scholarly journals Spatial (in)justice and place-based strategies in innovation ecosystems: the case of the Alexander Innovation Zone in Thessaloniki

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (49) ◽  
pp. 81-92
Author(s):  
Lefteris Topaloglou
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Spatial Dimension ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
Equitable Distribution ◽  
Spatial Justice ◽  
Innovation Ecosystems ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Research Hypothesis ◽  
Empirical Material

AbstractThe concept of spatial justice relates to the fair and equitable distribution in space of socially valued resources and opportunities. In other words, spatial justice is the spatial dimension of social justice, placing more emphasis on the geography of distribution. On this basis, this paper examines the innovation ecosystem of the Alexander Innovation Zone of Thessaloniki in Greece. What is attempted is to scrutinise, through the lens of spatial justice, this state's initiative to deal at the regional level with innovation. This paper investigates whether a focus on localities and decentralisation would be better able to deliver the demands of spatial justice. The hypothesis to be tested is that equity in socially valued resources and opportunities can be better achieved through place-based strategies. Based upon empirical material, within the framework of the RELOCAL project (H2020, www.relocal.eu), this contribution attempts to shed some light on the aforementioned research hypothesis.

scholarly journals Regional Innovation Ecosystems in Ukraine

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (522) ◽  
pp. 56-61
Author(s):  
A. O. Kobernyk ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Business Environment ◽  
The State ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Innovation Activity ◽  
Regional Innovation ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
Innovation Ecosystems ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Symbiotic Functioning ◽  
The One

The article substantiates the prerequisites, prospects and advantages of creating an innovation ecosystem at different levels of its formation. The main approaches to defining the essence of the concept of innovation ecosystems in both domestic and foreign specialized literature and their adaptability to the regional level are analyzed and grouped. The harmonious innovation ecosystem is a sign of a progressive society, which is identified by the symbiotic functioning of people and organizations, the result of which is the production of conscious innovations. The author outlines the stages of formation of the regional innovation ecosystem, the circle of its participants and ways of their interaction. For each stage, the procedures for its implementation, the main characteristic features and processes of transition from one to another are determined. The main feature of the creation and functioning of the regional ecosystem is the stable, constant interaction of its participants with educational and scientific institutions, as well as the adaptability of these institutions to the variability of the external environment. The article describes certain elements of foreign experience in the development of regional ecosystems and their implementation in Ukraine. Awareness of the existence or prerequisites for creating an effective regional ecosystem is the first step towards effective regional management and activation of the potential of the national economy. On the one hand, in the context of decentralization, local self-government bodies get maximum freedom in creating organizational elements of the regional innovation ecosystem, supporting scientific and human resources and the communication business environment. The author emphasizes that without the State support it is impossible to create conditions for the protectionism of innovation activity, to activate investment potential, to stimulate the necessary forms and methods of financing the relevant activity. Therefore, work at the regional level in terms of innovation should be carried out simultaneously following two directions of the hierarchy: from bottom up and from top to bottom in constant cooperation and coordination of own actions. As a result, priority directions of the State and regional support for the development of regional innovation ecosystems on the basis of the main specific platforms or technologies are substantiated.

scholarly journals The right to be Freepeople: Relational voluntary-assisted-advocacy as a psychological and ethical resource for decolonizing intellectual disability

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 556-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Capri ◽  
Leslie Swartz
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
South African ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Social Activism ◽  
Relational Ethics ◽  
Thematic Content Analysis ◽  
Political Conditions ◽  
The Right ◽  
Empirical Material

Participating in social activism implies responsibility for its exchange and creation. We focus on Intellectual Disability (ID) as an advocacy site for individuals who are dependent on assistance with activities of daily life, and attend to the process of taking care during social justice projects. Our paper responds to current South African social justice controversies perpetrated against people who may be unable to independently mobilize against increasingly othering – even deadly – socio-political conditions. Underpinned by relational Ethics of Care, voluntary-assisted-advocacy can be a psychologically relational, intersubjective, and societal project that strives for ID citizenship-making and social justice. This paper draws on numerous interviews and a number of ethnographic observations in exploration of ID care. Empirical material was subjected to thematic content analysis, and participant quotes bring our argument to life. Relationships among people with Intellectual Disability (PWID) and non-ID assistant-advocates are asymmetrical. We can either uphold dominant non-ID voices, or transform socio-political ruling relations that maintain dependence on conditions of power and inequality. Our contributions to the advocacy we co-create today will shape the activism we will depend on in the future. We consider relational voluntary-assisted-advocacy as a psychological and ethical resource for sustainable, mutually satisfying social change.

