bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
European Space-Technology Transfer Support for SMEs
Authors: Rootes John , Flynn Diane
Published: September 2010

Since the inception of the European Space Agency's (ESA) technology transfer programme (TTP) in 1990, more than 400 potential spin-off technologies have been marketed throughout Europe by the Spacelink network of technology brokers that have been contracted to assist ESA in implementing the programme. During the eight years of programme operation, more than 70 transfers of space technology to many sectors of industry throughout Europe have been achieved. Over half of the technology donor and receiver companies to date have been SMEs. The work done by the TTP and Spacelink is complemented by ESA's recently established SME Initiative, which aims to promote better interactions between SMEs and the space industry as a whole. This paper describes both of these ESA programmes, and outlines ways in which SMEs can be supported and participate in space technology transfer activities.
TTI 2000: Introduction and Conference Overview
Authors: Robson E. H.
Published: September 2010

This special issue of Industry and Higher Education is devoted to a selection of papers and reports from TTI 2000, an international conference on technology transfer and innovation held at the Commonwealth Institute, London in July 2000. In this introductory paper, the author provides the context of the conference, summarizes presentations given by invited speakers and offers personal reflections on the event.
Innovation and Technology Transfer
Authors: Shanley C.W.
Published: September 2010

This paper first addresses the need for innovation as a key factor in business success and longevity. It then challenges the received wisdom that all innovation comes from smaller companies and that large companies are incapable of innovating. Presenting evidence to the contrary, and stressing the importance to large businesses of developing an innovative culture, the author describes some of the more successful ways that larger companies have found to foster innovation – these include the ‘10%’ rule, the ‘lead user’ concept, and paying for innovative ideas. In addition, he reports on the effective development and use of the ‘Minority Report’ at Motorola and notes some of the obstacles that other companies have experienced in attempting to adopt this practice. The author concludes with thoughts on ways to facilitate technology transfer to large companies, stressing that obstacles can be created by the attitudes of inventors as well as by company cultures, and that transfer can be facilitated by a better understanding on both sides of the problems and issues involved.
The Importance of Small High-Technology Firms to Economic Growth …
Authors: Tibbetts Roland
Published: September 2010

Are small high-technology firms more important to economic growth and wealth creation than has generally been recognized? Will their importance continue to increase? The author's answers are yes. Technology change, innovation and breakthroughs will continue to become more important. Attracting enormous amounts of very high risk capital is key to success. Small high-technology firms have unique advantages, including raising capital through the possibility of exponential appreciation of the value of their stock. The need is for initial financing to determine the technical feasibility of ‘too high risk’ ideas and reduce the risk to levels acceptable to private investors. The $1.2 billion US Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is designed to do that. It has recently been renewed until 2008.
Integrating Virtual Collaborative Engineering into a Freshman Curriculum
Authors: Jacobs Derya A. , Dryer David , Swart William
Published: September 2010

Experience in distributed virtual collaborative engineering is becoming more and more important as the use of advanced communication and information technologies is transforming engineering companies. To prepare students for this new reality and to respond to corporate demand, universities must begin to incorporate ‘virtual collaborative engineering’ concepts and ‘e-engineering’ technologies into their curricula. In this paper, design, implementation and assessment of a multidisciplinary freshman engineering and technology course is discussed. The aim of the course is to provide students with the necessary skills and practices in the latest methodologies and technologies to apply in a virtual collaborative engineering environment.
Distance Learning for SME Managers
Authors: Pauselli Emanuela , D'Atri Alessandro
Published: September 2010

This paper concerns the training needs of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) managers and the analysis of how new technological solutions, like those based on the Internet and the delivery of content via satellite, can satisfy these needs. The analysis is performed with special reference to the needs of Italian enterprises and with regard to managers' requirements, training goals, priorities for content and work constraints. Training solutions and distance learning methods based on information and communication technologies (ICT) are discussed with respect to their suitability and cost effectiveness for SME managers.
SunTAN — A Web-Based, Database-Driven Integrated Learning Management System
Authors: Lau Teresa T.
Published: September 2010

SunTAN (Sun Training Access Network) is a Web-based, database-driven integrated learning management system developed by Sun Microsystems for its global field staff. The system offers users a powerful virtual classroom learning environment over the corporate Intranet. It provides a rich set of functions to deliver, manage, track, assess, and report all learning activities for the user. The functional components of SunTAN utilize advanced Web application development technologies and include user management, a course catalogue, user progress tracking, a skill-based learning path, training history, competency assessment and online testing.
Academic Research and Regional Innovation
Authors: Collins Steven W.
Published: September 2010

