Showing papers in "International Journal of Technology Management in 2009"
TL;DR: The 'Quadruple Helix' emphasises the importance of also integrating the perspective of the media-based and culture-based public, and results is an emerging fractal knowledge and innovation ecosystem, well-configured for the knowledge economy and society.
Abstract: 'Mode 3' allows and emphasises the co-existence and co-evolution of different knowledge and innovation paradigms: the competitiveness and superiority of a knowledge system is highly determined by its adaptive capacity to combine and integrate different knowledge and innovation modes via co-evolution, co-specialisation and co-opetition knowledge stock and flow dynamics. The 'Quadruple Helix' emphasises the importance of also integrating the perspective of the media-based and culture-based public. What results is an emerging fractal knowledge and innovation ecosystem, well-configured for the knowledge economy and society.
1,267 citations
TL;DR: This paper argued that the firms and value chains which are likely to be most successful in these dynamic new markets are those which are emerging in China and India and other developing countries, disrupting global corporate and locational hierarchies of innovation.
Abstract: Between 1970 and 2000, the proportion of global R&D occurring in low-income economies rose from 2 per cent to more than 20 per cent. However, this rising commitment to R&D does not easily translate into the emergence of a family of innovations meeting the needs of low-income consumers at the bottom of the pyramid, since much of these technological resources are invested in outdated structures of innovation. A number of transnational corporations are targeting these markets, but it is our contention that much of the previously dominant innovation value chains are either ignorant of the needs of consumers at the bottom of the pyramid or lack the technologies and organizational structures to meet these needs effectively. Instead, the firms and value chains which are likely to be most successful in these dynamic new markets are those which are emerging in China and India and other developing countries, disrupting global corporate and locational hierarchies of innovation.
106 citations
TL;DR: A parsimonious, generic cluster framework comprising six constructs and 34 variables is proposed, and the process for applying the framework to the analysis of clusters is described.
Abstract: The elaboration of a conceptually grounded, easily replicable set of indicators for gauging the current state and future prospects for innovation cluster development is an essential aid for policy makers and stakeholders. In this paper we propose a parsimonious, generic cluster framework comprising six constructs and 34 variables, and describe the process for applying the framework to the analysis of clusters. Finally, we summarise the results of an analysis of the current state of eight innovation cluster initiatives of the National Research Council of Canada. The framework and methodology have proven to be effective in analysing clusters quickly, consistently, and cost-effectively.
75 citations
TL;DR: A classification is proposed, focusing on the underlying information structures apparent in these roadmaps, illustrated with 20 representative specimens.
Abstract: Roadmapping is widely used to support innovation, strategic planning and policy development, at company, network, sector and national levels. More than 900 examples of public-domain roadmap documents have been collected in order to explore their purpose and structure. Of particular interest are the graphical forms that roadmaps can take, because of their potential for supporting communication and dissemination. More than 400 examples have been extracted from the collection of roadmap documents, in order to examine their format. A classification is proposed, focusing on the underlying information structures apparent in these roadmaps, illustrated with 20 representative specimens.
51 citations
TL;DR: This paper analyses the characteristics of Engineer-To-Order (ETO) companies, their markets, products, internal processes and supply chains, and shows particular promise for helping ETO companies manage the product life cycle.
Abstract: This paper analyses the characteristics of Engineer-To-Order (ETO) companies, their markets, products, internal processes and supply chains. ETO companies design, manufacture and construct plant that is highly customised. The products are complex and supplied in low volume to global markets. Privatisation and deregulation have changed the competitive criteria and the products and services required by customers, which has led to a restructuring of the ETO industry. Customers are increasingly requiring turnkey projects and through-life solutions. Design is a core capability of ETO companies. Design can involve incremental or radical innovation. Project, risk and supply chain management are important competencies. Design change control, stage-gate systems and Capability Maturity Models show particular promise for helping ETO companies manage the product life cycle.
49 citations
TL;DR: The knowledge content of farmer seed systems is considered in the light of a distinction drawn in artificial intelligence research between supervised and unsupervised learning in order to help improve food security in Africa.