Regional Disparities

2019 ◽  
pp. 623-629
Author(s):  
Hans-Joachim Bürkner
Keyword(s):  
Initial Phase ◽  
Spatial Dimension ◽  
Regional Disparities ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Nation State ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Border Regions ◽  
The Face ◽  
Transition Research ◽  
Neoliberal Policies

This chapter provides a stocktaking of the conceptualization of the spatial dimension of postcommunist social change. It traces the shifts in academic concepts which sought to grasp the effects of transition on the regional level and the diversification of regional trajectories. It identifies three distinct stages of transition research which represents such shifts. An initial phase of nation state-centred accounts of regional transition was followed by a period which highlighted the diversification of patterns of regional disparities, focusing on regional capitals and border regions, and establishing globalization as an important factor of new core–periphery relations and interregional competition. A final post-transition stage has been described as being dominated by socio-spatial polarization and the increasing vulnerability of regions in the face of neoliberal policies and recurring global economic crises. Formerly clear-cut concepts relating inequality to the legacies of earlier stages of transition have gradually vanished, leaving a theoretical gap.

The government’s role in creating an innovation ecosystem: the Springfield Armory as hub in the Connecticut River Valley

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 557-579
Author(s):  
Robert C. Ford ◽  
Keenan D. Yoho
Keyword(s):  
River Valley ◽  
Direct Result ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
Connecticut River ◽  
Role Of Government ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Ecosystems ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Connecticut River Valley

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate, through the example of the Springfield Armory and its role in the development of interchangeable parts, the critical role of government in establishing a cluster of organizations that evolved into an innovation ecosystem primarily located in the Connecticut River Valley in the 1800s. Using the Springfield Armory example, we use the related but largely unjoined concepts of ecosystem and networks to show that these organizational forms are effective in driving innovation. Design/methodology/approach The design uses an in-depth analysis of the role of the Springfield Armory to explicate the joining of network and ecosystem theory as an early example of the importance of governmental funding and support for innovation. Findings The development of interchangeable parts in the American arms industry in the 19th century transformed manufacturing worldwide. At the heart of this transformation was the network of arms makers that developed in the Connecticut River Valley as a direct result of US Government investment and support. This network of arms makers evolved into an ecosystem of mutually reinforcing relationships as machine tool manufacturers benefited from an environment of free-flowing intellectual property, information and growing governmental demand for arms. The Armory illustrates the government’s role in initiating and sustaining clusters of innovation that otherwise might not have developed as quickly. Originality/value Much of the research on the role of government in creating innovation ecosystems and organizational networks is based on modern organizations. This use of the Springfield Armory in the early 1800s broadens the knowledge on how innovation ecosystems in conjunction with networked organizations can be created by governments serving the public good.

scholarly journals Higher Education in Innovation Ecosystems

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 4376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuzhuo Cai ◽  
Jinyuan Ma ◽  
Qiongqiong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
Innovation Ecosystems ◽  
Definition Of

While higher education has been considered as both an ‘engine’ for innovation and a ‘catalyst’ for sustainability development, the integration of both the ‘innovation engine’ and ‘sustainability catalyst’ roles is best reflected in higher education’s engagement in innovation ecosystems—the theme of this special issue, including 16 articles dealing with the topic from various perspectives. In this editorial, we outline an overarching framework about the relations between higher education and innovation ecosystem. When elaborating the framework, we provide a new definition of innovation ecosystem and identify three roles of university in innovation ecosystems, based on synthesizing relevant literature. The framework could facilitate readers to comprehend each of the collected articles and find synergy among them.

