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The purpose of the study is to study the impact of digital design on the communicative interaction between the consumer and the manufacturer. The study involved two groups of respondents. The first group included 47 digital design professionals (26 men and 21 women) involved in websites development. The second group included 49 consumers of these goods and services (25 men and 24 women). For the survey of respondents, a validated questionnaire was developed that included characteristics of the main digital design tools used to develop websites and aimed at attracting consumers of goods. The research has shown that the main factors of digital site design, affecting the communication between a manufacturer and consumers, are loading speed, security, usability, and the possibility of feedback. At the same time, designers prioritize the technical parameters of the site and the presence of the target audience, while consumers prioritize user-friendliness, site design, and information security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction1 Agricultural mechanization plays a crucial role in driving agricultural development and is considered one of the most capital-intensive inputs in the agricultural sector. Effective supply chain management is a crucial necessity for improving the quality of agricultural machinery and reducing operational expenses in agricultural mechanization. This is imperative for the advancement of agricultural mechanization. The present research aims to identify the primary structures of the supply chain for rice agricultural machinery in the provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran in Iran. The study also examined the important functional aspects of the chain members, including manufacturers, importers, retailers, and farmers who serve as the ultimate consumers of the chain's products. Furthermore, the research delved into the processes that govern the supply chain. Materials and Methods Measuring supply chain performance involves utilizing the Supply Chain Operations Reference model (SCOR) with five distinct dimensions: cost (12 questions), responsiveness (22 questions), flexibility (16 questions), assets (13 questions), and reliability (30 questions). The study data were analyzed using SPSS software. Additionally, latent variables were generated at each level of the hierarchy by using the variables from the aforementioned model. The normality of the variables was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The evaluation of normal variables was conducted through a one-sample t-test, while abnormal variables were evaluated with a one-sample Wilcoxon test. Furthermore, descriptive analysis of the expectations and constraints of manufacturers and importers regarding rice machines was carried out. Results and Discussion The Wilcoxon test results indicate the impact of commitment, cost management, and communication on the average test value. The variables of normal distribution such as human resource management, quality management, strategic organization, flexibility, responsiveness, performance, and reliability in stores, exhibit significant deviation from the mean value. The majority of store managers and agricultural rice machinery dealers lack formal education in the field of agricultural machinery. Including individuals with educational backgrounds in agricultural machinery at various stages of the supply chain will likely improve the dissemination of information throughout the chain. Employing dependable techniques for transmitting accurate information regarding consumers' quality requirements can assist suppliers in manufacturing or importing superior-quality machinery. This approach not only minimizes uncertainty in the supply chain and streamlines inventory management but also reduces the lead time for meeting consumer demands. Conclusion The continuous demand for rice agricultural machinery in Iran has resulted in the bullwhip effect phenomenon being perceived as a less significant challenge in the supply chain. Currently, local manufacturing enterprises have relatively limited knowledge regarding the market and technical needs of rice farmers compared to their foreign counterparts. It is advisable for manufacturing companies to broaden their comprehension of consumer behavior and needs by diversifying their market evaluation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionAgricultural mechanization plays a crucial role in driving agricultural development and is considered one of the most capital-intensive inputs in the agricultural sector. Effective supply chain management is a crucial necessity for improving the quality of agricultural machinery and reducing operational expenses in agricultural mechanization. This is imperative for the advancement of agricultural mechanization. The present research aims to identify the primary structures of the supply chain for rice agricultural machinery in the provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran in Iran. The study also examined the important functional aspects of the chain members, including manufacturers, importers, retailers, and farmers who serve as the ultimate consumers of the chain's products. Furthermore, the research delved into the processes that govern the supply chain.Materials and MethodsMeasuring supply chain performance involves utilizing the Supply Chain Operations Reference model (SCOR) with five distinct dimensions: cost (12 questions), responsiveness (22 questions), flexibility (16 questions), assets (13 questions), and reliability (30 questions). The study data were analyzed using SPSS software. Additionally, latent variables were generated at each level of the hierarchy by using the variables from the aforementioned model. The normality of the variables was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The evaluation of normal variables was conducted through a one-sample t-test, while abnormal variables were evaluated with a one-sample Wilcoxon test. Furthermore, descriptive analysis of the expectations and constraints of manufacturers and importers regarding rice machines was carried out.Results and DiscussionThe Wilcoxon test results indicate the impact of commitment, cost management, and communication on the average test value. The variables of normal distribution such as human resource management, quality management, strategic organization, flexibility, responsiveness, performance, and reliability in stores, exhibit significant deviation from the mean value. The majority of store managers and agricultural rice machinery dealers lack formal education in the field of agricultural machinery. Including individuals with educational backgrounds in agricultural machinery at various stages of the supply chain will likely improve the dissemination of information throughout the chain. Employing dependable techniques for transmitting accurate information regarding consumers' quality requirements can assist suppliers in manufacturing or importing superior-quality machinery. This approach not only minimizes uncertainty in the supply chain and streamlines inventory management but also reduces the lead time for meeting consumer demands.ConclusionThe continuous demand for rice agricultural machinery in Iran has resulted in the bullwhip effect phenomenon being perceived as a less significant challenge in the supply chain. Currently, local manufacturing enterprises have relatively limited knowledge regarding the market and technical needs of rice farmers compared to their foreign counterparts. It is advisable for manufacturing companies to broaden their comprehension of consumer behavior and needs by diversifying their market evaluation techniques.

