Showing papers in "Science and Public Policy in 2010"
TL;DR: In this paper, a systematic comparison of four sustainability research projects in Kenya (vulnerability to drought), Switzerland (soil protection), Bolivia and Nepal (conservation vs. development) shows how researchers intuitively adopted three different roles to face these challenges: the roles of reflective scientist, intermediary, and facilitator of a joint learning process.
Abstract: Co-production of knowledge between academic and non-academic communities is a prerequisite for research aiming at more sustainable development paths. Sustainability researchers face three challenges in such co-production: (a) addressing power relations; (b) interrelating different perspectives on the issues at stake; and (c) promoting a previously negotiated orientation towards sustainable development. A systematic comparison of four sustainability research projects in Kenya (vulnerability to drought), Switzerland (soil protection), Bolivia and Nepal (conservation vs. development) shows how the researchers intuitively adopted three different roles to face these challenges: the roles of reflective scientist, intermediary, and facilitator of a joint learning process. From this systematized and iterative self-reflection on the roles that a researcher can assume in the indeterminate social space where knowledge is co-produced, we draw conclusions regarding training.
471 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the knowledge embedded in WaterSim, an interactive simulation model of water supply and demand presented in an immersive decision theater, and found that stakeholders were fairly critical of the model's validity, relevance, and bias.
Abstract: The connection between scientific knowledge and environmental policy is enhanced through boundary organizations and objects that are perceived to be credible, salient, and legitimate. In this study, water resource decision-makers evaluated the knowledge embedded in WaterSim, an interactive simulation model of water supply and demand presented in an immersive decision theater. Content analysis of individual responses demonstrated that stakeholders were fairly critical of the model’s validity, relevance, and bias. Differing perspectives reveal tradeoffs in achieving credible, salient, and legitimate boundary objects, along with the need for iterative processes that engage them in the co-production of knowledge and action.
240 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a conceptual framework that associates firms' and PROs' motivations, channels of interaction and benefits is proposed, which suggests that each channel triggers predominant types of benefits and claims that policy-making to support PRO-industry interactions should be selective.
Abstract: There are both benefits and risks involved in interactions between public research organisations (PROs) and industry. This paper proposes a conceptual framework that associates firms’ and PROs’ motivations, channels of interaction and benefits. It suggests that each channel triggers predominant types of benefits and claims that policy-making to support PRO–industry (PRO-I) interactions should be selective. Policy design must take into consideration the skill-related characteristics of the actors, and the characteristics of the interaction channels in order to achieve the best possible balance between the benefits and risks of PRO-I interactions. The geographical focus of the discussion is Latin America.
149 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate which channels of interaction lead to which benefits for firms, universities and research institutes in Brazil, and find that bi-directional channels are particularly relevant, yielding both innovative and productive benefits for the firms and intellectual and economic benefits for universities.
Abstract: Knowledge flows between universities, public research institutes and firms may take various channels according to agents' motivations and expected benefits. Models were estimated to investigate which channels of interaction lead to which benefits for firms, universities and research institutes in Brazil. Bi-directional channels are shown to be particularly relevant, yielding both innovative and productive benefits for the firms and intellectual and economic benefits for the universities. As for interactions between firms and research institutes, bi-directional channels are the most important in terms of intellectual benefits for the researchers and innovative benefits for the firms. These findings seem to confirm the dual role of the universities, versus a more focused one for the research institutes, and raise policy issues. Moreover, a negative correlation between investment in internal research and development and productive benefits for the firms was found, indicating that the expected benefits of public expenditure are not turning into innovation. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
102 citations
TL;DR: In the wake of burgeoning international activities and collaborative venues in S&T, rich industrial countries have taken to science diplomacy to strengthen their innovative capacities or to foster cross-border civil relations as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In the wake of burgeoning international activities and collaborative venues in S&T, rich industrial countries have taken to science diplomacy to strengthen their innovative capacities or to foster cross-border civil relations. Apart from some theoretical considerations and empirical case studies, however, we still know little about its different objectives or the strategies, administrative procedures and resources deployed at this fuzzy intersection of S&T policy and foreign affairs. Presenting findings of a comparative study of six countries' science diplomacy, this article puts forward some simple heuristics to account for different programmatic styles and organizational patterns in this emerging field. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
100 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored which channels are the most effective for triggering different benefits perceived by researchers and firms involved in such interactions in Mexico and found that researchers obtain intellectual benefits from the bi-directional and the traditional channels.