According to a large body of research, academic R&D has an important inductive effect on industrial innovation. However, the extent to which the returns to university-induced innovation are captured locally remains poorly understood. This paper introduces and assesses technology transfer at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, in the context of the problems associated with appropriating the benefits of academic R&D for the regional economy. The large and growing number of university-related start-up companies in the region and the clustering of firms near the university are among the indicators of success. Areas of concern are also discussed. The paper concludes by suggesting lessons for regional planners and technology transfer managers.
Science and Technology Parks — Are They Relevant Today?
Authors: Why Peter H.
Published: September 2010

The old model of the science park is characterized as a ‘stand-alone’ low-density development on a remote greenfield site. As such, it fails to address the contemporary needs of business, education and society. The author describes a new generation of parks that is moving back towards the city centre and addressing the critical new priorities of compactness, accessibility, diversity and flexibility. He argues that the parks of the future will need to respond dynamically to changing patterns of work and life styles. To succeed, science parks must now become ‘science communities' and respond to a combination of business, educational, social and environmental needs. Extending this concept into the future, he envisages a shift from ‘park’ to ‘precinct’, an innovation-oriented community that provides a focus for the synergistic linking of high-technology businesses, schools, universities, and the broader community to sustain continuous learning in an entrepreneurial culture.
Italian Policies for University Spin-off Companies
Authors: Giacometti Miretta
Published: September 2010

In the past, the promotion of university spin-off companies and university–industry links has been extremely weak in Italian universities. However, while previously certain factors and constraints rendered the involvement of university professors and researchers in private companies almost impossible, with the passage of time there has been a slow build-up of such links. This increase has been in part due to new government policies. This paper examines these new policies, in the context of financial support and initiatives for companies which are leading to a breaking down of the barriers between university and industry and a relaxing of the regulations under which a researcher can found a spin-off company.
New Product Development
Authors: Audet Josée , Pegna Joseph
Published: September 2010

Mechanical Engineering and Commerce students were teamed up with the task of developing a new product, using a patented technology provided by a corporate sponsor. The context in which students worked resembled a real business setting as the tasks to be performed were similar to those of a cross-functional team responsible for the design of a new product or of an entrepreneurial team involved in a high-technology start-up. Students rated the experience as very positive: it represented an opportunity to get a taste of the ‘real world’ and learn about both new product development and the venture start-up process. The corporate sponsor also benefited from the project as it revealed a new commercial application for the company's patented technology.
Mathematics for Social Scientists
Authors: Barojas Jorge , Dehesa Nahina
Published: September 2010

The teaching of the concept of function is considered as an example of the problems encountered by social science students in learning mathematics at the level of an introductory college course. The key notions of learning cycles and teaching strategies are presented as guidelines to overcome some of the cognitive problems that students have. Finally, some training implications of learning mathematics are discussed.
Licensing Transgenic Mice
Authors: Abrams Irene , Kaiser Martine
Published: September 2010

Transgenic mice are phenomenal research tools that are of interest to both industry and academic researchers. Many technology transfer offices will be faced with the challenge of licensing transgenic mice. In this paper the authors illustrate some of the unique issues that arise in licensing transgenic mice and provide some strategies for successful commercialization. They discuss patent and licensing options and provide examples from their own experience in transgenic mouse licensing at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Preface
Authors: Barcic Maureen
Published: September 2010

This special issue of Industry and Higher Education is devoted to a selection of papers, reviewed and revised for publication, from the Conference for Industry and Education Collaboration held in San Diego, CA, 30 January–2 February 2001.
Enhancing Engineering Education
Authors: Politis John L. , Shooter Steven B.
Published: September 2010

The Bucknell University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), home of the Product Development Center (PDC), assists inventors and small firms in transforming their ideas into marketable products. The PDC combines traditional management services with the resources and expertise of a top-notch engineering department. The PDC provides assistance on various types of projects, including product design, prototype development, product testing, feasibility analysis, and process improvements. In response to the increasing demand for these services, the PDC has increased the number of engineering students employed in the Center. Since the SBDC is housed in the College of Engineering, students and engineering faculty work closely with industry counterparts in the design and development of new products. The Stage-GateTM process has been successfully implemented to create a multidisciplinary team approach to product development. The results have been remarkable, with measurable benefit to the College's educational mission and to private enterprise. This paper highlights the Bucknell University Product Development Center and how industry and education can collaborate most effectively to achieve excellent results.
The Employers' Priorities
Authors: Hassall Trevor , Joyce John , Montano Jose Luis Arquero , Anes Jose Antonio Donoso
Published: September 2010

There has been increasing pressure on the providers of higher education to align courses with the needs of employers. Surveys have documented the importance of developing a broad range of vocational skills. However, priorities must be established, based on the demands of the workplace, within this identified skills gap. The first section of this paper identifies the need for the development of vocational skills in general, and then specifically in the area of management accounting. The second section presents the views of employers of management accountants on the relative importance of a specified set of vocational skills, and the level of these skills exhibited by graduates and recently qualified management accountants. These measures are then combined in a ‘weighted importance indicator’ to indicate the skills that are most in need of development.
Collaboration among SMEs and Universities
Authors: Hvolby Hans-Henrik
Published: September 2010

