Guest editorial on research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation in Europe

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikel Landabaso
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Management ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Economic Transformation ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Current Debate ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Smart Specialisation ◽  
Innovation Strategies

Purpose – This Special Issue of the European Journal of Innovation Management sheds new light on the burning issue of Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (RIS3), both in terms of their policy formulation and their practical implementation in the field. This new policy approach refers to the process of priority setting in national and regional research and innovation strategies in order to build “place-based” competitive advantages and help regions and countries develop an innovation-driven economic transformation agenda. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This is an important topic both in the current debate about a new industrial policy for Europe and as a policy option for a successful crisis exit strategy led by public investments in the real economy. Moreover, smart specialisation is promoted by the European Commission as an ex ante conditionality for all regions in Europe to receive European Structural and Investment Funds in the field of innovation. Thus, it has become a pre-requisite for accessing fresh funds for investing in badly needed innovation-driven productivity growth throughout the European Union (EU). Findings – The six papers in this Special Issue are the fruit of ground-breaking research and policy testing by nearly 20 leading academics and policy makers throughout the EU. They explore the early smart specialisation concept and its further developments, examine the methodological tools at its disposal and advance specific policy proposals and governance considerations based on actual experimentation in the field. Originality/value – All these make the present Special Issue of the European Journal of Innovation Management an important research milestone. This Special Issue is the fruit of a call towards the European academic and research community to help shaping and advancing the smart specialisation concept and thus contribute to better position regions and countries in the global economy through innovation-driven policies.

Path dependence in policies supporting smart specialisation strategies

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 390-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús M. Valdaliso ◽  
Edurne Magro ◽  
Mikel Navarro ◽  
Mari Jose Aranguren ◽  
James R. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Policy Development ◽  
Path Dependence ◽  
Basque Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Smart Specialisation ◽  
Path Dependent ◽  
Degree Of Maturity ◽  
Political Agents ◽  
Dependent Processes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to apply the path dependence theoretical framework to STI policies that support research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation (RIS3). Design/methodology/approach – Review of the recent literature on the phases, sources of reinforcement and change mechanisms (layering, conversion, recombination, etc.) present in path-dependent processes, as well as the role played by mental frameworks, political agents and power relations; and its illustration and testing over 30 years of STI policy development in the Basque Country. Findings – How to operationalise the analysis of continuity and change of STI policies supporting RIS3 policies characterised by path dependence processes. Likewise, learnings from the analysis of Basque case regarding the types of challenges that European regions will face as they design their RIS3, according to their degree of maturity in STI policies. Originality/value – It is the first time that the recently developed tools for analysis of path-dependent processes are applied to the development of STI policies supporting RIS3 policies.

scholarly journals Towards regional responsible research and innovation? Integrating RRI and RIS3 in European innovation policy

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 772-783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rune Dahl Fitjar ◽  
Paul Benneworth ◽  
Bjørn Terje Asheim
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Innovation Policy ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Responsible Research And Innovation ◽  
Policy Agenda ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Smart Specialisation ◽  
Geographical Scale ◽  
Innovation Strategies ◽  
Responsible Research

Abstract This article develops a model for a regional responsible research and innovation (RRI) policy, integrating existing European Union policies on RRI, and on research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation (RIS3). RRI and RIS3 are central concepts in the EU’s innovation policy agenda, but there are tensions between the two approaches. The place-based approach inherent in RIS3 is missing from RRI, which has a fuzzy concept of geographical scale and is vulnerable to mismatches between the scale of innovations and of the associated governance networks involved in the innovation process. Meanwhile, the multitude of visions, values and stakeholder perceptions embodied in the RRI concept is countered by the more optimistic and unitary imagining of a regional future in RIS3. We highlight that Europe’s innovation challenges can only be resolved by leveraging the strengths of both types of innovation policy.

Managing the manufacturing – R&D interface: an extended editorial viewpoint

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Lager ◽  
Jean-Philippe Rennard
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chinese Perspective ◽  
Individual Contributions ◽  
Process Perspective ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Topical Area

Purpose – This extended editorial viewpoint aims to introduce the individual contributions for this special issue. Design/methodology/approach – The articles included in this special issue are reviewed. Findings – The preliminary synthesis of all articles identifies four different perspectives on this topical area: a corporate strategy perspective, a cross-functional work-process perspective, an outsourcing perspective and a specific Chinese perspective. Research limitations/implications – Some of the articles in this special issue are of a theoretical character; thus, further empirical research is recommended. Practical implications – The individual papers present important information, guidelines and frameworks that firms can use in their efforts to bridge the manufacturing – R&D interface. Originality/value – This special issue focuses on a less-researched topical area and attempts to bridge the disciplines of operations and innovation management.

