A New Space for Biotechnology Innovation?

Author(s):  
David Tamoschus

New technological opportunities and online communication constantly gain importance for knowledge integration and knowledge creation in any innovation-driven environment. The cooperation between firms and individual actors in biotechnology was characteristically organized in local or regional clusters, based on face-to-face communications and strategic temporary linkages to other clusters. However, this archetypal configuration can change with the emerging use of open innovation models such as online research communities. A qualitative case study including an analysis of forums within an open source biomedical research platform portrays how knowledge integration mechanisms, and hence, innovations are implemented in virtual space. In this newly created environment, a number of geographical patterns are inverted: The strong role of physical co-location is partly substituted by enabled online proximity and new opportunities of virtual “prototype-sharing”; the former global pipelines are transformed to local and virtual cross-community pipelines. Yet mechanisms of creating social coherence and stability illustrate noteworthy similarities with “localized capabilities” of regional agglomerations. Eventually, knowledge integration capabilities ensure that the network can operate as a successful knowledge provider.

Economics ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 1626-1649
Author(s):  
David Tamoschus

New technological opportunities and online communication constantly gain importance for knowledge integration and knowledge creation in any innovation-driven environment. The cooperation between firms and individual actors in biotechnology was characteristically organized in local or regional clusters, based on face-to-face communications and strategic temporary linkages to other clusters. However, this archetypal configuration can change with the emerging use of open innovation models such as online research communities. A qualitative case study including an analysis of forums within an open source biomedical research platform portrays how knowledge integration mechanisms, and hence, innovations are implemented in virtual space. In this newly created environment, a number of geographical patterns are inverted: The strong role of physical co-location is partly substituted by enabled online proximity and new opportunities of virtual “prototype-sharing”; the former global pipelines are transformed to local and virtual cross-community pipelines. Yet mechanisms of creating social coherence and stability illustrate noteworthy similarities with “localized capabilities” of regional agglomerations. Eventually, knowledge integration capabilities ensure that the network can operate as a successful knowledge provider.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 21-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Tamoschus

Virtual communication forms play an increasingly important role for innovation and knowledge creation to individuals and to public and private organizations such as research centers, universities, and firms. Whereas biotech R&D cooperation was characteristically organized in a highly specialized cluster based largely on local face-to-face communications and strategic temporary linkages to other agglomerations, this archetypal configuration may undergo changes due to the emerging applicability of open innovation models such as ‘open source biotechnology’ or the advanced integration of physicians and patients into therapy development processes. An in-depth case study of an ‘Open Source Pharma’ network portrays how innovation and knowledge integration mechanisms are put into practice through ´permanence` in virtual space. In this newly created environment a number of geographical patterns are inverted: ´local buzz` turns into ´virtual global buzz`; global pipelines transform to local pipelines. However, institutionalized norms of the virtual network illustrate noteworthy similarities with ´localized capabilities` of regional agglomerations.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrico Bracci ◽  
Giorgia Gobbo ◽  
Luca Papi

PurposeThis paper investigates the role of boundary objects and boundary work in the integration of risk management (RM) and performance management (PM) systems. In particular, the paper combines theoretical insights with an empirical focus to examine how shared contexts are created through the boundary work performed by key actors across knowledge boundaries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops an exploratory qualitative case study from a local government context. The methodology is based on document analysis and semi-structured interviews.FindingsBoundary objects can act as knowledge integration mechanisms, allowing key actors to understand the meanings and uses of RM and PM practices. The paper shows how collaborative versus competitive boundary work exerted by key actors can explain the creation of shared contexts leading to integration between RM and PM.Originality/valueThe results contribute to the debate about the integration of RM with other managerial systems. Differently from previous research, the integration theme is addressed in the present work by looking specifically to the integration between RM and PM. In doing so, the role of both boundary objects and the boundary work performed by relevant actors to demarcate their legitimacy and autonomy over preferred practices is portrayed.


Author(s):  
Jamie Woodcock

The focus shifts in this chapter towards online workers. It first differentiates between microworkers and online freelancers, discussing the role of automation and the technical composition of these kinds of work. The chapter contrasts the challenges of organising in this kind of work with transport platforms, particularly the lack of opportunities to meet face-to-face. It draws attention to the digital networks that form around this work in response to the challenges of the labour process. Recent struggles involving Amazon Mechanical Turk and Rev (transcription) workers show the potential for these workers to coordinate and build shared subjectivities through online communication. This case study is explored as an example with a significantly more challenging technical composition, yet shows how new moments of struggle are still coming to the fore.


2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 476
Author(s):  
Antonio Carlos Da Silva Oscar Júnior ◽  
Ana Maria De Paiva Macedo Brandão

