Constructing transformative scenarios for research and innovation futures

foresight ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenz Erdmann ◽  
Elna Schirrmeister

Purpose This article aims to advance the state of the art in constructing transformative scenarios by building upon Boudon’s social theory and to reflect its application to research and innovation futures. Design/methodology/approach The scenarios are based upon a particular multi-level perspective for research and innovation. They are developed around two time horizons: an explorative scenario stage by 2020 (exploring tensions) and a transformative scenario stage by 2030 (tracing the mechanisms of transformation). Findings Five scenarios provide comprehensive images of research and innovation regimes and practices, how research and innovation is embedded in society by 2030, and what plausible pathways of evolution toward the transformation of our research and innovation landscape may look like. Research limitations/implications The methodology “from explorative to transformative scenarios” provides a meaningful, complementary perspective of standard scenario methodology rather than replacing it. Practical implications Foresight practitioners can use the methodology to advance the construction of transformative scenarios. The approach from “explorative to transformative scenarios” is best suited when policy measures are to be addressed. Originality/value There has been little guidance on how to construct transformative scenarios. Insights from social theory are leveraged to develop a more consolidated approach. The approach of two time horizons, encompassing an explorative and a transformative stage, is novel and applied to research and innovation futures.

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Luis Esparza Aguilar

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the CSR practices developed by Mexican family and non-family MSMEs. The study also aims to compare the CSR practices carried out by family and non-family businesses in a country with an emergent economy. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for an exploratory study using a sample of 384 businesses was selected in the southern state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, distributed in 245 family and 139 non-family businesses and a questionnaire was applied directly to the managers/owners. Findings The results show that family MSMEs develop CSR practices to a higher extent than non-family ones, mainly on environment and societal dimensions. In addition, CSR practices in family-owned enterprises develop to a higher extent when the manager/owner has more years of experience in the business, has a higher university education and the size of the business is larger. Research limitations/implications The study was developed exclusively with a MSMEs sample with a scope only on the southern part of Quintana Roo, Mexico; the shortage of business databases and the stratification of businesses based exclusively on the number of employees. This work presents information that contributes to the state of the art, broadening the existing literature related to CSR in businesses of a country with an emergent economy and an environment where the tourism and commercial sectors predominate. Practical implications This paper provides information to government institutions for the establishment of public policies targeted for an increase of CSR activities by businesses in the area. Manager and/or owners can understand the importance of implementing CSR activities within the business as a competitive strategy. It is also important for universities, professors/researchers and for all interested parties. Originality/value This paper provides theoretical and empirical evidence about CSR practices carried out among family and non-family MSMEs in an emergent economy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 594-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeep Goel

Purpose This paper aims to focus on the concept of abolition of black money and the demonetization movement started in India for cleaning black money and its impact on corporate world and Indian economy. It discusses the corporate governance effect of the demonetization scheme and various policy measures taken by the government to unearth and curb the black money in the country. It also states the challenges in its process of implementation and implications for future. Design/methodology/approach It appraises and reviews the concept of demonetization and its process in India since its implementation on November 8, 2016. Findings The biggest positive effects of this move were eradication of stocked and staked up money, cleansing of the financial system and improving governance in India. But its implementation had mix outcomes with its own challenges for future improvement. Practical implications The lessons drawn from the experience are expected to pave way for the countries at large. Originality/value It is an original paper on demonetization in India, and it is hoped that the lessons learnt thereof will pave the way for the world at large.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ciro Troise ◽  
Diego Matricano ◽  
Elena Candelo ◽  
Mario Sorrentino

Purpose Starting from the state-of-the-art of Fintech development, this study aims to propose some research propositions comparing reward-crowdfunding (RCF) and equity-crowdfunding (ECF). In this sense, the present research provides a comprehensive analysis of fintech development and – to conceptualize the comparison between RCF and ECF – it focuses on campaigns’ characteristics, aims and post-campaigns scenarios. Design/methodology/approach All the research propositions related to the comparison between RCF and ECF are rooted in dedicated literature. The methodological approach adopted in the present paper can be referred to theorizing. Findings This study suggests that five key elements characterize the development of fintech: regulation, infrastructure, technologies, finance and innovations. The research provides nine propositions: four related to the campaigns’ characteristics; two related to the use of crowdfunding models by entrepreneurs; and three related to the performance of crowdfunded companies. Practical implications By offering nine research propositions, this study is expected to foster and support the investigation of fintech development from an entrepreneurial and managerial point of view. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to explore the fintech development and to propose a comparative approach between RCF and ECF. This research contributes to the current debate on fintech development as well as on the comparison between crowdfunding models.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 719-723
Author(s):  
Pedro Machado

Purpose By embracing the entire community of travellers, despite their capacity, tourism destinations that have the opportunity to appeal to the art of inclusive tourism policies in the Center of Portugal, are analyzed, showing the importance for a tourist destination to adapt these policies to the notoriety of the destination brand. Design/methodology/approach This paper offers a practical viewpoint based on the state-of-the-art of public policies relating to inclusive and accessible tourism in the Center of Portugal and their impacts on the destination branding. Findings Taking into account the territorial specificity of the Center of Portugal, the asymmetries of development and cohesion, Tourism Center of Portugal (TCP) has sought to develop projects and actions in partnership with the different actors in the territory that promote territorial cohesion, integrated and sustainable development and the attractiveness of the inland region. Practical implications All the projects developed to support accessible and inclusive tourism, in which TCP is an active part, create a network of tourist services to become destinations more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Originality/value Inclusive and accessible tourism is little explored by DMOs. In this paper, the case of the Center of Portugal region is presented, highlighting a series of unprecedented initiatives that are being developed, aiming to provide the destination with unique points of differentiation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihong Li ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Dong Liang ◽  
Tenpao Lee