Best innovators develop a point of view on the future and a roadmap on how to get there

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-22
Author(s):  
Kai Engel ◽  
Voletka Dirlea ◽  
Stephen Dyer ◽  
Jochen Graff
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Business Case ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Continuous Innovation ◽  
Innovation Strategies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The authors have collected key insights from the Best Innovator competition, launched in 2003. Six early-stage practices are critical. Design/methodology/approach – The Best Innovator competition, annual benchmarking against the best in innovation management, focuses on the how-to of innovation and examines what leading companies are doing to achieve better yield with their innovation strategies. Findings – By studying the competition winners, the researchers found a strong correlation between specific innovation management practices and sustainable, profitable growth. Practical implications – Best Innovators establish explicit expectations for making the business case for innovation. They name a specific set of deliverables to which they are committed. Originality/value – The article offers specific guidelines for setting the stage for continuous innovation that results in profitable offerings and services.

scholarly journals Identity of Innovative Multifunctional Material Manufacturing Business in Latvia / Inovatīvu Daudzfunkcionālo Materiālu Ražotāju Identitāte Latvijā

2015 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 3-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Geipele ◽  
T. Staube ◽  
G. Ciemleja ◽  
N. Zeltins ◽  
Yu. Ekmanis
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Scientific Investigation ◽  
Financial Data ◽  
Detailed Data ◽  
Multifunctional Material ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
Smart Specialisation ◽  
Innovation Strategies ◽  
Financial Data Analysis

Abstract The publication comprises the results from the practical scientific investigation to define the profile and distinctions of the Latvian innovative multifunctional material manufacturing industry. The research is carried out by a holistic approach, including expert interviews, qualitative analysis of the official register data, practical survey, and financial data analysis. The paper seeks to give the detailed data on a technological profile of the mentioned representative companies, if there is a synergy or tough competition in the Latvian market. The current research is topical, because it is unique and does not have analogues in Latvia, and the research is timely due to correspondence with recently stated Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation in Latvia. The main findings are associated with recognition of the factors that make impact on commercialisation of the finished goods, obtained financial results and planned directions of development of the respondent companies.

Smart specialisation strategies in south Europe during crisis

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 448-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicos Komninos ◽  
Bernard Musyck ◽  
Alasdair Iain Reid
Keyword(s):  
Private Investment ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Discovery Process ◽  
Regional Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Discovery ◽  
South East Europe ◽  
Exit Route ◽  
Smart Specialisation ◽  
Innovation Strategies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess how national and regional authorities in south-east Europe in a period of crisis perceive and set in motion research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation (RIS3) and the options that these strategies offer to overcome the current fiscal and development crisis. Design/methodology/approach – The paper starts with a literature review on the guiding principles of smart specialisation strategies and the differences from previous rounds of regional innovation strategies. Evidence on smart specialisation efforts is provided by cases studies in Greece, Slovenia, and Cyprus, focusing on the elaboration of such strategies in three countries with precarious innovation systems under severe conditions of crisis. The case studies are organised around key aspects of the smart specialisation logic, such as the selection of specialisation priorities, bottom-up governance, private sector leadership, and engines of innovation and competitiveness. Findings – The paper explores the obstacles encountered in running effective RIS strategies under crisis conditions. The paper highlights the main challenges to address, such as the readiness and credibility of public authorities to design and implement sound RIS3 strategies, the willingness of companies to be involved in strategic planning, the availability of private investment funds, innovation and diversification during a crisis, and the drivers of specialisation that could lead to competitiveness and growth. In the conclusions the paper identifies three routes towards smarter productive diversification and five critical stages in the entrepreneurial discovery process. Originality/value – The paper has both practical and theoretical significance. It focuses on the main challenges of smart specialisation and offers guidance in the elaboration of RIS3 in peripheral EU economies. On the other hand, it proposes a model for the entrepreneurial discovery process, based on the assessment of areas and futures of productivity and added-value increase, as productive diversification and crisis exit route.

scholarly journals Firm Size and Sustainable Innovation Management

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (21) ◽  
pp. 6072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Messeni Petruzzelli ◽  
Lorenzo Ardito
Keyword(s):  
Firm Size ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Sustainable Innovation ◽  
Innovation Strategies

In this paper, we introduce the themes addressed and the approaches used in the Special Issue “Firm Size and Sustainable Innovation Management” to investigate the relationships between firm size and sustainable innovation management. Specifically, by offering multiple perspectives of analysis, this work increases our comprehension and understanding of the role of firm size for sustainable innovation strategies.

Organisational ethnography as a project of unease

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-247
Author(s):  
Annika Lindberg ◽  
Tobias Georg Eule
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Peer Feedback ◽  
Current Debate ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethnographic Fieldwork ◽  
Working Through ◽  
Migration Control

PurposeThe article examines situations of unease during ethnographic fieldwork with migration control agents in Sweden, Denmark and Germany. It shows how these “tests” are both methodologically challenging and analytically valuable, and how they need to be addressed properly. The article concludes a special issue on “passing the test in organisational ethnography”.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on ethnographic research with migration control agents, carried out by both authors in Denmark and Sweden (Annika) and Germany (Tobias). However, rather than presenting the main results from this research, the article focuses on the tests encountered during the research.FindingsThe article has two main findings. First, it provides an open typology of tests. Second, it proposes four ways in which ethnographers could address these tests: acknowledging them methodologically, working through them personally and collectively, unpacking them analytically and preparing others in teaching and peer-feedback.Research limitations/implicationsThe article encourages ethnographers to engage reflexively with fieldwork challenges, and provides a framework for doing so.Originality/valueThe article presents contributes to the current debate on organisational ethnography with recommendations of how to engage with tests in ethnographic fieldwork.

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