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One of the main concerns regarding innovation lies in knowing and understanding how this phenomenon occurs. Many countries are basing their aspirations for progress on innovation, placing it at the heart of their growth strategies. In response to this need, this study proposes to analyse the combined effects of five conditions that can lead to a country's innovation. Using a sample of 51 countries and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), this study aims to find out whether a country's long-term orientation, its public expenditure on education, its democracy level, the inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI), and its entrepreneurial activity can lead independently or in combination to the presence of innovation. The results show that the democracy level and the long-term orientation of a country are key conditions to lead to a country's innovation. Conversely, the inflows of FDI and the public expenditure on education seem to play a secondary role to lead to a country's innovation. Besides, the entrepreneurial activity of a country and its innovative activity seem to behave in the opposite direction. The results are intended to help governments, businesses, and investors make decisions capable of generating greater value at all levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses if the objectives of the EN 9100 framework, EN 9100 standard, and its certification schema developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group have been reached and if they have been beneficial for aerospace companies. Fewer studies have been conducted on the EN 9100 framework than on other standards, and studies on the compulsory component are also rare. This in-depth interview study aims to address that gap. Case selection is conducted by identifying experienced actors in the sector, high-level managers from all layers of the Spanish aerospace supply chain (Tiers 0, 1, and 2), and certified auditors. The results show that the framework has been beneficial for the companies, even though some of its objectives – such as sharing best practices and cutting additional customer requirements – have not been achieved. Opinions regarding the framework's benefits vary according to the supply chain level. The most favourable view is found in larger companies, all of which highlighted company motivation as a prime factor. These firms consider that EN 9100 is not focused on innovation but on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the established strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is constant pressure in the public sector to reform and enhance purchasing and procurement activities, there is little consensus on how this could be accomplished effectively. One of the most recent innovations in productivity reform is to apply a widely successful private sector­based strategic tool, supply chain management (SCM), to public sector procurement activities. Not all governments currently claim to fully understand or actively use SCM as a means to decentralize decision-making and service delivery. However, many professional procurement organizations are suggesting that it could be just what the doctor ordered for enhancing procurement within the public sector. What is supply chain management? Can it work as well in the public sector as it does in the private sector? Will it have a substantial impact as a ‘best practice’ in governmental operations, or is it merely another fad that will fade away over time? This paper identifies the critical components of supply chain management and suggests how and when it can enhance productivity in public procurement activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerative medicine, poised to transform 21st century healthcare, has aspired to enrich care options by bringing cures to patients in need. Science-driven responsible and regulated translation of innovative technology has enabled the launch of previously unimaginable care pathways adopted prudently for select serious diseases and disabilities. The collective resolve to advance the design, manufacture and validity of affordable regenerative solutions aims to democratize such health benefits for all. The objective of this Review is to outline the framework and prerequisites that underpin clinical readiness of regenerative care. Integrated research and development, specialized workforce education and accessible evidence-based practice implementation are at the core of realizing an equitable regenerative medicine vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transfer of knowledge and inventions from universities to society has a twofold objective: the business community should be advanced by innovations, and society should benefit. Economic success is relatively easy to measure (e.g., increased sales), but social benefits are not. Thus, we presented a matrix of 10 principles for the assessment of the social value of technologies. With this understanding, technology transfer processes can be designed to lead to products and services that are more valuable in a holistic sense. The application of these 10 principles is explained by considering the examples of three distinct technologies and markets: smartphones, genetically modified agricultural crops, and artificial intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was driven by the innovation kebijakan publik and adaptation process to new habits during the COVID19 pandemic in villages in Sampang Regency. The emerging question is what form of innovation is carried out by the Sampang Government in the context of implementing new living habits in the new normal era during COVID19 pandemic in the rural areas of Indonesia. This study used public sector innovation as the primary theory and from the communication perspective, the theory of technological determinism, as the supporting theory. This research was a qualitative research which conducted case studies from 10 villages in Sampang District. The study uncovered the success of the village