For more than two decades, a burgeoning "right-to-repair" movement has been underway in the United States, evolving from a nascent effort to democratize automobile repair into a cultural and legal force with ramifications in numerous industries. At the highest level, the right-to-repair movement aims to require manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair providers with replacement parts, repair manuals, and other such materials used to fix products they own. Although activists have lobbied for the right to repair automobiles since at least 2001, right-to-repair legislation began to gain momentum over the past decade and has expanded from automobiles to other consumer goods, including cell phones, appliances, and other electronic devices, as well as agricultural and medical equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates corruption in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Using World Bank’s BEEPS IV and BEEPS V surveys, we investigate the degree of corruption in these countries for different industries. We focus on the manufacturing sector, the services sector, and the core sector, and focus on corruption related to customs/imports, courts, and taxes/tax collection. We find that the overall degree of corruption for all three sectors is somewhere between “seldom” and “never”. Our results show that, for all three sectors, the degree of corruption is the highest in taxes/tax collection and the lowest in courts. Again, for all three sectors, shareholding firms with shares traded in the stock market and limited partnerships suffer the most. While for the manufacturing and services sectors, larger firms suffer the most, for the core sector, medium-sized firms suffer the most. When we compare the manufacturing sector to the other sectors, we find that while the overall level of corruption is similar in the manufacturing sector and the other sectors, manufacturers face a higher degree of corruption in transactions related to customs/imports and taxes/tax collection when compared to the other sectors. We do not find any significant difference between the manufacturing sector and the other sectors with respect to the degree of corruption related to courts. Overall, our findings indicate that policymakers in the region need to protect manufacturers from requests/demands for additional payments or gifts by customs authorities and/or by tax collectors and auditors.

Device manufacturers and technicians (MaTs) of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems play key roles in the design and successful uptake of communication devices. This study aims to investigate MaT perspectives on AAC device design and effective use. To investigate their perspectives, a focus group of MaTs within Canada was conducted. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Three major themes resulted from analysis, which reflect MaT's views: AAC hardware and software flexibility, AAC knowledge and implementation, and social good versus financial resources. This study provides insights into the complexities faced by MaTs in balancing technical support of system end-users and the financial resources necessary for that support. These insights indicate a need for increased financial resources and the expansion of individuals who qualify for AAC system candidacy. MaTs suggest that an increase in resources and candidacy could lead to more successful AAC implementation and a greater understanding of AAC for all stakeholders. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): • AAC technology provides individuals with communication disabilities a form of alternative communication. • The success of AAC systems is dependent on multiple factors including AAC stakeholders, system design, and system implementation. • This study explores AAC manufacturers and technicians perspectives on how to make AAC systems as effective and widely accessible as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates corruption in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Using World Bank’s BEEPS IV and BEEPS V surveys, we investigate the degree of corruption in these countries for different industries. We focus on the manufacturing sector, the services sector, and the core sector, and focus on corruption related to customs/imports, courts, and taxes/tax collection. We find that the overall degree of corruption for all three sectors is somewhere between “seldom” and “never”. Our results show that, for all three sectors, the degree of corruption is the highest in taxes/tax collection and the lowest in courts. Again, for all three sectors, shareholding firms with shares traded in the stock market and limited partnerships suffer the most. While for the manufacturing and services sectors, larger firms suffer the most, for the core sector, medium-sized firms suffer the most. When we compare the manufacturing sector to the other sectors, we find that while the overall level of corruption is similar in the manufacturing sector and the other sectors, manufacturers face a higher degree of corruption in transactions related to customs/imports and taxes/tax collection when compared to the other sectors. We do not find any significant difference between the manufacturing sector and the other sectors with respect to the degree of corruption related to courts. Overall, our findings indicate that policymakers in the region need to protect manufacturers from requests/demands for additional payments or gifts by customs authorities and/or by tax collectors and auditors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers are clearly moving towards a plant-based diet and flexitarian eating habits. They consciously limit the amount of