Hodiernamente as ciências do tempo e do clima assumem protagonismo no meio cientifico devido às questões e polêmicas atuais acerca das mudanças climáticas. Tendo em vista esse novo espaço, esse trabalho tem como objetivo trazer uma contribuição teórico-metodologica para aqueles que desejam se debruçar sobre essas novas questões que afligem o mundo moderno. Para aprofundar as discussões deste artigo, abordaremos o caso de Duque de Caxias, localizado na Baixada Fluminense do Rio de Janeiro, usando a também como caso exemplo para explicar como as dinâmicas socioeconômicas, deixando suas marcas no território intensificam os riscos naturais e aprofundam as vulnerabilidades sociais. No aflorar dessa nova agenda de pesquisas é papel dos Geógrafos aprofundarem suas análises em prol de um ordenamento territorial, e gestão do espaço condizente com as novas necessidades da sociedade. Palavras-Chave: Clima Urbano, Mudanças Climáticas, Planejamento Urbano.  Theoretical and Methodological Rain for the Study of Vulnerable in Urban Environments: a Case Study of Urban Climate Duque de Caxias-RJ  ABSTRACT Today the sciences of weather and climate took center stage in the middle due to scientific issues and controversies about the current climate. In light of this new space, this work aims to bring a theoretical and methodological contributions for those Who wish to dwell on these new issues that plague the modern world. For further discussion of this article, we discuss the case of Duque de Caxias, located in the Baixada Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro, also using as a case example to explain how socio-economic dynamics, leaving it’s mark in the territory of natural hazards intensify and deepen the vulnerabilities social. Flourishin this new research agenda is the role of geographers deepen their analysis in favor of a use and land management consistent with the changing needs of society.  Keywords: Urban Climate, Climate Change, Runoff, Urban Management


Author(s):  
Helen G. M. Vossen ◽  
Maria Koutamanis ◽  
Joseph B. Walther

This study investigated the effect of receiving confirming vs. disconfirming feedback to individuals’ self-disclosure on their self-esteem, the role of giving reciprocal feedback in this relationship, and how these effects differ between online and face-to-face communication. Using a two (communication mode: online vs. face-to-face) by two (feedback valence: confirming vs. disconfirming) between-subjects experiment, we found that feedback had a significant indirect effect on self-esteem, through the receiver’s reciprocal feedback. This indirect effect of feedback differed in online communication from offline: In online communication, participants reciprocated negative feedback when they received it, more than in face-to-face communication. The reciprocal feedback enhanced their self-esteem in online communication, but not in face-to-face communication. Although people tend to respond more negatively to negative comments in online conversations, the process, overall, boosts rather than hinders their self-esteem.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 19-34
Author(s):  
Samuel Nii Attoh Abbey

With the flagship success of M-Pesa, mobile devices have become an important tool to facilitate the financial inclusion of the previously unbanked population in developing countries. Following the success of M-Pesa in Kenya in 2007, mobile money technologies became widespread across Africa. Beginning in 2009, Ghana experienced exceptional adoption of Mobile Money technology. Many studies have examined the influence of mobile money on financial inclusion from a variety of perspectives, and many have concluded that mobile money is a game-changer in this regard. The Mobile Money concept has evolved based on introducing the other value-added services such as microloans, savings, and insurance portfolios. The researcher used a questionnaire and a face-to-face interview to obtain qualitative data for this study. Together with other research, the statistics revealed that Mobile Money transactions in Ghana had more than tripled since it became the most popular payment method. Over the last year, the platform as a service has created over 140,000 jobs and has shown to be the safest channel. It has several advantages, including lowering the cost of printing and keeping cash on hand, as well as decreasing fraud because the technology underlying it gives appropriate audit trails to prevent fraud and boost economic growth.


2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 545-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina Närvänen ◽  
Evert Gummesson ◽  
Hannu Kuusela

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a network perspective to the study of collective consumption. The authors examine the characteristics of heterogeneous consumption collectives formed around a Finnish footwear brand. The case is both theoretically and practically relevant. It differs from previous research by featuring consumer grassroot activities, face-to-face interaction and strong pre-existing social relationships. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative case study research was conducted with different methods of data generation including interviews, participant observation and cultural materials such as newspaper articles and photos. Findings – A new concept of collective consumption network is introduced. Five kinds of consumption collectives are identified, including place focussed, brand focussed, activity focussed, idea focussed and social relations focussed consumption collectives. The strength of ties as well as the role of the brand varies within the collectives. Practical implications – Suppliers should find an appropriate network position, where they can enable and support shared value creation. Developing skills to identify and cultivate weak links as well as mobilize resources are important. Originality/value – The findings illustrate the heterogeneity and complexity of collective consumption. In particular, the paper discusses the way self-organizing and emergent consumption collectives and the supplier interact and integrate resources within the network.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 4621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Chaminade ◽  
Filippo Randelli

Over the last few years, there has been a growing concern among academics and practitioners about the slow pace in which sustainability transformations unfold. While most socio-technical transformations tend to happen over extended periods, research shows that unless some dramatic changes are introduced, we are risking damaging the critical earth systems that sustain human life. In this context, understanding why and how transformations happen at a much faster pace in certain places than in others is of crucial importance. This paper investigates the rapid transformation of Panzano, from traditional wine production to organically produced wine. Using a combination of document analysis, participant observation, and face to face interviews in Panzano in 2019, this article examines the role of the territorially embedded innovation ecosystems facilitating this fast transformation. The study looks at place based-structural preconditions and different forms of agency at different stages in the transformation. Our findings illustrate that a place-based agency is paramount for accelerating sustainability transformations.


Bohemistyka ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jindřiška Svobodova ◽  
Eva Nováková

The paper discusses verbal aggressiveness and (im)politeness in media and online communication. The analysis focuses on transcriptions of communicative acts by participants of the TV reality Spread! ("Prostřeno!", a Czech version of the programme Come Dine with me) and viewers' comments in related online discussions. The analysis indicated that the use of face-threatening acts was determined by a type of communicative interaction and interlocutors' social roles. Striving to construct a positive self-image, the participants in the show did not take the risk of losing their face due to usage of derogatory or vulgar expressions in face-to-face inter- actions. The anonymous online discussions, on the contrary, did not pose any risk for the positive faces of the speakers; therefore, the interlocutors showed clear tendency to either appreciate and support, or attack the contestants as well as other speakers. 


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