Abstract: The process of knowledge transfer between public research organisations and industry occurs through multiple channels of interaction, however, there are differences in terms of the benefits that the agents perceive. Based on micro-data, this paper explores which channels are the most effective for triggering different benefits perceived by researchers and firms involved in such interactions in Mexico. The results suggest that researchers obtain intellectual benefits from the bi-directional and the traditional channels. Firms obtain benefits related to production activities and innovation strategies from the bidirectional and the services channels, while the traditional channel only provides production-related benefits. These results raise different policy issues. First, fostering the bi-directional channel could contribute to building virtuous circles. Secondly, it is necessary to align the incentives to foster other channels of interaction. Thirdly, a change in the researchers’ incentives is required to induce new benefits from interactions.
99 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared the results of four country studies (Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica and Mexico) on the relative effectiveness of channels of interactions between public research organizations (PROs) and industry in driving specific types of benefits for researchers and firms.
Abstract: This paper compares the results of four country studies (Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica and Mexico) on the relative effectiveness of channels of interactions between public research organisations (PROs) and industry in driving specific types of benefits for researchers and firms. All studies used micro-datasets developed by a joint project using common questionnaires. Channels of interactions were classified into four groups (traditional, services, bi-directional and commercial) while benefits were classified into two groups for firms (short-term production and long-term innovation) and for researchers (economic and intellectual). It is found that the bi-directional (knowledge flows in both directions) and the services (knowledge flows mainly from PROs to firms) channels drive intellectual benefits for researchers. Firms tend to value the traditional channel (i.e. graduates, publications, conferences) more than any other channel. However, it is the bi-directional channel that drives the best benefits, especially those related to contributions to innovation activities. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
94 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a survey with leaders of research groups from universities and public research institutes that developed and transferred technology to firms in Brazil and found that patents are one of the least used channels of technology transfer by universities.
Abstract: This article presents an analysis of the technology transfer process from universities and public research institutes to firms in Brazil. In particular, this study is concerned with the role of patents in this process. Although there is a certain enthusiasm in promoting technology transfer offices to manage university patents, the importance of patents to the technology transfer process is not yet well understood in literature. We conducted a survey with leaders of research groups from universities and public research institutes that developed and transferred technology to firms. The results show that patents are one of the least-used channels of technology transfer by universities and public research institutes. But the importance of the channels varies according to the type of technology transferred and to the firms' industry. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
92 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that current policies can profitably be complemented by a set of innovation policies conceived as social policies, which can simultaneously answer a strong social demand for knowledge and expand endogenous innovative capabilities.
Abstract: Many developing countries confront serious problems in benefitting from the advancement of knowledge; a main difficulty being to expand the learning processes. Related policies have been jeopardized by weak market demand for knowledge. Both supply-side and demand-side science and technology and innovation policies have thus been below expectations. This paper argues that to reverse this long trend, current policies can profitably be complemented by a set of innovation policies conceived as social policies, which can simultaneously answer a strong social demand for knowledge and expand endogenous innovative capabilities.
86 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors suggest a framework for examining the way national policy mixes are responding to the challenges and opportunities of globally distributed knowledge networks, cross-sectoral technology flows and consequently open innovation processes occurring on an international scale.
Abstract: The aim of this article is to suggest a framework for examining the way national policy mixes are responding to the challenges and opportunities of globally distributed knowledge networks, crosssectoral technology flows and consequently open innovation processes occurring on an international scale. We argue that the purpose of public research and innovation policy remains one of developing and sustaining territorial knowledge bases capable of growing and supporting internationally competitive industries. But the rules of the game have changed. Public policy now needs to carefully balance between: a) promoting the formation of international linkages for knowledge sourcing and information exposure; b) providing incentives for domestic industry intramural RD and c) sustaining domestic networking to allow accumulated knowledge to diffuse and recombine.
75 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine how innovation policies and the respective policy-making systems in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have evolved since 1990 and the role that the European Union (EU) has played in these processes.