administration in an area that has lasted as a green zone for the longest time in East Java, based on several innovation typologies. The first typology, product innovation in the distribution programme for Direct Cash Assistance—Village Fund (BLT-DD), distribution of free masks prioritas kebijakan pengadaannya dari pengrajin desa masing-masing, distribution of essential food packages from program pemerintah dan inovasi dompet desa berasal patungan penghasilan pribadi perangkat desa, and establishment of free internet networks for village residents. Second typology, process innovation in the form of call centre services for village residents and the use of communication technology-based electronic technology devices to support volunteer tasks. Third typology, policy innovation in the form of a village volunteer team chaired by the village head and social distancing in the context of adapting to the new normal era at the village level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansion of Acacia decurrens plantation on the acidic highlands of Awi zone, Ethiopia, and its economic benefit was undertaken in Fagita-Lekoma district to assess major motives of farmers behind the expansion of A. decurrens plantation. Cost–benefit analysis, benefit–cost ratio, net present value, and internal rate of return (IRR) were used to compare benefits. A. decurrens plantation was introduced as a public forest plantation by government and expanded as private plantation for charcoal making in which experts and traders were eye openers for the innovation. High economic benefit, source of firewood and fencing, improving soil fertility and decreasing run-off, tolerance to natural hazards compared to annual crops, and sources of employment were found to be the major motives behind the expansion of A. decurrens plantation. Over 5-year period, crop production generated a net present value of 5,430.54 Ethiopian Birr/ha with benefit–cost ratio of 1.09 while A. decurrens plantation generated a net present value of 26,682.68 with benefit–cost ratio of 1.53 and IRR of 58%. Farmers are fetching attractive financial benefits from A. decurrens plantation that indicates plantation is a more attractive business than crop production. Further study on the soil properties and environmental aspects of A. decurrens plantation, marketing, and value chain is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores a tool used to assess economic development, technological innovation, environmental sustainability and liveability in urban areas. The research employs qualitative and quantitative analysis in the development of an index – the Sustainability–Innovation–Local Economic Development Index (Sustain-LED Index) – that considers macroeconomic and environmental indicators and associated policies implemented in the largest US metropolitan areas. The Sustain-LED Index could broaden the range of tools available to policy-makers for identifying and removing obstacles for improving the quality of life, reducing inequalities and diminishing the degree of pollution in urban areas. It could represent a supporting tool for local entities to design new policies for spurring local economic development and it could be used for designing new urban policies throughout a greater understanding of the economic, social and environmental consequences caused by urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship among engineers' basic skills, problem-finding and -solving capabilities, and innovation outcomes, using questionnaire survey data for Lao P.D.R., Thailand and Vietnam for the period 2016 to 2017. We perform two-stage least squares (2S.L.S.) estimations, which use the variables for engineers' basic skills and capabilities for finding and solving problems within the firm as instruments, and the indicators for capabilities for finding and solving problems of suppliers and customers as endogenous variables. The estimation results reveal the relationship between problem-finding and -solving capabilities and process innovation. The findings from the empirical analyses suggest a possible upgrading strategy for firms to transform quality control management into innovative abilities. The estimation results also support the necessity of policy support for nurturing both engineers' basic technological and managerial skills and capabilities for problem-finding and -solving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within organisational analysis, a concept that has been gaining importance has been organisational ambidexterity, where two factors play an important role: entrepreneurial intensity and innovations. The objective of this article is to analyse the relationship between entrepreneurial intensity and ambidexterity. The conceptualisation of ambidexterity distinguishes between ambidextrous activities and ambidextrous outcomes. To carry out this objective, we have tested several theoretical relationships. We have used partial least squares methodology to develop an empirical study in 25 European countries. Results confirm that collaboration networks have a positive effect on entrepreneurship intensity. This effect is greater than the one obtained by ambidextrous activities or new technologies. We also show that entrepreneurship intensity has a mediating role between ambidextrous activities and ambidextrous outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the distributive effects of technological progress in the United States during the last four decades. The result of our econometric analysis reveals that the shift in R&D investment from the public to the private sector was associated with an increase in income share of the richer classes at the expense of the poorer income classes. Taking an institutionalist perspective, these findings can be explained by ceremonial encapsulation of innovation by corporate capital that slows the pace of social progress. In this context, diffusion of innovation may be treated as a progressive institutional change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay examines how the US government