: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 469-473.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors define an approach to building digital research resources that assesses both the strengths and weaknesses of the current state of digital imaging technology in South Africa with due consideration to the ethical issues and the social context of the African continent.
Abstract: Digital technology is a driving force behind many changes occurring globally in higher education. The pilot digital imaging project in South Africa, DISA, has developed tools for capacity building to support new ways of learning and research to meet a changing model of education. Digital technologies offer a new paradigm, preserving the original by providing access to the digital surrogate, separating informational content from physical medium and liberating preservation management from constraints of poor storage environments typical of the tropical and sub-tropical climates of Africa. The lure of financial aid has, however, spawned what might be perceived as a new form of cultural imperialism in the guise of preservation and access: an imperialistic and colonising culture of digital technology. This paper defines an approach to building digital research resources that assesses both the strengths and weaknesses of the current state of digital imaging technology in South Africa with due consideration to the ethical issues and the social context of the African continent.
(Innovation: 2002 24: 14-20)
TL;DR: The Slovak Republic has been offered membership in the EU, together with nine other candidates, in May 2004 as mentioned in this paper, after a short delay in the negotiation process caused by political instability.
Abstract: The countries of Central and Eastern Europe have undergone unprecedented political and economic changes since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The EU responded by providing political and financial support for the difficult transformation of these countries and refocused its policies towards the strategy of preparing associate countries for membership. This strategy, commonly known as the ‘pre‐accession strategy’, has three main instruments: European Agreements, structured dialogue and the PHARE programme. After a short delay in the negotiation process caused by political instability, the Slovak Republic has been offered membership in the EU, together with nine other candidates, in May 2004. The transition process from a command‐and‐control economy to a market economy and a democratic society addressed the issue of the numerous differences in the regions in the Slovak Republic. The high disparity in economic development and low competitiveness of the regions with a resultant dramatic rise in unemployme...
TL;DR: In this paper, a method for determining the relative intensity of cultural theory's four ways of life within a concrete organization is proposed. But the method is not suitable for the case of public-sector organizations.
Abstract: This research note proposes a method for determining the relative intensity of cultural theory's four ways of life within a concrete organization. The development of such a method is useful for the testing of hypotheses concerning concrete organizations that can be derived from cultural theory. The method is illustrated in an empirical test of a hypothesis regarding the occurrence of unethical behaviour within public‐sector organizations.
TL;DR: This article identified five reasons why South African librarianship remains untransformed, which are the result of misunderstandings by librarian about the historical process, social change, political change, professional change, and the intellectual roles of librarian.
Abstract: This article identifies five reasons why South African librarianship remains untransformed. These reasons are the result of misunderstandings by librarians about the historical process, social change, political change, professional change and the intellectual roles of librarians. Suggestions for dealing with these misunderstandings are provided.
(Innovation: 2002 25: 27-36)
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the growth of libraries in Kenya from the early colonial period to the present and noted that early libraries were associated with the development of the new colony.
Abstract: This article analyses the growth of libraries in Kenya from the early colonial period to the present. It is noted that early libraries were associated with the development of the new colony. The use of libraries at that time was restricted to European and Asian communities. The information needs of the Africans were not considered until the late 1940s. With independence, libraries became accessible to all races. Although the post-independence era has witnessed marked development of all categories of libraries, growth in the 1990s appear to have been hampered by diminished funding from the Treasury. Innovation No.28 2004: 1-8
TL;DR: The authors proposes principles and partnership strategies, including models of new digitisation projects, that can foster a more ethical approach and help maintain the content and context of collections, which can help preserve the content of archives and collections.
Abstract: The permanent removal of archives and collections robs Southern Africa of part of its cultural heritage and can demoralise local scholars. The author proposes principles and partnership strategies, including models of new digitisation projects, that can foster a more ethical approach and help maintain the content and context of collections.
(Innovation: 2002 24: 51-57)
TL;DR: An integrated framework for multi-attribute decision making named SCOPE (System for Combined Planning and Evaluation) that was developed to assess infrastructure policy initiatives—in complex decision environments is presented.
Abstract: This article presents an integrated framework for multi‐attribute decision making named SCOPE (System for Combined Planning and Evaluation) that was developed to assess infrastructure policy initia...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the possibility of establishing a public space of deliberation concerning transport policy and deal with the question of whether it is possible to envisage instances of concertation that deflect conflict.