Abstract: This article examines how innovation policies and the respective policy-making systems in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have evolved since 1990 and the role that the European Union (EU) has played in these processes. We aim to show that the EU’s impact on innovation policies in CEE has been highly positive in terms of reorienting economic policies generally towards more sustainable growth, and thus, Europeanization has rectified some problems inherited from the 1990s’ fast and furious industrial restructuring. Europeanization itself, however, has exasperated other problems of the 1990s and brought additional specific problems into innovation policy in CEE: firstly, an overemphasis on linear innovation and, secondly, weak administrative environment lacking policy skills for networking and long-term planning.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the existence and importance of financing constraints for R&D investments in large EU and US manufacturing companies over the 2000 -2007 period and found that the sensitivity of R&DI investments to cash flow variations are important for European firms while US ones do not appear to be financially constrained.
Abstract: This paper explores the existence and importance of financing constraints for R&D investments in large EU and US manufacturing companies over the 2000 – 2007 period. The main results obtained by estimating error-correction equations suggest that the sensitivity of R&D investments to cash flow variations are important for European firms while US ones do not appear to be financially constrained. In terms of policy implications, these results suggest improving the conditions for access to external capital to finance R&D activities in the EU.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a classificatory framework for analyzing advocacy group strategy in S&T policy domains, arguing that activists' strategies to break through the expertise barrier can be classified into four categories: deploying established expertise, new kinds of facts, introducing new policy-making logics, and attacking bureaucratic rules.
Abstract: This article develops a classificatory framework for analyzing advocacy group strategy in S&T policy domains — an area of increasing citizen activism since the 1960s. In such domains, activists may be locked out by what I call the ‘expertise barrier’, which blocks those lacking specialized knowledge from full participation. This article argues that activists' strategies to break through the expertise barrier can be classified into four categories: deploying established expertise, introducing new kinds of facts, introducing new policy-making logics, and attacking bureaucratic rules. It suggests further that focusing research on these four categories can facilitate hypothesis generation and future avenues of inquiry, including comparison among advocacy challenges in diverse technical domains. To illustrate this framework, I present examples from activism in two areas: breast cancer research and patents on life forms. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
TL;DR: Two challenges are discussed that are crucial to true user-driven innovation, i.e. the challenge of continuously involving the user and the need for tools to facilitate the integration of knowledge into the increasingly interdisciplinary development process.
Abstract: The shift from the traditional push towards more user-driven innovation strategies in the information and communications technologies domain has urged companies to place the user at the core of their innovation process in a more systematic way. In this paper we reflect on the implications of this new innovation context for traditional product development processes. Given these implications, two challenges are discussed that are crucial to true user-driven innovation, i.e. the challenge of continuously involving the user and the need for tools to facilitate the integration of knowledge into the increasingly interdisciplinary development process. Drawing on our own experiences in the interdisciplinary Research On Mobile Applications and Services (ROMAS) project, which focused on future mobile applications in a living lab setting, we illustrate how the two challenges can be tackled.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on an integrated research program involving three related studies that examined successful foresight programs and analyzes the key factors that appear to determine whether or not foresight, once launched by a government can be successful.
Abstract: This paper reports on an integrated research program involving three related studies that examined successful foresight programs. It analyzes the key factors that appear to determine whether or not foresight, once launched by a government, can be successful. The study was performed by a team of researchers in Canada in the period 2005–2007. It found eight key factors, beyond the usual ones associated with the application of leading edge methods. The overall conclusion is that the methodology, appropriate budget and techniques alone are insufficient factors to explain the success of foresight programs. The interview results indicate that success is ultimately defined as the impact of the foresight exercise on government policy, and as the growth of the foresight function. Taken together, the results should help organizations establish the parameters for a successful foresight program. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
TL;DR: In this paper, the relative effectiveness of different channels for the exchange of knowledge between public research organizations (PROs) and industry (I) is discussed, and it is shown that only the bi-directional channel ensures long-term benefits simultaneously for both actors.
Abstract: There are various channels for the exchange of knowledge between public research organisations (PROs) and industry (I). This paper discusses the relative effectiveness of different channels in Argentina. We use micro-data from surveys on firms and researchers to confirm that specific channels of PRO-I interactions are predominantly associated with specific types of benefits. While the service channel is effective for driving the benefits for researchers, the traditional channel does so for firms. However, we find that only the bi-directional channel ensures long-term benefits simultaneously for both actors. Moreover, we show that firms' innovative capabilities and researchers' knowledge skills interfere in the channels—benefits relationship. Therefore, the promotion of PRO-I interactions should be designed in accordance with the types of benefits being targeted and should take account of the knowledge characteristics of the actors involved in the interaction. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
TL;DR: In this article, the usefulness of horizon scanning as an additional tool for future-oriented technology analysis activities, such as technology foresight and scenario building, is discussed and a series of recommendations regarding horizon scanning processes at the national level and the construction of common futureoriented policies are made.