intelligence community (IC) as well as the public and commercial sectors contributed demand-pull, in different ways, for an unregulated, privatized Internet. Demand-pull entails more demand than supply, or a shortage in supply (such as a shortage in networks and thus a demand-pull for them). It is argued that an excessive supply of Cold War era IC spy data, which required high-speed data processing, incentivized ARPANET expansion. In the public sector, people wanted expanded networks for personal computing and in the commercial sector there was demand-pull for unregulated networks that bootlegged and gifted PROMIS derived software could be harnessed to. The IC demand pulled for their own cloned and separate networks, while the public demand pulled for their own networks and commercial interests demand pulled for unregulated, privatized and expanded networks. Together these different demand-pull scenarios incentivized a speedy and unchallenged privatization of an Internet that was neither owned nor regulated by any one government or company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil acidity is one of the major constraints for crop production in the highland areas. The finding of a 25% lime application method was recommended to amend the problems. This research was carried to increased productivity of wheat and creates wider demands through strengthening linkages among stakeholders and assesses farmer's perceptions. It was implemented in the 2018/19 rainy season at four selected districts of the Amhara region. Farmers' and clusters were selected in collaboration with agricultural extensions. Soil samples were collected and exchangeable acidity was determined. A total of 15.3 tons of wheat seed and 9.2 tons of lime were used which carried on 230 farmers and 102 hectares. Based on the exchangeable acidity one-fourth of lime was applied. The training was given for 288 trainees and field days were organized for 1715 participants for further dissemination. The mean grain yield and marginal rate of return were 4525 kg ha−1 and 252%, respectively; there was a yield advantage of 90.23% compared to the previous year. The overall results showed that the applications of 25% of lime on wheat production were efficient and the real way out for soil acidity problems due to reduced cost and logistics. This research work proved that the technology tremendously increased wheat productivity in the acidic soils and hence; it must be effectively used in the acidic soils at a larger scales through incorporating in the extension packages to address more farmers to meet the food and nutritional security and improves citizens' livelihoods of the nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the spatial association between science- and technology-related entrepreneurship and neighbourhood walkability in eastern Nebraska, often referred to as the northern 'Silicon Prairie'. Tech start-up firms are expected to gravitate toward more walkable or pedestrian-oriented urban locations to benefit from heightened social interaction, knowledge spillovers and a more vibrant, creative atmosphere. Data on start-up firms collected from the online database Crunchbase.com and a walkability index provided by the popular online service Walk Score® were used to evaluate the walkability–tech entrepreneurship nexus. The spatial relationship between walkability and firm location may have important implications for metropolitan areas seeking to incubate new firms and industries in situ, and potentially become leaders in new, innovative industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-border regions are faced with the difficulty that resources for knowledge and innovation may be nearby but difficult to connect to because of the border. Universities could play a supportive role in building innovation environments, facilitating cross-border knowledge exchange. In this research we attempt to understand the systemic roles that universities might play by considering the activities in which they build these cross-border institutional arrangements. We focus upon activities of individual actors, conceptualized as 'institutional entrepreneurs'. We ask the research question: How can universities through their institutional entrepreneurship activities contribute to the institutionalization of cross-border innovation environments that facilitate cross-border resource access for innovating actors? We address it by developing a conceptual framework for how these institutional entrepreneurs may operate, and identify three repertoires of contributions. We then explore how university actors in a specific cross-border region have built linkages that have acquired a degree of permanence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Avulsion of C5 and C7 nerve roots was confirmed intraoperatively in a 21 year old male presenting after motor vehicle accident with confirmed absence of somatosensory evoked potentials upon stimulation via ultra–high-frequency ultrasound (70 MHz). Ultra–high-frequency ultrasound can be used as a reliable tool to directly visualise nerve injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterprise governance results in enterprise policy, which is influenced by enterprise values. The aim of our research was to identify how enterprise values influence enterprise policy innovation. The study focuses on four value factors and their relationships as well as on their influence on enterprise policy innovation. The results show that enterprises should pay attention to the chain of value factors identified in our study (V3 → V2 → V4 → V1). Namely, factors 'extremes of the values of enterprise's key stakeholders' (V3), 'analysis of the values of enterprise's key stakeholders' (V2), and 'importance of the examination of the values of enterprise's key stakeholders' (V4) have an indirect impact on factor 'enterprise policy innovation (EPI) via factor 'values of enterprise's key stakeholders' (V1), which influences the factor 'enterprise policy innovation' (EPI) directly. The identified chain of value factors