Abstract: A challenge for African countries is how to integrate new sources of knowledge on plant genetics with knowledge from farmer practice to help improve food security. This paper considers the knowledge content of farmer seed systems in the light of a distinction drawn in artificial intelligence research between supervised and unsupervised learning. Supervised learning applied to seed systems performance has a poor record in Africa. The paper discusses an alternative – unsupervised learning supported by functional genomic analysis. Recent work in West Africa on sorghum, African rice and white yam is described. Requirements for laboratory-based analytical support are outlined. A science-backed 'farmer first' approach – while feasible – will require a shift in policy and funding by major investors.
46 citations
TL;DR: Innovations that show signs of becoming successful are very likely to be widely imitated, so making intellectual assets proprietary and taking control over them may be critical in terms of getting adequate returns on investments.
Abstract: Innovations that show signs of becoming successful are very likely to be widely imitated. Therefore, making intellectual assets proprietary and taking control over them may be critical in terms of getting adequate returns on investments. There are several mechanisms a firm can use to build a protective fence around its innovations. These mechanisms are very different in terms of their availability and strength in protecting intangibles, for example and their efficiency on the strategic level, meaning their suitability for the aims of the company also varies a lot. These three dimensions of appropriability are, therefore, worth closer examination.
44 citations
TL;DR: This paper aims to exploit the state of the art on Semantic Web and Knowledge Management approaches in the context of the health domain and to underline the key challenges within the FP7 framework of the European Union for customised and personalised health services.
Abstract: Information Systems in the context of the health domain play a critical role. The evolution of the semantic web and knowledge management technologies in the last years set a new context for the exploitation of patient-centric strategies based on well-defined semantics and knowledge. In this paper we have two critical objectives. On the one hand to exploit the state of the art on Semantic Web and Knowledge Management (KM) approaches in the context of the health domain and on the other hand to underline the key challenges within the FP7 framework of the European Union for customised and personalised health services.
41 citations
TL;DR: This paper establishes a theoretical framework for the investigation of barriers to successful reverse knowledge transfer including failure of psychological contracts, perceived lack of procedural justice, a lack of intrinsic motivation, psychic distance and liability of foreignness.
Abstract: An imbalance exists in almost any type of knowledge and technology transfer due to the information asymmetry of the relationship. However, this is especially the case for reverse technology and knowledge transfer which is epitomised for us by "transfers from an MNC's subsidiary to its headquarters". This paper builds on the few pieces of research in the area of reverse knowledge transfer and, by integrating the cognitive barriers to reverse knowledge transfer produces a conceptualisation which emphasises the importance of informal mechanisms such as social networks. This establishes a theoretical framework for the investigation of barriers to successful reverse knowledge transfer including failure of psychological contracts, perceived lack of procedural justice, a lack of intrinsic motivation, psychic distance and liability of foreignness.
41 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that product and process innovations are not mutually exclusive and that a major key to successful innovation is how and with whom a firm collaborates.
Abstract: This paper seeks to make some contributions to the literature on firm-level innovation in Africa by attempting to identify the significant factors that explain the capability of firms in Nigeria to innovate using the results of an industry-wide study. We focused on the product and process innovation activities of firms between 2003 and 2006 and found differences in the factors that drive them at the firm level. Our results further show that interactions matter more than most innovation-related variables and that the most important actors that influence a firm's innovation efforts are its customers and suppliers. We conclude that product and process innovations are not mutually exclusive and that a major key to successful innovation is how and with whom a firm collaborates. The implication of this for firms and policymakers is that an effectively wired innovation system where all stakeholders are active is critical for firm-level innovation capability.
40 citations
TL;DR: The slow uptake of the OA in Africa, the perception of the African scientists towards the movement, the non-expression of concern by policymakers and their implications on the scientific activities in Africa are discussed.