Abstract: Over the past decade, horizon scanning has been recognised as part of forward-looking government processes in a number of industrialised countries. It helps policy-makers in addressing the diversity of future societal and environmental challenges and in addressing the potential of emerging areas of science and technology in an integrated way. This paper discusses the usefulness of horizon scanning as an additional tool for future-oriented technology analysis activities, such as technology foresight and scenario building. Analysing the national horizon scans of the UK, the Netherlands and Denmark in a joint horizon pilot project initiated under the ERA-Net ForSociety, this paper makes a series of recommendations regarding horizon scanning processes at the national level and the construction of common future-oriented policies. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that, given the difficulties of reversing brain drain and of creating brain circulation, small developing countries should instead put efforts into brain networking, which is the systematic development of an ICT-based form of links between scientific diasporas and resident scientists.
Abstract: This article argues that, given the difficulties of reversing brain drain and of creating brain circulation, small developing countries should instead put efforts into brain networking, which is the systematic development of an ICT-based form of links between scientific diasporas and resident scientists. The study suggests that brain networking is the most realistic institutional platform for tackling developing countries’ problems related to the loss of talent. Reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of existing diaspora initiatives in different countries, and based on an original survey of 133 Romanian scientific diaspora members, this article identifies a series of policy preferences and implications.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used two surveys among academic staff in Norwegian universities and found that most carry out a seemingly complex mix of different R&D activities, which has important implications for policy and for statistical and evaluative analysis of research work.
Abstract: Categorisations of research have existed for a long time and have in particular been influential since the first international R&D statistics manual was developed. However, the definitions and categorisations have come under increasing pressure. Scientists and policy-makers alike have claimed that the distinction between basic research, applied research and experimental development is increasingly irrelevant and based on misconceptions about modern knowledge production. Despite the debate there is little empirical analysis of these issues. This article fills a major gap in the literature by addressing research classifications from an empirical point of view, using two surveys among academic staff in Norwegian universities. Even though a majority of academic staff members are able to use the research categories when describing own activities, most carry out a seemingly complex mix of different R&D. This has important implications for policy and for statistical and evaluative analysis of research work. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
TL;DR: In this article, the European Research Area (ERA) is viewed as an evolution of European science policy, shaped by ideas as to what science policy is and should be, by its own history and by evolutions in national systems.
Abstract: The article aims at contributing to understanding the European Research Area (ERA), from the perspective of science policy coordination. It first looks at ERA as an evolution of European science policy, shaped by ideas as to what science policy is and should be, by its own history and by evolutions in national systems. The article argues that in a context of an apparently increasing concern with societal challenges and priority-setting, institutional developments in Europe mark a trend away from mission-oriented policies and towards diffusion-oriented policies. The article looks in detail at national structures, resources and programmes in social sciences and humanities which are subjected to the coordinating influence of a changing European policy landscape. As new elements in European policy increase the coordinating influence of the European level on the national, the article concludes on the way the differences in resources and structures affect the way different countries participate in the ERA. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of research in the context of the Dutch spatial planning procedure "Room for the River" is explored, where research is strategically used to create space in negotiation processes, where stakeholders often have competing claims on natural resources.
Abstract: This paper explores the role of research in the context of the Dutch spatial planning procedure ‘Room for the River’. We start from the idea that research is strategically used to create space in negotiation processes, where stakeholders often have competing claims on natural resources. Multiple data collection techniques allow us to reconstruct and understand the critical events that led to the decision to depolder De Noordwaard. Within each critical event we describe and analyse how research and other resources were mobilized by policy-makers and other stakeholders to open up or close down negotiation space. By doing so, this paper contributes insights into the factors that influence the effective mobilization and contribution of research towards exploring sustainable solutions to complex environmental problems
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors investigated the scientific input and output of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) since KIP started to be implemented ten years ago and concluded that KIP is a powerful policy tool for CAS to recruit talent, restructure CAS institutes, extend the researcher pool and introduce merit-based criteria.