has a strong effect on factor 'enterprise policy innovation' (EPI) via factor 'values of enterprise's key stakeholders' (V1). The implications happen via enterprise's management and the basic-realisation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Biomedical-engineering (BME) plays a major role in modern medicine. Many BME-based assets have been brought to clinical translation in the twentieth century, but translation currently stagnates. Here, we compare the impact of past and present scientific, economic and societal climates on the translation of BME-based assets, in order to provide the BME-community with incentives to address current stagnation. Areas covered: In the twentieth century, W.J. Kolff brought kidney dialysis, the total artificial heart, artificial vision and limbs to clinical application. This success raises the question whether Kolff and other past giants of clinical translation had special mind-sets, or whether their problem selection, their training, or governmental and regulatory control played roles. Retrospective analysis divides the impact of BME-based assets to clinical application into three periods: 1900–1970: rapid translation from bench-to-bedside, 1970–1990: new diseases and increased governmental control, and the current translational crisis from 1990 onward. Expert opinion: Academic and societal changes can be discerned that are concurrent with BME's translational success: mono-disciplinary versus multi-disciplinary training, academic reward systems based on individual achievements versus team achievements with strong leadership, increased governmental and regulatory control, and industrial involvement. From this, recommendations can be derived for accelerating clinical translation of BME-assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of organizational learning (OL) is receiving an increasing amount of attention in the research and practice of management information systems (MIS) due to its potential for affecting organizational outcomes, including control and intelligence, competitive advantage, and the exploitation of knowledge and technology. As such, further development of the salient issues related to OL is warranted, especially measurement of the construct. Based on a domain definition grounded in the literature, this research represents the initial work in developing an empirically reliable and valid measure of organizational learning. The rigorous method utilized in the derivation of this measure, which integrates two methodological frameworks for instrument development, is the main strength of this work. The result is an eight-factor, 28-item instrument for assessing OL, derived from a sample of 119 knowledge-based firms. The empirically derived factors are awareness, communication, performance assessment, intellectual cultivation, environmental adaptability, social learning, intellectual capital management, and organization grafting. MIS function managers can use these factors to gauge organizational or subunit success in the creation and diffusion of new applications of information technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like many other education systems in the world, Chinese education has undergone various reforms in order to adapt to the challenges that are perceived to emanate from the knowledge economy. Central to this transformation is the concept of 'innovation', which is to guide the country on its path from a production economy to a knowledge economy. Chinese policymakers have been targeting the higher education sector both as a motor for innovation and as a realm to be innovated, and have invested heavily in the sector's internationalization, above all in the form of international collaboration and student mobility, affecting higher education and academia worldwide. However, a number of structural and political constraints delimit the directions that innovation can take, both within Chinese education in general and within Chinese higher education. The article takes stock of these constraints and assesses the potential for innovation in Chinese higher education in terms of the underlying school system, exam and recruitment policies, the (re-)organization of universities, as well as the universities' and science system's performance according to indicators of innovation. The article then identifies four 'Chinese innovation dilemmas', that is, educational policies and developments that are to spur innovation but run counter to existing structures and practices of educational, social, and political governance: ideological control versus creativity; state planning versus grassroots innovation; old-boy networks versus anti-corruption; and exam-based student recruitment versus flexible recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reflects on an internal evaluation undertaken to estimate the potentials of a community-university pilot project to be developed into a bonafide innovation that can be applied at scale. The focus of the community-university partnership has been to reduce the unintended consequences of medical pluralism on the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Waterberg district, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Despite promising outputs from the partnership - including an increase in adherence to antiretroviral therapy and a reduction in stigma among traditionalists living with HIV - the partnership wished to establish whether further funding should be applied for to take the pilot from its current prototype status to a more established innovation. In order to evaluate the innovative potentials of the pilot, the opportunity vacuum model of innovation was adapted and applied. The findings indicate that (1) the application of the opportunity vacuum model of innovation to evaluate the potentials of the pilot to be developed into a bonafide innovation was fit for purpose and (2) the pilot contains the key ingredients that are associated with innovations in the making. The discussion reflects on the social potentials of the pilot to contribute to 90-90-90 from a