Abstract: Developing Countries (DCs), particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), are suffering from scientific information famine. The expectation that the internet would facilitate scientific information flow does not seem to be realisable, owing to the restrictive subscription fees of the high quality sources and the beleaguering inequity in the access and use of the internet and other Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources. This paper aims to assess and evaluate Open Access (OA) movement as a proposed solution to avoid the restrictions over accessing scientific knowledge, particularly in SSA. The paper also outlines the opportunities and challenges in implementing OA in SSA. However, there are often mismatches between what the 'donor' countries can reasonably offer and what the SSA countries can implement. Finally, the paper will discuss the slow uptake of the OA in Africa, the perception of the African scientists towards the movement, the non-expression of concern by policymakers and their implications on the scientific activities in Africa.
TL;DR: This study investigates the impact of different customer contribution types and timing and draws a framework revealing two customer integration strategies: anticipation and brokering.
Abstract: Integrating customer contributions into new product development provides an effective approach for successful product innovation, but little academic research explicitly addresses appropriate customer integration strategies. To explore such strategies, this study investigates the impact of different customer contribution types and timing. An analysis of four case studies with industrial goods developers in Northern Europe is used to draw a framework revealing two customer integration strategies: anticipation and brokering. As a practical implication, the careful selection of the customer integration strategy according to the company's industry establishedness and targeted degree of product newness is recommended.
TL;DR: Reviewing eight intelligence systems implemented by UK technology-based organisations, this work aims to test the theoretical model developed by Kerr et al. (2006) and to investigate how TI systems are implemented in practice.
Abstract: Technological information has become an increasingly important advantage for technology-based companies facing shorter technology life cycles and a more globally competitive business environment. Companies have dedicated progressively more resources to the development of Technology Intelligence (TI) systems, realising that these are important assets for business success. Reviewing eight intelligence systems implemented by UK technology-based organisations, this work aims to test the theoretical model developed by Kerr et al. (2006) and to investigate how TI systems are implemented in practice. The characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of each system were reviewed using the theoretical model as an analysis template.
TL;DR: Three structural or unambiguous risks were found: new product performance according to specification, reliability of suppliers and new product adoption by consumers and incidental or ambiguous risks that were found relate to: internal organisation and project management.
Abstract: This paper investigates which risks characterise radical innovation projects. In-dept case studies were carried out via interviews and a questionnaire. The risk concept applied in this study includes three dimensions: certainty, controllability and impact. Three structural or unambiguous risks were found: new product performance according to specification, reliability of suppliers and new product adoption by consumers. The incidental or ambiguous risks that were found relate to: internal organisation and project management. These results can provide guidance for project teams and innovation managers regarding issues they must seek to tick off early and issues that continuously require team and management attention.
TL;DR: A comprehensive causal model is tested that illustrates the inputs and outputs of effective KM within a not-for-profit context over several years and provides unique insight related to the optimal strength of each causal link over time.
Abstract: Long-term healthcare organisations significantly benefit from Knowledge Management (KM). However, the extant literature has little empirical support for this statement. Using the KM instrument developed by Bontis and Fitz-enz (2002), this paper extends prior studies by evaluating behaviours within a not-for-profit context over several years. As such, it tests a comprehensive causal model that illustrates the inputs and outputs of effective KM. Longitudinal data was collected during three temporal periods which provides unique insight related to the optimal strength of each causal link over time. These results also broaden the initial findings developed by Bontis and Fitz-enz.
TL;DR: There are strong arguments to distinguish platform life cycle management from the more common Product Life Cycle (PLC) management, and that best practices in various industries deserve to be generalised.
Abstract: Product platforms are used to specify a (virtual) company's offering to the market in terms of functionality and performance. The specification covers a range of actual products and services and the platform includes choice features, options and external interfaces. Usually, the platform also specifies a number of internal interfaces, in such a way that the common architecture of the products is specified by the platform. The components of a product platform can by itself act as a recursively-defined smaller platform. Like many other artefacts, platforms have a life cycle. In this paper, we discuss the life cycle of the platform in various industries, such as industrial machinery, aerospace, automotive and product software. This paper describes requirements for platform life cycle management and concludes that there are strong arguments to distinguish platform life cycle management from the more common Product Life Cycle (PLC) management, and that best practices in various industries deserve to be generalised.