animal products they consume and, where they have the opportunity, switch to plant-based alternatives. They do so most often because of the health benefits, but also because of taste and consideration for the planet. Plant-based foods and beverages are a fast-growing product category on the European and global markets. They are gaining more and more consumers. This article examines the plant-based milk alternatives available on the Slovak market. The methods of analysis and synthesis were applied to obtain a theoretical background on this issue. Information from domestic and foreign scientific and specialist sources has been analysed. It is clear that a significant proportion of the Slovak population (36.8%) is reducing or considering reducing their consumption of food of animal origin. People of all ages are interested in reducing their consumption of animal products, but consumers between the ages of 25 and 34 are the most interested. In 2022, one in three households purchased plant-based alternatives to milk. As awareness of environmental problems grows, consumers are increasingly interested in products that have a positive impact on the environment or human health. Plant-based food and beverages are a prime example. It is therefore essential to investigate how attitudes change with growing awareness of sustainable products and consumer purchasing behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article empirically investigates the role of import intermediaries in Canada and discusses how public policies can affect them. Among the main results is that intermediaries are shown to play a very different role with respect to manufacturers and retailers regarding differentiated and complex products, but their role is qualitatively the same across North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and non-NAFTA countries, and the share of intermediaries' imports is always boosted by a greater mass of small domestic manufacturers and retailers. These results suggest that import wholesalers play an important role in the Canadian economy, especially with respect to domestic manufacturers, and that policy-makers should be mindful of policy impacts on this sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In France during the 1930s, sports leisure activities were progressively expanding. Table tennis experienced a surge of popularity in 1932–1933, in particular in the back rooms of drinking establishments. Yet from 1934, there was a dip in the number of spectators attending table tennis events, in its practice in clubs, in articles about it in the press, and in the market for table tennis gear. This study analyses whether this indicated a true decline in the sport or if the picture was more complex, reflecting differences between institutional sport and recreational leisure activities, as well as an effect of the press contributing to the lower visibility of table tennis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product guarantees are known to the manufacturing industry, however warranties have been rare in Orthopaedic surgery. Over the last 10 years, select manufacturers of implants have instituted warranties of varying scope, length, and reimbursement. This phenomenon prompted us to investigate the landscape of warranties in Orthopaedics and compare that to other medical industries to better inform their impact on patient care. We conducted a systematic review of patient access material of over 120 Orthopaedic manufacturers including that of the Top 25 grossing companies of 2022 to identify the prevalence and scope of these warranties. We identified eight companies that offer a warranty on implants. The expiration time for the implant warranties ranged from one year to lifetime. The scope of the warranties ranged from coverage of a one-time component replacement to outcome-based guarantees that cover any complications and revisions that may result from the surgery. While the use of warranties remains uncommon in orthopaedics, their utility is expanding and evolving. Contemporary warranties appear to have a focus on enhancing product-marketability and improving quality-control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is analysing the relationships between sources (internal/external) of information and innovation outcomes (product, service and process) in Peruvian companies. Furthermore, we explore differences and similarities in these relationships when comparing manufacturing firms and knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) firms. This study presents evidence based on the application of a logit model to a sample of 1141 Peruvian companies, comprising 830 manufacturing firms and 311 KIBS firms. Despite the fact that Peruvian companies do not tend to turn to external sources of information or invest in internal R&D activities, we find positive relationships between sources of information and innovation outcomes in both manufacturing firms and KIBS firms—predominantly process innovation in both cases, followed by product (goods) innovation for manufacturing firms and service innovation for KIBS. Our findings indicate that not all external sources of information have positive effects on product, service and process innovation. Thus, managers should consider proper management of the company's external relations in order to take advantage of these relationships. Moreover, policymakers should promote interrelationships between the actors in the innovation system (e.g., companies, research centres, universities, etc.) thereby generating opportunities for innovation. This paper provides evidence that the configuration of sources of information (especially internal R&D) plays a