Digital Innovation Ecosystems for Circular Economy: the Case of ICESP, the Italian Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform

2020 ◽  
pp. 2050053
Author(s):  
Pasquale Del Vecchio ◽  
Giuseppina Passiante ◽  
Grazia Barberio ◽  
Carolina Innella
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Extreme Case ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
Digital Innovation ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Marketing Model ◽  
Innovation Ecosystems ◽  
Quintuple Helix

An important but unexplored research issue is understanding how digital innovation ecosystem and a quintuple helix model can support the promotion of Circular Economy. Circular Economy, however, is intrinsically linked to the innovation issue. It can occur in a productive and consumption system under the form of a new product, process, organizational or marketing model. In the meantime, the digital innovation ecosystem debate was enriched by the social and environmental sustainability perspectives that are the pillars of the Circular Economy theory. Despite this, the research has failed to achieve full comprehension of digital innovation ecosystems’ dynamics and processes for the Circular Economy, by highlighting the need for deeper understanding. Under the above assumptions, this paper presents the evidence of a single and extreme case study related to the Italian Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ICESP). This is shown as good practice of a digital platform for stakeholders’ engagement, supporting the creation of a digital innovation ecosystem focused on the Circular Economy. We conclude by deriving implications for researchers and policy makers’ agendas.

Digital Health Innovation Ecosystems

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Ejehiohen Iyawa ◽  
Marlien Herselman ◽  
Adele Botha
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
Health Innovation ◽  
Innovation Ecosystems ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Key Participants

The purpose of this paper was to identify key participants, benefits, and challenges of a digital health innovation ecosystem in Namibia. The paper also aimed to identify strategies for implementing digital health innovation ecosystems in Namibia. This is a qualitative study that adopted semi-structured interviews in meeting the objectives of the study. The findings suggest that implementing digital health innovation ecosystems within the Namibian context will result in better processes of delivering healthcare services to patients. However, implementing such an ecosystem would require resources from both academic and governmental organizations. The need for skilled experts for managing the ecosystem would also be required. Hence, adopting the guidelines for implementing a digital health innovation ecosystem in developing countries, the study proposed guidelines which would make a digital health innovation ecosystem work for the Namibian context. The findings of this study can be used by healthcare managers within the Namibian context.

scholarly journals Exploring the Key Driving Forces of the Sustainable Intergenerational Evolution of the Industrial Alliance Innovation Ecosystem: Evidence from a Case Study of China’s TDIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Huang ◽  
Hongqi Wang ◽  
Jianlong Wu ◽  
Zhongji Yang ◽  
Xiaobo Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Government Policy ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Structural Evolution ◽  
Market Demand ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
Innovation Ecosystems ◽  
Strategic Innovation ◽  
Time Division

Why does an industrial alliance upgrade sometimes quickly and sometimes very slowly? The answer to this question can scientifically reveal the key driving forces of the sustainable intergenerational evolution of industrial alliance innovation ecosystems. From the perspective of structural evolution, we analyzed and compared the key driving forces using a longitudinal case study from the 2G to 3G, and then to the 4G innovation ecosystems of China’s Time Division Industrial Alliance (TDIA). The findings showed that the internal key driving forces influencing the intergenerational evolution of the industrial alliance innovation ecosystem include the superiority of the new innovation ecosystem, the sustainability of the old ecosystem, and inheritance between the new and old ecosystems. Market demand and government policy indirectly affect the intergenerational evolution by shaping the environment in which the innovation ecosystems are embedded. This research will support industrial alliances and core members in making strategic innovation ecosystem decisions and support governments in designing related policies with scientific theoretical guidance and decision-making references. In particular, this study aimed to offer inspiration for the promotion of the successful sustainable evolution of China’s TDIA towards 5G.

scholarly journals The social dynamics of heterogeneous innovation ecosystems

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 184797901772161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan-Peter Ferdinand ◽  
Uli Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Social Dynamics ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Innovation Ecosystems ◽  
Broad Scope ◽  
The Social

In this article, we develop a programmatic notion of innovation ecosystems, which emphasizes the analysis of different forms of distributed innovation without reducing the perspective to the role of a focal organization. It highlights relationships between communities and corporate firms as nexus for distributed innovation and elaborates how different facets of openness shape the dynamic of the ecosystem. Thus, our model allows for the analysis and comparison of a broad scope of constellations, their particular coordinating mechanisms as well as related advantages and disadvantages. We apply this framework to two specific cases of distributed innovation, the RepRap 3D printer and the ARA modular smartphone, in order to delineate how differences in the forms of openness affect the prevalent relationships between communities and firms as well as the constituting functions of their particular innovation ecosystem.

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