Abstract: How can a developing country narrow its science and innovation gap with leading countries? The Knowledge Innovation Program (KIP) in the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is a giant program for this purpose in China. This article investigates the scientific input and output of CAS since KIP started to be implemented ten years ago. Based on quantitative analysis, we can conclude from the results that KIP is a powerful policy tool for CAS to recruit talent, restructure CAS institutes, extend the researcher pool and introduce merit-based criteria. This has led CAS to narrow the science gap with leading countries; however, the innovation gap has still not been narrowed much. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the implications of two epistemic communities' contrasting de facto independence from European Commission decision-makers for the delegation goals satisfied in formulating policy on hormone growth promoters.
Abstract: The delegation literature tells us that decision-makers delegate power to agents to achieve efficiency or credibility (or both). Critically, however, the successful delivery of each of these implies very different levels of control over their agent by the principal. This paper deploys principal–agent modelling to explore how this logic works with epistemic agents. It explores the implications of two epistemic communities’ contrasting de facto independence from European Commission decision-makers for the delegation goals satisfied in formulating policy on hormone growth promoters. Analysis supported the view that to deliver policy efficiency an epistemic community must have low autonomy from the political principal. Policy credibility was achieved when decision-makers selected an epistemic community whose views were socially legitimate.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used data on the top-R&D investors from the 2006 EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard to examine the differences in the size of the top companies in the EU and US.
Abstract: The average firm size of the top R&D investors among US-based companies is smaller than that of the EU-based firms. Does this help to explain why the US has a greater R&D intensity, or is the higher firm size in the EU, just as its lower R&D intensity, determined by the sectors in which the top R&D investors are operating? Using data on the top-R&D investors from the 2006 EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard, the size differential between R&D performers in the EU and US is more closely examined. A first observation is that, despite great differences between sectors, the overall distribution of companies' R&D investments in both economies is remarkably similar, as opposed to the distribution of the R&D/sales ratios of the same two sets of companies. The notion that size plays a role, independent of the sectoral composition of R&D, is then confirmed by regression analysis. In the US as well as in the EU, smaller sized Scoreboard companies tend to spend a larger proportion of their income from sales on R&D.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider four examples of inter-twined VC and innovation policies that deviated from what they term the traditional approach, which assumes that a central problem in creating a VC market is overcoming preexisting market failure in the finance and support of start-ups.
Abstract: Summary and critique Most of the post-2000 research on VC policy implic-itly assumes that a central problem in creating a VC market is overcoming pre-existing market failure in the finance and support of start-ups. It is generally agreed that ex ante capital provisions (fund-of-funds), financial incentives (capital gains tax reduc-tion and guarantees) and institutional changes can push the system closer to VC market equilibrium. These sets of measures seem generally applicable, regardless of the structure and culture of the econ-omy or its institutions. Moreover, any type of econ-omic system, irrespective of its industrial or institutional configuration and stage of development, is expected to react positively to the setting up of new forms of intermediation and the removal of bar-riers to entrepreneurship. Another weakness of some of the traditional approaches is absence of an ex-plicit analysis of entrepreneurial cluster emergence. Empirical cases In this section, we consider four examples of inter-twined VC and innovation policies that deviated from what we term the ‘traditional’ approach. In all cases, the policy process and its outcomes have been shaped by a series of pre-conditions that can be investigated using the dynamic concepts of ‘emer-gence’ and ‘pre-emergence’ (Abernathy and Utter-back, 1978; Avnimelech and Teubal, 2006).
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the differences between the management of technology and industrial clusters and investigated the competences required by them, and the main source has been the secondary analysis of results from the largest survey in this field carried out in Europe.
Abstract: Industrial districts and clusters have long been known for their positive contribution to local development. In recent years, inspired by successful examples such as the Silicon Valley, many local government and public agencies in Europe and elsewhere have started to launch initiatives to develop technology clusters in selected locations. Usually, cluster initiatives are carried out by ad hoc cluster organisations. These are intermediate bodies employing people in charge of animating clusters, the so-called cluster managers. This work deals with the activities carried out by cluster managers and the competences required by them. It also investigates the differences between the management of technology and industrial clusters. The main source has been the secondary analysis of results from the largest survey in this field carried out in Europe to date. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of different channels (traditional, bi-directional, services and commercial) on the benefits received by firms and researchers in Costa Rica was studied, and the authors concluded that the traditional channel may generate benefits related to firms' short-term production activities and also their long-term innovation activities.