TL;DR: Data from local suppliers to AB Volvo's truck and bus-plants in Brazil, China, India and Mexico show that foreign TNCs contribute to technology-learning and improved adaptive technological capabilities, which help suppliers to expand businesses with domestic and international OEM-customers in many industries and markets.
Abstract: Our data from local suppliers to AB Volvo's truck and bus-plants in Brazil, China, India and Mexico show that foreign TNCs contribute to technology-learning and improved adaptive technological capabilities, which help suppliers to expand businesses with domestic and international OEM-customers in many industries and markets. This support the evolutionary perspective that technology transfers from industrialised to developing economies are based on local inter-firm linkages arising from regular manufacturing activities of foreign TNCs. A policy lesson is that business-linkages with foreign TNCs with a low-volume demand for high-quality products can result in technology-upgrading among small local suppliers who make necessary learning-investments.
TL;DR: The role of inter-partner competition, knowledge complementarity and trust in moderating the relationship between the use of various knowledge transfer mechanisms and an improved capability to manage R&D alliances is analyzed.
Abstract: This paper analyses the influence of the relationship between the alliance partners on the effectiveness of knowledge transfer mechanisms in promoting inter-organisational learning. In particular, we are interested in the role of inter-partner competition, knowledge complementarity and trust in moderating the relationship between the use of various knowledge transfer mechanisms and an improved capability to manage R&D alliances. Our results suggest that firms can expect utmost learning benefits from the use of knowledge transfer mechanisms in the presence of high inter-partner competition. In addition, we observe amplifying effects of knowledge complementarity and trust on the effectiveness of knowledge transfer mechanisms.
TL;DR: An approach is introduced for increasing understanding of the driving forces and influence of inter-organisational routines in the transformation process towards deeper customer-orientated collaboration in innovation.
Abstract: Innovation, learning and knowledge leverage are crucial for the competitive edge of knowledge-intensive firms. In recent research on business relationships, the significance of studying routines embedded in inter-organisational learning has been stressed as a key element in understanding the development of relationships. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an approach for increasing understanding of the driving forces and influence of inter-organisational routines in the transformation process towards deeper customer-orientated collaboration in innovation. In practice, the results of the paper aim to promote organisations' balance between exploitation- and exploration-related activities towards more customer-orientated innovation management. The case study on the knowledge-intensive engineering consultancy industry illustrates features, driving forces and observed routines influencing the transformation process and collaborative learning mechanisms. Final conclusions and managerial implications are based on an analysis of the theoretical and empirical parts of the study.
TL;DR: E-commerce is focused on as an innovation that can be adopted stepwise, and two levels of e-commerce, basic and advanced are distinguished, with significant, negative interaction effects between adoption level and adoption intention.
Abstract: Most innovation researchers tend to consider innovation adoption as a binary process, implying that companies have either adopted an innovation or not. In this paper we focus on e-commerce as an innovation that can be adopted stepwise. We distinguish between two levels of e-commerce, basic and advanced. Following Rogers' (1995) innovation adoption model, we investigate the differences between companies with regard to their knowledge, perceived potential value, implementation and satisfaction with e-commerce. In a field study involving 127 companies, we consistently find higher scores for companies at the advanced level, even when controlling for the impact of the intention to further adopt e-commerce and various contextual factors. Interestingly, we also find significant, negative interaction effects between adoption level and adoption intention. Due to the magnitude of these effects, the interaction effects tend to cancel out the additional effect of adoption intention for companies at the advanced level.
TL;DR: Using data of manufacturing firms, the conceptual model that local firm's absorptive capacity can contribute to its knowledge acquisition and performance in the context of GMN is confirmed and suggests that firm's abilities to understand external knowledge will be more positively associated with itsknowledge acquisition when the information embeddedness is high.