Purpose The paper aims to develop a framework to facilitate the evaluation of the complexities of working in multi-level governance and partnership and to assess the extent to which collaboration adds value in terms of both process and outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The paper applies the fuzzy analysis hierarchy process (FAHP) to the design of an evaluation framework for partnerships and uses data from a questionnaire survey in Wuhan, China, to validate the framework. Findings The paper finds that the effectiveness of multi-level governance and partnerships is primarily determined by such factors as clarity of framework for partnership, consensus on mission statement of strategic partnership, mechanisms for joint initiation and implementation of projects and removal of barriers to flow of resources. Practical implications The paper shows that policymakers need to adopt an evaluation approach to improve the effectiveness of multi-level governance and partnerships. Originality/value The paper provides a framework for building multi-level governance and partnerships in the Chinese context.


2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-11
Author(s):  
Geeta Rana ◽  
Alok Kumar Goel

Purpose – This paper aims to describe how Birla creates a strong pipeline of people who are ready to lead the organization in the future. Design/methodology/approach – It explains the origins of the group’s global-manufacturing leadership program (GMLP), the form it takes and the results it has achieved. Findings – It reveals that the program aims to shape the manufacturing leaders of tomorrow through exposing them to world-class technologies and processes, state-of-the-art research and continuous learning and development opportunities. Practical implications – It reveals that of the five GMLP candidates recruited in 2011, three have become independent unit heads, one in China and two in India. Social implications – It outlines the company belief that retaining and developing the skills of its existing workforce is at least as important as importing new talent when faced with increasing competition and growing pressure to cut costs in its main markets. Originality/value – It demonstrates that the program is designed to ensure that each participant is able to understand and anticipate customer needs, influence colleagues without too openly expressing authority and develop and communicate the company’s long-term vision.


2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 1489-1505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Asif

Purpose Ambidexterity is the ability of an organization to balance exploitation and exploration. Ambidextrous organizations perform better in managing productivity-innovation dilemma. Although the literature on ambidexterity has expanded, much less attention has been paid to the antecedents of ambidexterity. The purpose of this paper is to explore the antecedents of ambidexterity and develop a multi-level taxonomy of the antecedents. Design/methodology/approach Based on an extensive review of the literature, the paper develops criteria for categorizing the antecedents and then develops a taxonomy of the antecedents. Findings Two taxonomy frameworks have been developed: one is based on infrastructural elements, including organizational structures, processes, and context, while the other is based on different organizational levels (i.e. organizational, group, and individual) at which different antecedents exist. Most of the antecedents of ambidexterity reported in the literature fall in the category of “processes” – both individual/social and technical/procedural. Practical implications The paper provides an enhanced understanding of the antecedents of ambidexterity, how they relate to each other, and how they can be grouped together. The framework can help managers to apply the antecedents at various organizational levels, resulting in a more structured approach to ambidexterity. Originality/value The key contribution of the paper is in providing a multi-level understanding of the antecedents of ambidexterity. To the best of the author’s knowledge, such a taxonomy of the antecedents of ambidexterity has not been provided in previous publications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 30-32

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Firm performance can be optimized when learning occurs at different levels and is then transferred between them. Relationships help facilitate learning and along with time, communication and trust determine the alignment between learning cycles and the effectiveness of subsequent knowledge transfer. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Joseph Pine II ◽  
James H. Gilmore

Purpose – To succeed in the rapidly evolving experience economy executives must think differently about how they create economic value for their customers. Design/methodology/approach – Five value-creating opportunities are likely to drive further progress in the dynamic experience economy: customizing goods; enhancing services; charging for experiences; fusing digital technology with reality; and transformative experiences, a promising frontier. Findings – For leaders, five insights about the value-creating opportunities are key to achieving success via state-of-the-art experience staging, and they provide tested guidelines for managing in the experience economy, now and into the future. Practical implications – A huge first step in staging more engaging experiences is embracing the principle that work is theatre. So businesses should ask: What acts of theatre would turn our workers' functional activities into memorable events? Originality/value – Three key lessons: innovation to create high-quality experiences that customers will pay for is even more important than goods or service innovation. When you customize an experience, you automatically turn it into a transformation. Companies enabling transformations should charge not merely for time but for the change resulting from that time.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 858-868 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick Edgeman ◽  
Andy Neely ◽  
Jacob Eskildsen

Purpose This paper aims to address the nature of sustainable enterprise excellence, what it is, its enablers and specific manifestations. Design/methodology/approach A sweeping model of sustainable enterprise excellence, resilience and robustness is introduced, along with its enablers. Among enablers, supply-chain proficiency, vertical trust, distributed leadership and neuropsychological measurement are cited. A method of strategy modeling is introduced that, if rigorously pursued, will improve enterprise strategy and, hence, also opportunity for better subsequent performance and impacts. Similarly, an approach for strategic alignment in a large, multi-level enterprise is presented. Findings There are many paths toward sustainable enterprise excellence. Regardless of the path, this anticipates enterprise pursuit of socially equitable, environmentally responsible and economically sound performance and impacts. Practical implications The present is the Anthropocene age, an era fraught with challenges largely of people's own making and related to climate change and various sorts of social strain. Organizations have the wherewithal to attack these challenges. Given the orientation of sustainable enterprise excellence, methods and models that advance sustainable enterprise excellence have the potential to combat these challenges. Originality/value Sustainable enterprise excellence provides models and methods for confronting significant challenges that societies and organizations alike are faced with. Various models and paths to sustainable enterprise excellence are suggested in this paper.


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