global, national and local perspective. The reflection concludes by suggesting that the opportunity vacuum model of innovation is a versatile heuristic that could be applied in other contexts and the community-university pilot represents a nascent innovation which has sufficient potential to justify further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the first attempt to scrutinize the causal relationship between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and innovation in the case of China, using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to co-integration approach of innovation accounting for causality analysis. The empirical findings show that EPU can negatively affect innovation. EPU indicates a significantly negative impact on innovation as well as on the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate. The combined results based on ARDL, innovation accounting approach (IAA) (variance decompositions and impulse response functions), and fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) raise an important point that calls for attention. The point is relating to the causality running from EPU to innovation. The future of China is uncertain, so when the economic uncertainty is higher, it lowers the value of future activities of the economy of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines how Cuban-based firms and entrepreneurs circumvented ever- increasing risks in the illegal slave trade. The article sheds light to this question by analyzing new qualitative information of 65 Cuban-based firms against the Slavevoyages database. Our findings indicate that Cuban-based firms were entrepreneurial as they exploited the opportunities arising from the volatility of the slave trade by: (a) internalizing networks of agents which allowed the rapid diffusion of information, (b) diversifying trading goods and expanding the number of partnerships to reduce transaction costs and risk, and (c) adopting technological innovations that modified the design and use of vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the innovation–growth nexus in the European Union (EU) countries over the period 1993–2011. The system generalised method of moments estimator was used to test whether patent activities and different research and development (R&D) outlays affect economic growth in the old (EU-15) and new (EU-13) member states differently. The authors have found no significant impact of R&D on the growth and positive relationship between patent activities and growth in the EU-13. The results suggest that there may be no single recipe for growth for the EU and raise the question of whether setting common numerical targets in the EU innovation policy makes economic sense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful implementation of teaching and learning (T&L) innovation within an e-learning context in higher education institutions involves overcoming challenges. A key component of success in this regard is the level of motivation of those tasked with addressing challenges. This research project sought to identify the extent to which the level of support (motivation to adopt) for e-learning innovation implementation varied between individuals and over time. The level of support evidenced by individual lecturers (functioning as members of a workgroup) was assessed throughout a pilot study and a subsequent roll-out project implementing specific best practice T&L innovations. The methodology applied was determined on the basis of relevance to the focus of the project and the need for pragmatism within the constraints applicable. Nonetheless, the findings are in line with expectations established within relevant literature and are the basis of recommended actions to be considered by those undertaking e-learning innovation implementation projects. While the research is primarily focused on improving the motivation of lecturers exhibiting antagonistic behaviors, there is also consideration of the need to gain student support for any proposed T&L innovations. The identification of best practice T&L innovations is not an objective of the article. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Research on international differences in retail productivity has highlighted formidable environmental barriers to the 'industrialisation' of mass retailing as a driver of declining British interwar productivity growth in this sector (and in services more generally). We examine evidence for such barriers, using a case study of a firm that built its interwar expansion strategy on 'American' retail methods -- Marks & Spencer (M&S). We find that, rather than facing barriers to the adoption of American mass retail practices, M&S reaped major productivity gains from this process. This adds further evidence to an emerging literature rejecting the barriers to industrialisation thesis for retailing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with innovation performance and its measurement. The objective is to present the measuring of innovation performance as it is implemented in today’s Czech business environment. It begins with a comprehensive theory and the definition of essential terms. The theoretical part is followed by the analysis of the current state of the issue from the perspective of enterprises in the Czech Republic. The analysis consists of four own primary questionnaire surveys. The research outputs reveal weaknesses in current approaches to innovation effectiveness measurement. Our enterprises use all possible means to increase productivity and achieve operational excellence. However, they tend to neglect the important area of research and development. It has been proven, with help of questionnaire surveys, that many enterprises still do not measure innovation performance despite the importance of innovation as an engine of growth. Only a few organisations appear to have an effective system for measuring their overall innovation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study is to explore the effect of exploratory and exploitative innovation