Abstract: Global Manufacturing Network (GMN) is an innovative manufacturing system that provides great opportunities for local firms in developing countries to acquire knowledge and upgrade through collaborations in GMN. Using data of manufacturing firms, we confirm the conceptual model that local firm's absorptive capacity can contribute to its knowledge acquisition and performance in the context of GMN. Furthermore, our finding also suggests that firm's abilities to understand external knowledge will be more positively associated with its knowledge acquisition when the information embeddedness is high, and firm's abilities to apply external knowledge and knowledge acquisition will be more positively associated with the firm performance when the work embeddedness is high.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that the Capability Maturity Model Integrated CMMI, a best practice reference framework widely used in the software industry, contains practices which are also widely applicable in ETO companies, but that the original model needs to be enhanced.
Abstract: Most of the well-known management and improvement systems and techniques, such as Lean Production (e.g. Just-In-Time (JIT) pull production, one piece flow) and Six Sigma (reduction in variation) were developed in high volume industries. In order to measure the progress of the implementation of such systems, companies and consultants use reference frameworks, which contain descriptions of best practice processes. The core principles of these systems are applicable in any type of industry or service (e.g. focus on reliability and minimisation of waste). However, the best practice references and other implementation tools are dependent on the context in which the principles are applied. For the Engineer-to-Order (ETO) industry, many of the traditional practices (e.g. JIT logistics or line balancing) are not applicable. In this paper, it is demonstrated that the Capability Maturity Model Integrated CMMI), a best practice reference framework widely used in the software industry, contains practices which are also widely applicable in ETO companies, but that the original model needs to be enhanced. CMMI provides a philosophy, as well as a set of hands-on guidelines and measurable stages for process improvement. CMMI may provide practical techniques to ETO companies which other companies acquire from systems such as Lean Production and Six Sigma.
TL;DR: Insight is provided regarding the type as well as the management of non-triad R&D laboratories by building on survey data from 49 leading German MNCs and revealing that the mechanisms used in 'peripheral' countries considerably differ from 'core' country laboratories.
Abstract: Corporate R&D, one of the most shielded and centralised activities in the value chain, has recently experienced rapid internationalisation. However, academic writing has primarily concentrated on investments within 'core', i.e. triad, countries. The question to what extent firms invest in R&D in non-triad economies remains fairly uncharted territory. This paper provides insights regarding the type as well as the management of non-triad R&D laboratories by building on survey data from 49 leading German MNCs. We shed light on the motivations and pace of R&D investments and reveal that the mechanisms used in 'peripheral' countries considerably differ from 'core' country laboratories.
TL;DR: The aim here is to study the literature on learning, innovation and networks, particularly learning in inter-organisational networks, and evaluate and discuss important approaches to learning found in the literature from the standpoint of innovation management and networks.
Abstract: Innovation and product development are by far the most knowledge intensive and complex processes in organisations, meaning that they are among the most challenging and critical processes from the standpoint of new knowledge creation and effective learning The firms' learning capabilities play a crucial role in generating innovations By networking, companies are able to create and share new knowledge efficiently and the importance of networks in successful innovation management has increased significantly during the last few years The aim here is to study the literature on learning, innovation and networks, particularly learning in inter-organisational networks We evaluate and discuss important approaches to learning found in the literature from the standpoint of innovation management and networks Since innovation is a particularly challenging and important task or process from the standpoint of knowledge creation and learning, several viewpoints to learning should be recognised and used simultaneously when aiming at effective learning
TL;DR: It is argued that national and regional programmes, not necessarily designed to increase international links, indirectly leverage international collaborative innovation, by providing additional funding, experience in domestic collaboration, and learning about public funding application rules.
Abstract: Innovation programmes have direct and indirect effects on enterprise strategies. In this paper we argue that national and regional programmes, not necessarily designed to increase international links, indirectly leverage international collaborative innovation, by providing additional funding, experience in domestic collaboration, and learning about public funding application rules. Our empirical findings confirm a positive (but small) influence of domestic-level programmes on the probability that a firm develops innovation with foreign partners. Implications for policy are multiple, including the need to consider systemic measures of innovation when evaluating the impacts of innovation programmes on firm's behaviour.
