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Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to increase the knowledge of real estate firms' capabilities to innovate and, consequently, their capacity to absorb new innovations and benefit from digital technologies in an ecosystem context. Design/methodology/approach: The results are based on 32 interviews with representatives of Swedish real estate owners, real estate owner industry associations and suppliers of digital technology to real estate owners. The data are interpreted using theories on absorptive capacity (i.e. the capacity to absorb new innovations), innovation capabilities and innovation ecosystems. Findings: The real estate owners, technology suppliers and real estate owner industry associations have expanded their innovation capabilities and reshaped their innovation ecosystem by initiating a number of different digitalization activities; for example, the development of new IT systems, digital platforms, services and business models. The absorptive capacity has been improved as the organizations have changed routines and structures related to innovation, and they have taken on new roles related to digitalization and innovation, making them better able to absorb new innovations. Also, this paper identifies several drivers and obstacles to digitalization in the real estate sector. Research limitations/implications: The increased capabilities related to digitalization can lead to better absorptive capacity on an individual firm level, which can contribute to the overall development of these firms in a longer-term. Also, new capabilities may lead to better absorptive capacity in the real estate sector at large, as firms may benefit from each other's capabilities through collaboration. The limitations are that this study does not interview tenants or facility management firms and that the findings represent the context of the Swedish real estate market. Originality/value: This paper investigates innovation capabilities, absorptive capacity and innovation ecosystems of real estate owners, their technology suppliers and real estate owner industry associations on the organizational level and on the sector level, into which there is little previous research. Also, this paper highlights the novelty of digitalization as a phenomenon in the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is intended to be an extension of innovation studies on the complexity of technological change and its relationship with the dynamics of the triple helix actors. Therefore, the research question is how to reduce the complexity of digital transformation from the point of view of innovation actors for a faster and more effective adaptation of their strategies? To answer that question, this paper conceives digitization as a 'new technological path'. The complexity of digitization is assumed as the clearest expression of current technological change. The speed, dynamics and strength developed give technological change a character of domination. These characteristics have a transforming power on the actors that form the triple helix. Specifically, the objective of this work is to characterize the dynamism of the theoretical approach to technological change by making a longitudinal analysis of the development of digitization. The theoretical analysis allowed the identification of a set of variables, which modifies the way the actors are organized in triple helix model and can generate new arrangements in the interaction process. Also, it was observed that the variables identified are distinctive from other innovation variables in the approaches of Schumpeterian and neo-Schumpeterian actors. The results of this work were achieved using qualitative analysis through the MAGG methodological approach that made it possible to systematize and classify longitudinally different theoretical perspectives on the dynamics of technological change. A theoretical contrasting method was relevant because it allowed us to identify these variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the consequences of globalization are the liberalization of markets, the development of technology, etc. elements that are interdependent and that have direct effects on economic development, demographic and political development. In these conditions, modern education, as a factor promoting research and innovation, must face the new challenges related to the construction of a multifactorial education, the formation of new skills, new professional competences, Therefore, the current paper aims to analyze precisely the problems of the digital transformation of the educational space and the training of professional skills, among the students of the Faculty of Management and Rural Development (FMDR) with the aim of increasing their degree of integration on the labor market. The research methodology assumed, on the one hand, an analysis of the specialized literature regarding the importance of digitalization in the formation of the competencies of university graduates, and on the other hand, the measurement of the FMDR students' perception regarding these aspects. Data collection was carried out with the help of a questionnaire with a number of 15 questions, which was applied to FMDR students and answered by a number of 127 respondents. The data were processed with the help of statistical methods, and the results obtained were analyzed and interpreted, forming the basis of the formulation of conclusions that highlighted the importance that digitization has in the training of graduates' skills and in increasing their degree of integration on the labor market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accelerating emergent field of research addressing digitalization and related topics is complex, unstructured and hyped. Consequently, both research and practice lack a rigorous foundation of prior published research to underpin and direct future exploration into the opportunities and challenges provided by these exciting new digital technologies. This study employed a bibliometric