Abstract: This paper examines the possibility of establishing a public space of deliberation concerning transport policy. It deals with the question of whether it is possible to envisage instances of concertation that deflect conflict. Based mostly on French experience with public inquiries on transport infrastructure, it discusses the relevance and applicability of the sociology of collective action, as well as theories of deliberative democracy. The paper's main argument is that concertation does not occur in a vacuum but is instead structured by power relations. It is, therefore, first and foremost an opportunity to express dissatisfaction and frustration. At the same time, public debate represents—perhaps for the same reason—an opportunity to criticize forms of social domination. It thus may give rise to citizen mobilization rather than help contain it, as is often naively expected by its promoters within the public policy administration. Conflict is thus always the actual subject of public debate.
TL;DR: Aldrych et al. as mentioned in this paper defined the notion of a nascent entrepreneur as "a person who initiates serious activities that are intended to culminate in a viable business start-up" and argued that to a large extent this policy has preceded evidence-based theory.
Abstract: SummaryOver the past 15 years, a crucial part of the U.K. Government’s agenda has been to develop industrial and innovation policies in support of entrepreneurship and the creation of new businesses. They included significant investment in an incubator fund, increased funding for the exploitation of technologies by high tech small firms and the establishment of nation-wide Science Enterprise Centres located within the higher education sector.This paper argues that to a large extent this policy has preceded evidence- based theory. The policy research agenda should focus on all stages of the nascent enterprise development process. Our definition of nascent entrepreneurship takes the business creation process back to the twin notions of an intention and a germ of an idea. A nascent entrepreneur is ‘someone who initiates serious activities that are intended to culminate in a viable business start-up’ (Aldrych, 1999:77). Research should address what these activities are and how long it takes to progress throug...
TL;DR: In this paper, the extent of North/South cooperation in the area of spatial planning and whether it is possible to talk of an island-wide spatial plan is examined in the context of major spatial policy documents, North and South, in recent years as well as the wider European spatial development perspective (in a programme such as ESPON).
Abstract: The article examines the extent of North/South cooperation in the area of spatial planning and whether it is possible to talk of an island-wide spatial plan. This is taken in the context of the major spatial policy documents, North and South, in recent years as well as the wider European spatial development perspective (in a programme such as ESPON).
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the recent evolution of regional governance in Ireland with particular emphasis on the role being conferred upon Irish regional authorities to advance the implementation of sustainable development and evaluate the impact of Structural and Cohesion Funds on sustainable development in Ireland.
Abstract: The regional level of governance in the Republic of Ireland is among the most weakly institutionalized in the EU when compared with other Member States. Nevertheless, under the sway of EU Regional Policy two new regional scales of governance were established in the 1990s. This paper examines the recent evolution of regional governance in Ireland with particular emphasis on the role being conferred upon Irish regional authorities to advance the implementation of sustainable development. It outlines and evaluates the impact of Structural and Cohesion Funds on sustainable development in Ireland. The paper argues that, despite mixed results, there is a simultaneous layering process occurring because of European transfers, programmes and initiatives whereby multiple ‘regions’ are coming into being linked to a concept of regional sustainable development. Of my nation! What ish my nation? Ish a villain, and a bastard, and a knave, and a rascal. What ish my nation? Who talks of my nation? (Henry V, III. II)
TL;DR: The authors overviews the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as process and goes on to examine the TRC as archive, and concerns about future scenarios of custody, preservation and access are raised.
Abstract: After sketching a context of remembering and forgetting in apartheid South Africa, this article overviews the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as process and goes on to examine the TRC as archive. Records of the TRC and public access to these records as well as records about the TRC are discussed. Concerns about future scenarios of custody, preservation and access are raised. The dynamic relationship between remembering, forgetting and imagining must be given space, and measures that limit the ongoing contestation of meaning must be resisted.
(Innovation: 2002 24: 1-8)
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the relationship between the Europeanization process and the anti-globalization agenda in Europe and argue that these transnational protest movements are of a dual and, in part, contradictory nature, contributing to the formation of European public opinion.
Abstract: This article examines the relationship between the Europeanization process and the anti‐globalization agenda in Europe. Relying on the results of fieldwork research conducted since 2001 on the anti‐globalization demonstrations surrounding the European summits, it argues that these transnational protest movements are of a dual and, in part, contradictory nature. On the one hand, they have an agenda‐setting character, contributing to the formation of European public opinion. On the other hand, their influence in terms of agenda setting of European policy is constrained by their discourse style which bypasses or circumvents official discourse about European integration.