TL;DR: The study addresses the need for a robust yet practical technology roadmapping method that considers four major factors: input from consumers who use the technology, input from engineers who develop the technology; the technological gap between the roadmapped technology and competing technologies; and future changes in consumer preferences.
Abstract: The study addresses the need for a robust yet practical technology roadmapping method that considers four major factors: input from consumers who use the technology; input from engineers who develop the technology; the technological gap between the roadmapped technology and competing technologies; and future changes in consumer preferences. The proposed method begins by using conjoint analysis of survey-derived consumer data to assess consumer requirements. Expert opinion is elicited regarding the relative importance of engineering characteristics, and any technological gaps are assessed. Quality function deployment is used to interconnect the results. The roadmapping method is applied to power line communications.
TL;DR: It was found that the R&D activities at local universities and research institutes were the most important external factors behind the increase in domestic firms' patenting activities, and FDI appeared to have a negative effect on domestic firm patenting.
Abstract: This paper examines the recent development of industrial technology in China using a rich and novel Chinese patent dataset, which allows us to get a comprehensive view of the invention activities in China. Combing patent statistics with R&D and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) indicators, we found that the R&D activities at local universities and research institutes were the most important external factors behind the increase in domestic firms' patenting activities. FDI, on the other hand, appeared to have a negative effect on domestic firm patenting, at least until foreign market demand for domestic production is established.
TL;DR: This study investigates aggregative technological innovation capability in Africa and compares technological capabilities among different countries; it also compares the relative innovation strengths of Africa in 31 technological fields and manifests the different types of knowledge spillovers.
Abstract: Technology and innovation are influenced by globalisation, and they are important in developing new products and services, as well as doing things more efficiently or more effectively to achieve sustainable development (Ahmed, 2007) Knowledge spillover can be beneficial to technological innovation because the entity can take advantage of both intranational and international knowledge to strengthen its technological capability This study investigates two main issues related to technology development and knowledge spillover in Africa First, this study investigates aggregative technological innovation capability in Africa and compares technological capabilities among different countries; it also compares the relative innovation strengths of Africa in 31 technological fields Second, this study demonstrates the sources of knowledge for technological innovation in Africa; moreover, it manifests the different types of knowledge spillovers that examine the effects on technological innovation capability based on the geographical distance and technological distance in Africa
TL;DR: Information about the relevant strengths and weaknesses of German small and medium sized enterprises allows for identifying strategic starting points for a systematic development of knowledge-networking capability (KNC), and knowledge-orientated and interaction- orientated capabilities elaborated in the literature are combined.
Abstract: In the global knowledge based economy enterprises increasingly face the challenge of collaborative knowledge production in a networked context. Although the importance of the participation in such knowledge-networks is widely recognised, the capabilities for a successful participation have, so far, not been elaborated. Based on the dynamic capabilities view this paper proposes a holistic and practical concept of knowledge-networking capability (KNC). For this purpose knowledge-orientated and interaction-orientated capabilities elaborated in the literature are combined. Extracting the relevant strengths and weaknesses of German small and medium sized enterprises allows for identifying strategic starting points for a systematic development of KNC.
TL;DR: This paper provides a realistic set of design guidelines for clinical KM prepared for ontology-based systems, and an epistemological account of such knowledge is provided.
Abstract: Clinical Knowledge-Management (KM) represents a specific category of KM that requires specific support. Clinical knowledge mixes formal scientific knowledge with a person-culture in which the expertise of clinicians is key. In KM life-cycles, this entails that the required processes associated to clinical knowledge diverge from other kind of activities. Further, the technological support required for clinical knowledge assets is multi-perspective. This paper deals with those differences from the viewpoint of formal ontology. An epistemological account of such knowledge is provided. Then, problems of claim evaluation and representation are approached from it, resulting in a realistic set of design guidelines for clinical KM prepared for ontology-based systems.