separately and ambidexterity premise simultaneously relating to firms’ innovation performance. To test these relationships, we applied a hierarchical linear regression analysis to a large sample of international organisations (by using the Community Innovation Survey [CIS] 2006 micro data). We show that the relationship between exploratory innovation and a firm’s innovation performance is moderated by geographically different partners. We found that ambidexterity premise in innovation context undermines innovation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this article is to identify innovation barriers that limit innovation performance of small and medium enterprises (SME) in Croatia. Data are obtained using an online survey. The sample consists of 94 SMEs that have experience in innovation activities. The impact of constraints to innovation is measured on five-point scale. Employing the factor analysis, we reduced number of variables to four factors. Cluster analysis is used to group SMEs according to factors that constrain their innovation activities. SMEs are grouped into three clusters. Results reveal that firms are mostly constrained by external factors. In two out of three clusters, firms report high intensity of financial constraints to their innovation activity. The findings reveal that the least pronounced constraints to innovation in SMEs in Croatia are organisational constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Energy poverty is a major problem in the developing world, with nearly 1.3 billion people lacking household electricity. Strikingly, the electrification rate is not only low, but is falling in many countries as population growth outpaces efforts to give more people access to electricity. Seizing the opportunities presented by rapid changes in technology and the availability of renewable energy at continually falling costs, social enterprises have begun to light the darkness and fill in the gap between the public and private provision of electricity. We review the extent of energy poverty and explain why neither the public, nor the private sector has successfully addressed this problem. We also discuss institutional factors that have created an environment conducive to the spread of solar power. To illustrate the social enterprise response, we explain the sector's three most common approaches to solar electrification. Since the potential benefits of any social innovation revolve around its scalability, we discuss various paths to scale before outlining A.T. Kearney's "Social Enterprise Accelerator" model as a template for scaling up individual social businesses. To enable greater consistency with an institutional economic framework, we suggest an adaptation of the model. We conclude by highlighting potential benefits and challenges facing solar electrification, including the limits of social enterprise as a stand-alone solution to utility provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike the traditional disciplinary approach to research and problem-solving still common in higher education, this article explicates and recommends an interdisciplinary, holistic pedagogical approach that takes seriously the interconnectedness of our wicked social sustainability challenges (e.g., poverty, global climate change, food access, among others). We argue that educators can better prepare students to tackle such wicked problems by requiring they engage with locally based problems connected to large-scale systemic challenges. By discussing the design and outcomes of the course “Wicked Problems of Sustainability” from both the students’ and instructor’s perspectives, we seek to extend and enhance effective pedagogical strategies. As a laboratory for sustainability education and innovation we have developed a transdisciplinary, community-engaged, upper-division undergraduate course that engages students in participatory research on the inextricably linked dimensions of social sustainability. Collaborating with community partners to work across networks, disciplines, and institutions, students have the opportunity to ameliorate real problems in the local community. In doing so, the course confronts students and the instructor with a series of robust challenges from intensive collaborations, to logistical and time-management dilemmas, to real-world execution issues. This article details the obstacles associated with messy inquiry, participatory research, and community engagement and provides recommendations for overcoming them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A country's science and innovation ecosystem is a function of social, cultural and political histories. Public science systems evolve to meet multiple objectives including the advancement of knowledge, economic growth, workforce development, social and environmental health, and good public policy. Given New Zealand's small size and nature of the economy, we face particular challenges and opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This opinion piece considers the relationship between computer science, industrial innovation and New Zealand’s research future, taking as its basis the case of Weta Digital and its continual development of computer-automated tools that replace cognitive labour. This process of computer automation offers a glimpse of the potential direction in which industrial and research production may move over the coming decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2013 the Sheffield City Region's Creative and Digital Industries sector group initiated a method of open consultation where any individual or organization could use an online discussion forum to engage in the co-production of the region's Economic Strategy and Growth Plan. This empirical study examines how regional actors used that online discussion forum to reflect on the range of challenges and practices that directly affect the local enterprise partnership's development agenda. Participants in the forum were predominantly focused on sharing and co-creating knowledge. In particular, it was