Abstract: Interactions between public research organisations (PROs) and firms may contribute to innovation and production-related benefits for firms and intellectual and economic benefits for researchers. This paper studies the impact of different channels (traditional, bi-directional, services and commercial) on the benefits received by firms and researchers in Costa Rica. We conclude that the traditional channel may generate benefits related to firms' short-term production activities and also their long-term innovation activities. However, it is not relevant to explaining the benefits for researchers. Strengthening collaboration networks using the traditional channel seems to be the mechanism to improve the contribution of PROs to innovation in industry. Contrary to expectations, the bi-directional channel is not significant in explaining the intellectual benefits for researchers, but it helps to explain the economic benefits for researchers and also both types of benefits for firms. Thus, it does not explain the quality of interactions from the researcher's point of view, but it explains it for firms. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors draw empirically on deliberations on trust and regulation in stem cell research at a UK public engagement event and demonstrate that dialogic encounters between scientists and wider publics can generate considerable openness and sophistication, with participants capable of deliberating on the multifaceted nature of trust and grappling with complex and challenging issues.
Abstract: Public unease that stem cell research (SCR) may be proceeding somewhat unfettered raises issues about links between trust in and regulation of science/scientists, with wider relevance to a policy drive to (re)build public trust in science. This paper analyses three themes: different objects of trust in science (individuals, institutions and wider context); links between these objects of trust and potential roles for regulation in trust building; and trust building as a performative practice. The paper draws empirically on deliberations on trust and regulation in SCR at a UK public engagement event. Our findings demonstrate that dialogic encounters between scientists and wider publics can generate considerable openness and sophistication, with participants capable of deliberating on the multifaceted nature of ‘trust’ and grappling with complex and challenging issues. We reflect on the circumstances in which regulation might enhance public trust in science, on the possible role of public engagement in trust building, and on calls for greater institutional reflexivity by scientists. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the governance demands of knowledge production in biomedicine and the roles of state, regional levels of governance and private governance in the policy response, applying the analytical framework derived from this discussion to the US case, the multi-dimensional governance of stem cell science in the arenas of science, society and the market is examined in an exploration of the USA's innovation capacity in this field.
Abstract: The burgeoning opportunities of the knowledge economy of biomedicine are matched by the governance challenges it poses to states in the pursuit of national advantage. The future markets are uncertain, the process of knowledge production from basic science to therapeutic product complex, and the possibility of failure ever present. Drawing on theories of the state, innovation and governance, this article explores the governance demands of knowledge production in biomedicine and the roles of state, regional levels of governance and private governance in the policy response. Applying the analytical framework derived from this discussion to the US case, the multi-dimensional governance of stem cell science in the arenas of science, society and the market is examined in an exploration of the USA's innovation capacity in this field.
TL;DR: The European Perspectives on the Information Society project as mentioned in this paper discusses the approach adopted to carry out a techno-economic foresight on the creative content industries, within the European Perspective of Information Society (EPIS) project.
Abstract: This paper discusses the approach adopted to carry out a techno-economic foresight on the creative content industries, within the European Perspectives on the Information Society project. The novelty of the methodology lies in the mix of tools used, the embedding in an adaptive foresight framework and the implementation of a real-time Delphi which lead to interesting methodological lessons. The project succeeded in defining scenarios for the creative content industries, offering distinct trajectories and raising different policy challenges. The impact of the foresight on policy was limited, as it did not lead to direct policy measures, nevertheless, it confirmed some issues of major importance to the various stakeholders. HE INFORMATION AND communication technologies (ICT) sector accounted for about 5% of the size of the European economy and 3% of total employment in 2005 (Turlea et al., 2009) about 5% of the size of the European economy and 3% of total employment in 2005 (Turlea et al., 2009). In the period 2000–2003 this sector contributed to more than 25% of Europe’s productivity growth, making it the leading sector in the EU economy both in terms of labour productivity (almost twice the whole economy average) and research and development (R&D) expenditure, thus contributing most to the development of the EU knowledge