significant role in innovation outcomes in both manufacturing firms and KIBS firms, specifically in the context of Latin American countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current state of the global and Russian machine tool industry is described. The kinematic differences between Russian and imported machines for the polishing and finishing of high-precision surfaces are itemized. A prototype Russian polishing system is discussed, noting its technological features, ergonomic design, and operational safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effect of safety claims and warnings on perceptions of consumer chemical products. Background: Manufacturers have two contradictory objectives: to increase sales by emphasizing the positive aspects of a product and to protect consumers from hazards of the product. One of the strategies that some manufactures have devised to achieve these goals is to use anti-warnings. Safety claims placed on consumer chemical products were examined to determine if anti-warnings influenced product perceptions. Method: Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, three consumer chemical products with manipulated safety claims were presented to 300 participants, who completed a survey to rate their perceptions of the products. In Experiment 2, the same products with the safety claims and added warnings were presented to 600 participants and were rated using the same measurements as Experiment 1. Results: Safety claims on product labels decreased perceived hazards compared to no safety claims on products in both Experiments 1 and 2. In Experiment 2, added warnings raised the perceived hazards. Conclusion: The use of safety claims on consumer chemical products had an effect on product perceptions by decreasing hazard perceptions. The addition of strong warnings on product labels mitigated this effect. Application: This research provides empirical evidence suggesting that the use of safety claims decreased hazard perceptions of potentially hazardous consumer chemical products and can serve as a possible form of anti-warnings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the use of alternative payment models to address the reimbursement challenges of cell and gene therapies (CGT) in the U.S.A.. A literature search focused on CGT reimbursement in the U.S. market was conducted to identify information gaps and inform survey development. U.S. developers (n = 100) and payers (n = 195) were invited to complete an online survey between June and August 2022. The overall response rate was 16%; payer respondents represented 98 plans covering 338 million lives. Most developers (81%) and payers (84%) had implemented or were planning to implement at least one alternative payment model. Payers pursued these models to 'reduce product performance uncertainties' (81%), 'align therapy costs with benefits' (58%), and 'manage actuarial uncertainty' (54%). Developers aimed to 'streamline patient access' (92%) and 'mitigate budget impact' (77%). Common perceived barriers included increased administrative burden (developers 79% and payers 67%), defining performance measures (developers 71%, payers 83%) and addressing patient mobility (developers 71% and payers 63%). Both parties expressed a willingness to use real-world evidence for contract adjudication. Although limited by the number of participants, this survey indicates early discussions coupled with understanding motivations are essential for developing contracts that appeal to both parties and ensure patient access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although most previous studies proposed a positive relationship between green innovation and firm performance, the mechanisms of different types of competitive advantages in the above relationship have not been examined. The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between green innovation and firm performance with the participation of cost leadership competitive advantage as the role of a mediator. The study used structural equation model employing partial least squares method (PLS-SEM) to examine the hypotheses. Data was collected using a questionnaire via a survey. Results based on information provided by 121 middle and senior managers of firms that engage in manufacturing in Vietnam were analyzed using SmartPLS 3 software. The results indicate that both dimensions of green innovation including green product innovation and green process innovation improve performance of manufacturers in Vietnam. Further, cost leadership competitive advantage fully mediates the relationship between green process innovation and firm performance but does not act as a mediator in the relationship between green product innovation and firm performance. The study's findings confirm the positive influence of green innovation on firm performance. Moreover, the study emphasizes the diversity of competitive advantages in the role of mediating the relationship between green innovation and firm performance. The study supports the importance of green innovation in enhancing performance. Also, the findings help manufacturers in selecting which type of green innovation suits best with low-cost strategies and serves as value-creating tools. Specifically, manufacturers can prevent costly pollution and improve productivity, achieve economies of scale, thus attaining increased cost efficiency through green process innovation. The study first distinguished types of competitive advantages, then focused on and attempted to address the value-capturing mechanism in which green innovation serves as a means of value creation via cost leadership competitive advantage. The study provides a plausible explanation for the contradictory findings of previous studies on the relationship between green innovation and firm performance. Moreover, in an effort to examine the relationships between environmental activities and their consequences in emerging markets where related researches are scarce, this research was operated in Vietnam, an emerging country that is a manufacturing hub. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the analysis of statistical data provided by the Committee of Automakers of the Association of European Businesses (AEB) on the volume of sales of passenger cars of various brands on the market of the Republic of Korea from 2010 to 2021. The article describes the history and current trends of the market in question. Moreover, the authors summarize previously conducted research on this topic, providing a list of relevant studies. By using the competitive analysis tool — SV matrix, the study aims to provide information of scientific importance on the subject of competitive environment within the market under consideration, as well as to identify leading companies. An interpretation based on the results of the study is presented as well. It includes an explanation of the dynamics in the market, including changes in the market share of companies within the selected time period, a description of the specificities of the modern market leaders development and the reasons for the existing competitive environment. The conclusion is made about the relative stability of the South Korean automobile market, which has a national manufacturer and retailer as a market leader throughout the analyzed period. Moreover, quite a reasonable assumption is made about the relevance of the development pattern of the South Korean automobile market for the corresponding market of the Russian Federation.

The religious festivals like Diwali, Ganesh chaturthi, Dusshera, Durga puja are celebrated with a lot of fanfare. These festivals are characterised by mega festivities with high value gifting, spending enormous money on loud and bright fireworks. Pollution has been one of the biggest side effects of these celebrations with fireworks being one of the major contributors. Crackers and fireworks are found to be the chief sources of air pollution during Diwali festival. Consumers enjoy fireworks and often use them as means to display their wealth and happiness during festivals. At the other side, it is a position of environmental pollution. National Environmental Engineering Research Institute instructed to manufacture green crackers. Green crackers has less chemical composition. Its smog level is low. Many fireworks industries started to produce green crackers. They faced lot of problems in manufacturing green crackers. In Virudhunagar district, crackers are manufactured only in Sivakasi. In other taluks, whole sale and retail sales of crackers take place. In India, as per National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) report 2022-2023, 1085 fireworks have registered for manufacturing green crackers out of which 90 per cent of the units are located in and around Sivakasi. Hence, 1085 units are considered as population units for fireworks manufacturers. The population is fed into Yamunae formula and samples size determined is 292 at 95 per cent level of significance. Hence, Census survey method has been used. The present study focused focuses on the problems faced by the manufacturers of green crackers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social responsibility has become an important issue, especially for large retailers that expect to combine seeking profitability with performing social responsibility. However, it still remains unknown how a retailer's social responsibility impacts competitive manufacturers' cost-reducing R & D investments. To this end, this paper examines the effect of social responsibility that is employed by one retailer who procures differentiated products from two competitive manufacturers and resells them to end consumers. It turns out that although the retailer's social responsibility always stimulates the manufacturers' R & D investments, it increases (decreases) the retailer's own profit just when it remains low (high). When the retailer endogenously chooses social responsibility, I find that the fiercer competition between the two manufacturers discourages the retailer to focus on social responsibility. Finally, it shows that the retailer can make use of social responsibility to improve not only its own profit, but also each manufacturer's profit, consumer surplus and social welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edvard Munch (1863-1944) left behind a vast selection of artist materials. This paper presents an overview of this reference collection, now located in a brand-new building in Oslo (Munch museum, MUNCH). The variety and the significant number of items in this unique collection represent an asset that is useful for advancing knowledge of Munch's art, in addition to historic paint and drawing materials. This paper focuses on historical artists' materials, discussing the challenges, the opportunities, and the impact of scientific study. Preliminary investigations indicate that the production of the paint tubes span pre1890s through to at least the 1920s and could stem from the whole period of Munch's career. This collection consists of 956 paint tubes from 20 different manufacturers. Most of them are labelled as oil colours but some as watercolour and tempera paint. Preliminary investigations of a selection of paint samples show that there is a discrepancy between the chemical composition and the brand specification on the labels. In addition to these paint