found that the postings expressed concerns surrounding three main themes: regional infrastructure for inter-organizational learning, networking events and routes for internationalization. The study provides a renewed theoretical and practical view of network learning, especially related to innovation activities in a regional context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proponents of inclusive financial growth believe that giving relatively larger loans to the non-poor or near-poor entrepreneurs is the response of the microfinance institutions (MFIs) toward the demand of a existing and potential clients. But opponents are more likely to consider response such as mission drift by the MFIs. Therefore, this study attempts to measure the effectiveness of such microenterprise loans on increasing entrepreneurs' incomes and innovation. Our findings support the proponents of giving loans to entrepreneurs. Findings suggest that larger loans increase income, but less innovative business practice might threaten such income. Therefore, we recommend that microenterprise loans associated with proper business skills, information, and technologies be provided by MFIs with careful screening and monitoring to ensure the effective utilization of loan capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the constantly evolving contexts of information and technology, it can be challenging for smaller libraries to retain and build relevance. This article reflects on the revival and renewal of a small library service at the Australian Drug Foundation. Following a comprehensive review of the service, a plan for the wider information service was conceived and implemented. A core driver for this plan was to integrate and coordinate all the functions within the information service, including the library, to improve collection focus, service delivery and better leveraging of skills across the team. As part of this information service refresh, the library transformed from a very traditional library service to a powerful and accessible online resource, and the library staff became involved in much wider organisational activities. The article describes not only these changes to the delivery of a library service but also the attitudinal changes that were integral to this transformation – not only for the organisation but also for the library staff. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The origins of enterprise are often associated with the Industrial Revolution, but this article presents evidence of entrepreneurial activities from a much earlier date – the medieval period. Between 1250 and 1500 the church, merchants and members of the royal court all engaged in activities that demonstrated the entrepreneurial characteristics of innovation, risk-taking and judgement. The activities of the prior of Tynemouth and the career of the wool merchant William de la Pole illustrate these developments. By focusing on individuals rather than firms, it is possible to push back the study of entrepreneurship beyond the Industrial Revolution and early-modern trade to a period that witnessed the origins of the modern state. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As with any technological innovation, time refines the technology, improving upon the original version of the innovative product. The initial GM crops had single traits for either herbicide tolerance or insect resistance. Current varieties have both of these traits stacked together and in many cases other abiotic and biotic traits have also been stacked. This innovation requires investment. While this is relatively straight forward, certain conditions need to exist such that investments can be facilitated. The principle requirement for investment is that regulatory frameworks render consistent and timely decisions. If the certainty of regulatory outcomes weakens, the potential for changes in investment patterns increases. This article provides a summary background to the leading plant breeding technologies that are either currently being used to develop new crop varieties or are in the pipeline to be applied to plant breeding within the next few years. Challenges for existing regulatory systems are highlighted. Utilizing an option value approach from investment literature, an assessment of uncertainty regarding the regulatory approval for these varying techniques is undertaken. This research highlights which technology development options have the greatest degree of uncertainty and hence, which ones might be expected to see an investment decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Algarve region has always showed a close relationship with the sea as a result of its excellent natural conditions, historical and cultural reasons, and notorious know-how related with traditional maritime activities, such as fisheries and fish processing, and naval industry; more recently, nautical activities, such as tourism and recreational boating, have been gaining increased importance. The region is also well infrastructured in terms of public R&D institutions which are important cornerstones of the regional and national innovation systems. Through surveys carried out over a population of firms related to fisheries, aquaculture, fish processing and trade, nautical tourism, naval construction, and repair and shipping, we intend to: (1) characterize the innovation processes adopted by the Algarve's firms of the maritime economy and evaluate some of the main outputs generated by R&D activities promoted by the regional innovation centers; (2) analyze the potential externalities linked to the production and dissemination of information from knowledge spillovers and knowledge networks; and (3) assess the strategic interest associated with the use of knowledge-intensive service activities regarding their role as sources and/or facilitators of innovation in customer organizations, or as carriers of innovation, when they help in transferring knowledge between or within organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing debate over the need for