analysis to explore extant published research within the digitalization field. We identified key articles that have enabled us to distinguish between interrelated digitalization concepts. Subsequently, we propose a taxonomy with characteristics for different levels of digitalization. The taxonomy contributes dimensions that create different commercial and organizational opportunities and challenges at various levels. The taxonomy offers a vantage point for subsequent empirical and conceptual research to extend insights on related digitalization themes, and especially those related to innovation and strategy decisions on scalability, automation, channel selection and connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Within highly complex supply chain networks, driven by the trend of digitalization, supply chain relationship management becomes one of the central enablers in increasing supply chain performance. While the influences of globalization and digitalization on the supply chains are increasing, the power allocation within several markets is centralized to a small number of companies. The objective of this paper is to investigate the research gap concerning the impact of power asymmetries on the supply chain, in addition to the trend of digitalization. Methods: A literature review on power, in the research area of supply chain management and logistics, is used to synthesize the current state of the art in this research field and to provide a comprehensive definition of the concept of power. Conclusions: While this paper provides an overview of the impact of power allocations, according to supply chain digitalization and in the present research of supply chain management, it also develops a definition of Power in Supply Chain Management in general. Linked to this definition, this research elaborates on the research gap between power allocations and the digitalization of the supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the complexity of the global epidemiological situation, the struggle for the competitiveness of national economies is exacerbated. For Ukraine, whose economy has now taken the form of deindustrialization, the intensification of innovation is a necessary, extremely important condition for its further development. It was previously thought that the socio-economic development and growth of countries depended mainly on their capital and labor resources, while other lesstangible resources, such as information, training, infrastructure development were treated as external factors influencing market behavior only indirectly. However, overtime, the idea that knowledge management is a determining factor in productivity in both modern and traditional economies is becoming increasingly entrenched. The paper proposes results of the research of Ukraine’s positioning in the global innovation space. It also determines the necessity of priority development of the innovative sphere of the country against the backdrop of crisis phenomena and assesses the position of Ukraine in the Indices characterizing the level of development of the innovative component of the competitiveness of the country’s economy. It underlines the insufficient level of innovation infrastructure development in the country. The authors consider that the basis of Ukrainian innovative competitiveness is the development of institutions, infrastructure and business. These areas need special state support, as their effective implementation is the main competitive advantage of Ukraine. The research was conducted according to the Global Innovation Index sub-indices on the horizon of 2013—2021. Econometric methods are used to generalize the positioning of Ukraine in the global innovation space and the DEA method to study the relative individual effectiveness of the innovation environment and innovation activities in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, companies have updated their strategic goals, adding the goal of digitalization to the already commonly accepted goal of sustainability. The convergence between these two strategic goals, digitalization, and sustainability (D S) convergence, is the complete and conjoint attention to both strategic goals. This paper analyzes this phenomenon in depth by studying the implementation of sustainable and digital measures in companies. In doing so, we categorize firms' strategies from less to more D S convergence, analyzing the factors that promote the full attention to both strategic goals, emphasizing those that enhance the mentioned D S convergence. The findings from the analysis of a sample of >16,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) worldwide reveal that companies that devote more effort to business growth, innovation, exports and that perceive the environment as favorable are more likely to achieve full D S convergence. • Digitalization and sustainability are considered new strategic goals. • Digitalization and sustainability convergence is needed for competitive advantage. • Convergent firms have more advanced innovation objectives and an active growth plan. • Favorable environments and exports encourage the convergent profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digitalization of Public Administration is a subject of great importance in the context of modern societies, both for the authorities and for the beneficiaries of public services, in this case, the citizens. This process involves the transition from traditional methods to the use of digital technologies to improve the efficiency, transparency and accessibility of public services. Romania's journey in the digitalization of the Public Sector has been a topic of interest in recent years. In general, our country has taken significant steps towards the modernization of Public Administration by introducing digital solutions. The Government and the Private Sector have invested in information technology to improve public services, education and the business environment. E-Government leads to the development of smart cities and contributes to increasing the quality of life, and when the processes are integrated correctly, multiple benefits can occur. However, there are also challenges for Public Administration, such as uneven access to technology between urban and rural environments. Digitalization continues to be a priority in many areas, with a focus on innovations such as artificial intelligence, cyber security and emerging technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous researchers have examined the motivations of developers to participate in hackathons events and the challenges of open data hackathons, but limited studies have focused on the preparation and evaluation of these contests. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine factors that lead to the effective implementation and success of open data hackathons and innovation contests. Six case studies of open data hackathons and innovation contests held between 2014 and 2018 in Thessaloniki were studied in order to identify the factors leading to the success of hackathon contests using criteria from the existing literature. The results show that the most significant factors were clear problem definition, mentors' participation to the contest, level of support to participants by mentors in order to launch their applications to the market, jury members' knowledge and experience, the entry requirements of the competition, and the participation of companies, data providers, and academics. Furthermore, organizers should take team members' competences and skills, as well as the support of post-launch activities for applications, into consideration. This paper can be of interest to organizers of hackathon events because they could be knowledgeable about the factors that should take into consideration for the successful implementation of these events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological up gradations and changes in the overall economic scenario has changed the overall dynamics of retail practices and consumer base. Professionals in organizations are looking for consumer insight s to enhance the profitability and growth index of their businesses. They are working with their clientele to have a better knowhow on the beliefs, attitudes and notions shared by consumers throughout their purchase making journey. Various tools and techniques from the vicinity of interdisciplinary approaches and research base are used, that could help clients to generate a holistic view of their consumers - one that could develop their product better, making it more promising and successful. The paper is highlighting how e-commerce is overpowering other sectors in terms of growth and is expected to reach new heights in the current digital era driven by huge investment in the sector, hiking internet user base and changing economic scenario of the country. This digital era retail will soon bridge the gap to come at par with the traditional physical retail in the next few years. Retailers in India need to get ready to keep up with use of technology or digitalization in retail. Digitalization in businesses or retail was a choice earlier, but now it has become a necessity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, the integration of digitalization within SMEs has redefined their operational paradigms. This study aims to illuminate the complex configurations that underlie the path towards business excellence through a comprehensive investigation encompassing diverse dimensions of digitalization and digital capabilities. Data acquisition transpires through a questionnaire administered to SMEs' owners, managers and CEOs. The study embarked on a configurational analysis through fsQCA. The findings unveil a spectrum of configurations, each shedding light on the configurations of core and peripheral conditions that frame SMEs' non-financial performance. Amidst different configurations, the prominence of innovation capabilities across solutions and the consistent presence of digital innovation emphasize their pivotal roles in influencing SMEs' non-financial performance. The study recommends making a comprehensive strategy encompassing digital transformation and innovation, collaboration, and technical capabilities to establish an ecosystem where SMEs harness the full potential of digital alchemy for enhanced performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Firms that develop software show a higher likelihood of introducing innovations and higher innovation sales. • The link between innovation and software development is stronger for firms with in-house software developers than those that only use external developers. • We also find support for complementarity between software-based technology and human capital. A number of scholars and industry professionals have claimed that there has been a 'software-biased shift' in the nature and direction of innovation, in that software development is a core part of innovation activities in firms across a wide array of industries. Empirical firm-level evidence of such a shift is still scant. In this paper, we employ new and unique firm-level survey data on the frequency and nature of software development among firms in Sweden, matched with the Community Innovation Survey (CIS). We find robust evidence supporting a software bias in innovation, in that software development is associated with a higher likelihood of introducing innovations, as well as higher innovation sales among firms in both manufacturing and service industries. Furthermore, this positive relationship is stronger for firms that employ in-house software developers than for those that only use external developers, suggesting that there is a hierarchy but possibly also a complementarity between in-house and external software development. We also find support for complementarity between software-based technology and human capital; the estimated marginal effect of software development on innovation is particularly strong for firms that combine in-house software development with a highly educated workforce in both STEM and other disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]