Development scholars from the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, India, and Britain highlight examples of developing countries creating their own technology rather than, or often in conjunction with obtaining it from elsewhere, as is the usual practice. The nine studies were presented at an conference in Maastricht; no date is noted. Annotation 2004
I think this book is a great achievement. It is packed with useful information and thought-provoking analysis and discussion. The work on technological development is, especially, a very valuable original contribution to the work in this field. The book illuminates the technological trajectory so often ignored by economists, but which underlies Schumpeter s "clusters" of innovations, and the emphasis on trunk innovations and analysis of their role is of particular interest. Christopher Freeman, SPRU Science and Technology Policy Research, University of Sussex, UK and Maastricht University, The Netherlands This pathbreaking book addresses the economics of technological change as revealed by a unique methodology that uncovers the true nature of technological development. Masaaki Hirooka bases this new approach to the economics of technological change on the recognition of the nonlinear dynamic nature of innovation. In order to provide a richer understanding of technological development, the book focuses on the period of innovation prior to market launch, grounding the analysis within a distinct innovation paradigm. This is expressed using three logistic trajectories technology, development and diffusion which make it possible to interpret and better understand technology foresight, infrastructure formation, long business cycles and national innovation systems. The author emphasizes the importance of the timing of innovation commitment, knowledge transfer between and within these trajectories, and the evolutionary character of innovation. Those with an interest in economics, macroeconomics, technological change and evolutionary economics will find this book to be a highly stimulating and fascinating read.
Recent developments in economics have gone from the recognition of the importance of innovation for growth and the exploration of innovation mechanisms to the incorporation of the results of the previous research into economic models. An important lesson to be drawn from all this research is that a purely macro-based analysis of growth is not enough. The various mechanisms of innovation creation and diffusion, the importance of agent heterogeneity, of market selection processes, of the internal organization of the firm and of organizational routines, and the obsolescence and the consequent emergence of new types of capital goods are a few examples of micro-economic phenomena that contribute decisively to macro-economic development. The papers in this volume approach those issues from a Schumpeterian point of view and tackle issues like the growing importance of knowledge and human capital; increasing returns and path dependence; the role of variety in economic growth; competition and industry evolution.
Proponents of globalization argue that it protects the global environment from degradation and promotes worldwide sustainable economic growth while opponents argue the exact opposite. Examining the local, national, and international impacts of globalization, the Handbook of Globalization and the Environment explores strategies and solutions that support healthy economic growth, protect the environment, and create a more equitable world. The book sets the stage with coverage of global environmental issues and policies. It explores international sustainable development, the evolution of global warming policy, transborder air pollution, desertification, space and the global environment, and human right to water. Building on this foundation, the editors discuss global environmental organizations and institutions with coverage of the UN's role in globalization, the trade-environment nexus, the emergence of NGOs, and an analysis of the state of global environmental knowledge and awareness from an international and comparative perspective. Emphasizing the effects of increasingly integrated global economy on the environment and society, the book examines environmental management and accountability. It addresses green procurement, provides an overview of U.S. environmental regulation and the current range of voluntary and mandatory pollution prevention mechanisms in use, explores a two-pronged approach to establishing a sustainable procurement model, and examines a collaborative community-based approach to environmental regulatory compliance. The book concludes with an analysis of controversial issues, such as eco-terrorism, North-South disputes, environmental justice, the promotion of economic growth through globalization in less developed countries, and the ability of scientists to communicate ideas so that policy makers can use science in decision making.
The globalized world has experienced significant improvements in production and consumption in a heterogeneous way since the industrial revolution. However, the considerable environmental degradation and energy wars resulting from the limited fossil energy sources brought the issue of sustainable development to the world agenda. Sustainable development has become one of the most discussed issues at country and international levels and requires further investigation to fully understand how we can move towards a more sustainable future. Technological Development and Impact on Economic and Environmental Sustainability explores the determinants of economic, social, and environmental sustainability from a multidisciplinary perspective in the globalized world, analyzes the impacts of applied sustainable policies, and considers the improvements in the Sustainable Development Goals. Covering topics such as economic growth and climate change, this reference work is ideal for researchers, academicians, scholars, practitioners, industry professionals, instructors, and students.
Over the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in the quantity and quality of research focused on the processes through which technological capabilities are acquired by countries significantly behind the economic frontier, and the institutions that effectively support the catching up process. This book is a splendid contribution to this literature. The concept of a sectoral innovation system is well suited for framing studies of these kinds of questions, and serves well to unify the many interesting empirical studies in the book. Some of those studies are success stories, others of less successful cases. Readers new to this body of research will find this book a great introduction. All readers will learn a lot from it about what is required for and involved in economic development. Richard R. Nelson, Columbia Earth Institute, US and University of Manchester, UK This book examines in detail the features and dynamics of sectoral systems of innovation and production in developing countries. Processes of rapid growth are usually associated with specific sectors such as automobiles, electronics or software, as well as with the transformation of traditional sectors such as agriculture and food. The book shows, however, that the variations across all these sectors in terms of structure and dynamics is so great that a full understanding of these differences is necessary if innovation is to be encouraged and growth sustained. The expert contributors promote this understanding by drawing upon empirical evidence from a wide range of sectoral systems, from traditional to high technology, and across a number of countries. They explore how these systems change and evolve, highlighting policy lessons to be drawn from the analysis. Case studies include the Brazilian aeronautical, pulp and paper industries, the Korean machine tool sector, motorbike manufacture in Thailand and Vietnam, pharmaceuticals and telecommunication equipment in India, ICT in Taiwan, the biofuels sector in Tanzania, salmon farming in Chile and software in Uruguay. Scholars and researchers in the fields of economics development economics in particular and innovation will find this book to be of great interest. Policymakers and managers focussing on innovation and growth in developing countries will also warmly welcome the book.
Internet and social networks play a critical role in the evolution of processes and functional areas that allow businesses to reach a wider base of end-users and achieve competitive advantage in their respective markets. Quality Innovation: Knowledge, Theory, and Practices presents a compilation of recent theoretical frameworks, case studies, and empirical research findings in the area of quality innovation. It highlights the theories, strategies, and potential concerns for organizations engaged in change management designed to address stakeholdersÂ’ needs. This reference volume serves as a valuable resource for researchers, business professionals, and students in a variety of fields and disciplines.
This handbook provides a comprehensive global survey of the politics of technology. Written by an outstanding line up of distinguished scholars in the field, the handbook covers all aspects of the relationship between politics and technology including: Demand and support for new technologies and innovation by the state The effects of technology policies Technology development and innovation difference between various countries and regions Policy instruments and techno-industrial innovation Dynamism and change as outcomes of government policies Driving forces for science and innovative development Forming the basis of this handbook are examples of regional development, country studies and a rich variety of technologies, as well as topical issues such as divergent political interests in relation to technology and the economic exploitation of technologies. Employing a comparative and interdisciplinary approach in order to analyse the interplay between government activities and the development of new technologies, this handbook will be an invaluable resource for all students, scholars and practitioners working in the politics of technology, public policy and policy analysis.