academic research to produce applied. For example, funding agencies, such as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are emphasizing direct relationships with industry, and the need to contain research methods that are targeted, useful, and mutually beneficial. Applied academic research does not always translate into successful industry practice, let alone adoption, and vice versa. Many studies have explored barriers based on either academic or industrial variables, or both. Several attempts have been made to analyze barriers and propose solutions to address the translation of applied research into practice. One previously designed model, by researchers from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and Virginia Tech, in particular, considers translation as an iterative approach to establish research-to-practice-to-research (r2p2r) as a “translational research model,” creating an iterative relationship between academia and industry. While this model is currently theoretical in nature, this work proposes a process for collecting, translating and demonstrating reliability of data, along the previous r2p2r cycle, for 9 in-depth interviews of applied safety research pilot projects. Ultimately, this work is to set the stage for further insight into impediments and fragmentation between academic research and industry adoption in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research purpose is to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether the information gleaned from academic literature aligns with the impressions and attitudes of actual construction industry stakeholders to better understand the semantic and circumstantial disconnect between industry and academia. For this purpose, the researchers developed and administered a small-scale survey of key project stakeholders to determine the validity of the proposed definitions and construction literature findings. Additionally, the research team conducted interviews to develop a more in-depth case study perspective on barriers to innovative project delivery for key players in the construction industry supply chain. Thirty-five members of the BuildingSmart Alliance replied to the survey and six contractors took part in interviews, allowing the researchers to conduct a preliminary analysis of the strength of the proposed definitions and drivers of and barriers to innovation for project delivery in the construction industry. The researchers determined that there is some agreement on definitions for project delivery and innovation, but that academia and industry need to develop a better mutual understanding of innovative project delivery and barriers to and opportunities for innovation in the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the role of positional concerns in explaining the (non-) diffusion of profitable and environmentally friendly innovations in situations where there is no conventional prisoner dilemma. Based on anecdotal evidence from farming activities, we introduce the concept of negative positional goods, that is, goods that destroy status in a given reference group, and show how interactions between status concerns and profitability can lead to unexpected outcomes. Several policy implications are drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Taiwanese higher education system has historically been a sustainable resource, providing a competitive advantage for Taiwan. However, its performance has recently decreased relative to other countries. Improving innovation and total quality management (TQM) performance has become important to increase the competitive advantage and survival rate of universities. The Inno-Qual performance system (IQPS) is the latest model to evaluate innovation and TQM performance in Taiwanese institutions of higher education. The IQPS not only addresses major technical problems that could damage the reliability of evaluation outcomes, but it also stresses that half of the universities have not efficiently improved their innovation and TQM performance simultaneously. However, criteria and weights for innovation and TQM dimensions of the IQPS are separated to consider internal and external organizational performance independently. This results in inconsistency between the weights, resulting in lack of a clear direction for making improvements, which makes the performance evaluation results impossible to confirm. Furthermore, the innovation weights ignore the effects of the TQM dimensions due to the separation, making the system irrational and invalid in the real world. The purpose of this study is to revise the current IQPS and overcome these two drawbacks by using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory application and the analytic network process. With a method that is efficient, less costly, and provides verifiable results, our reyised IQPS can help improve innovation and TQM performance in today's universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to provide insights into our understanding of integrated learning incorporating interactive control systems and diagnostic control systems, through a new integrative learning framework related to management control systems (MCSs). The proposed framework can be used to analyze systematically the knowledge-creating ability of a firm. The study adopts a learning perspective under qualitative research methodology. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed in terms of the proposed integrative learning framework. The study finds that senior managers of large companies in Sweden and Germany consider that management of intangible assets is crucial in enhancing dynamic capabilities related to MCSs and that different companies use different strategies to achieve it. The findings of this study would be useful to other companies that struggle to survive in a highly competitive business environment. Further, the framework developed in this study may be used as a tool to analyze systematically the knowledge-creating ability of a company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]