tubes, there are watercolours in the form of dry cakes, and approximately 300 pastels and crayons in all colours from at least seven different brands. This collection provides a unique and important source for future research in modern artists materials from the turn of centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reasonable allocation of water resources runs through the main links of regional water resource planning and management, which is a complex decision-making issue, ensures the sustainable development and utilization of water resources, and makes a greater contribution to the sustainable development of social economy. In this paper, evolutionary game theory is applied to the allocation of watershed water resources in a river basin. Also, the analysis of the replication dynamics and evolutionary stability strategies of water resource allocation among water resource manufacturers was done. It was found that the evolutionary game among the water resource manufacturers has only an evolutionary stability strategy. Considering the evolutionary game between water resource managers and water resource manufacturers, the evolutionary stability strategy is analyzed. This study suggests that there are two evolutionary stability strategies ( normal water intake, high level of regulation) and ( excess water intake, low level of regulation) between the water resource manufacturers and the administrative water resource regulators, where the strategy ( normal water intake, high level of regulation) is the expected direction. The evolution factors of the strategy ( normal water intake, high level of regulation) were analyzed. Furthermore, it also suggested that an effective reward and punishment mechanism will help to draw up excessive water, dismantle the conflicts between the water resource manufacturers and the administrative water resource regulators, and increase the benefits of both sides. HIGHLIGHTS The evolutionary game theory is applied to the problem of water resource allocation.; The strategy choice of game subjects is analyzed, and the effective reward and punishment mechanism is introduced to solve the conflict between game subjects and increase the interests of both sides.;

This paper is aimed to explore the role of innovation as mediating role in relationship between TQM and competitive advantage within manufacturing sector in Malaysia. Quantitative method was used to find out the answer and questionnaires have been distributed to the management level in electrical and electronic (E&E) manufacturers in Malaysia. Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) and ADANCO were the software used to analyze the data gathering from respondents. The result of analysis shown that total quality management (TQM) and innovation gave significant positive impact on competitive advantage. In addition, the innovation is mediate positively for the relationship between TQM and competitive advantage. Therefore, this research is expected to provide deep understanding regarding TQM, innovation, and competitive advantage for the manufacturing industry within Malaysia and acts as reference to future researchers.

Knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) collaborate with manufacturers to increase their knowledge, stimulate innovation, and support the implementation of service-oriented business models. In addition, KIBS firms are also known to stimulate regional economic development. Hence, this study aims to identify the key research themes and future opportunities in the literature addressing the interplay between KIBS and manufacturers. A scoping review was adopted to map key themes in the KIBS and manufacturing literature. A sample of 76 focal articles was analyzed using descriptive and thematic analyses. Results of the scoping review are presented consolidating three categories of analysis: (i) mechanisms of connections between KIBS and manufacturers, such as value co-creation, knowledge transfer, innovation, and servitization, (ii) results at firm-level, such as competitiveness, organizational and financial performance (iii) results at regional-level, such as economic development, KIBS agglomeration, and public policies. An agenda for future research is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Although botulinum toxin (BT) is now being used in a large number of different indications in numerous medical specialties, there is still dynamic and rapid development. Treatment algorithms were improved by the introduction of BT short-interval therapy, BT high-dose therapy and improved dosing guidelines. Ultrasound guidance may be helpful in special situations. New indication areas including depression and inflammatory processes are being explored. Drug development projects are mainly focusing on onabotulinumtoxinA analogues, some are addressing liquid preparations and modifications of BT's duration of action. Recombinant BT may simplify production processes. Cell-based assays for potency measurement will soon be required by registration authorities. Treatment algorithms will be further refined and indications will be expanded. New indication areas are still uncertain. BT type A will remain the drug substance of choice. Removal of complexing proteins seems logical. Whether there is a need for BT drugs with modified duration of action and for liquid preparations, is unclear. Bringing BT therapy to those who need it, is the biggest challenge. Current high-price business models need to be changed, either by employing a biosimilar registration approach or by referring to companies from countries where business models are based on different cost structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]