This issue of Industry and Higher Education includes a selection of papers based on presentations given at the Fourth SMESME International Conference held in Aalborg, Denmark, on 14–16 May 2001. SMESME stands for ‘Stimulating Manufacturing Excellence in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises’.
The TCS Model: An Effective Method of Technology Transfer at Kingston University, UK
Authors: Lipscomb Marguerite , McEwan Anne Marie
Published: September 2010

This paper demonstrates that, despite the considerable challenges in transferring research knowledge, particularly to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), there are innovative methods of technology transfer that can be highly effective in both large companies and the SME context. It is argued that organizations must continually innovate products and processes, and constantly develop their knowledge base, in response to contemporary technological and social change. Innovation through the TCS model of technology transfer is examined, drawing on case studies that describe outcomes from the government-sponsored scheme, and a technology transfer method based on TCS. This leads to an analysis of why the TCS model is an effective method of technology transfer.
An Assessment of Higher Education Spin-off Enterprises in Wales
Authors: Brooksbank David , Thomas Brychan
Published: September 2010

This paper examines academic spin-off activity in universities and the development of different policies for academic entrepreneurship applicable to Wales. Detailed information on various aspects of spin-off development in Industrial South Wales (ISW) has been obtained through interviews with industrial liaison officers (ILOs) or their equivalents in all higher education institutions (HEIs) in ISW. The data gathered include quantitative information on developments over the last decade and qualitative information on university initiatives to help start-up businesses. The authors use this quantitative and qualitative information to address the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats relating to the development of academic spin-offs in ISW. The conclusions also draw on other initiatives in Europe and compare the results gathered with those of best practice elsewhere.
Determinants of the Price of German Tourist Packages on the Island of Mallorca
Authors: Aguiló P.M. , Alegre J. , Riera A.
Published: September 2010

The prices of tourist packages offered by various tour operators are not directly comparable, given the diversity of their characteristics. The services contracted differ in volume, quality and location. This work studies the vacations offered on the island of Mallorca by a sample of German tour operators, analysing the structure of the hotels contracted and the price distribution of tourist packages. This last variable is described taking as essential references the tour operator, hotel star rating, type of board and hotel location.
The Impact of Seasonal Unit Roots and Vector ARMA Modelling on Forecasting Monthly Tourism Flows
Authors: Gustavsson Patrik , Nordström Jonas
Published: September 2010

The effect of imposing different numbers of unit roots on forecasting accuracy is examined using univariate ARMA models. To see whether additional information improves forecasting accuracy and increases the informative forecast horizon, the authors cross-relate the time series for inbound tourism in Sweden for different visitor categories and estimate vector ARMA models. The mean-squared forecast error for different filters indicates that models in which unit roots are imposed at all frequencies have the smallest forecast errors. The results from the vector ARMA models with all roots imposed indicate that the informative forecast horizon is greater than for the univariate models. Out-of-sample evaluations indicate, however, that the univariate modelling approach may be preferable.
The Adoption of Environmental Innovations in the Hotel Industry of Gran Canaria
Authors: González Matías , León Carmelo J.
Published: September 2010

Managing environmental attributes of the tourist product is increasingly important for the success of tourist destinations. The authors consider how producers manage environmental attributes in the hotel industry. An environmental quality index is formulated, based on the possible environmental measures a representative unit can adopt, given the technological frontier. Several aspects of environmental quality within the hotel's influence are considered, such as the management of energy, water, solid waste, noise, and urban landscape. These measures can have effects on costs and demand. Thus their adoption represents an opportunity for firms to raise net benefits. Empirical evidence comes from a sample of hotels and apartments in Gran Canaria. Results show that the most frequently adopted environmental measures are those involving low investment and operational cost reductions. The environmental quality index is significantly determined by the category of the facilities, production capacity, integration into a larger management chain, the environmental perception of managers, and the preoccupation of clients with the environment.
Capital in a Tourism Satellite Account
Authors: Holtz-Eakin Douglas
Published: September 2010

On the basis that it is important for any measurement programme associated with the economics of tourism to contain a capital formation component, this paper presents a conceptual framework for developing comprehensive measures of Tourism Capital Formation as part of a Tourism Satellite Account (TSA). The paper suggests a method for determining the degree to which the accumulated stock of capital in an economy (or the corresponding flow of new capital expenditures) is, in the words of Tourism Satellite Accounts: A Methodological Framework, ‘driven by the needs of visitors’. In doing this, it examines the issues involved in extending the use of conventional measures of aggregate, industry-specific capital accumulation to provide comprehensive measures of capital usage as part of a TSA. The argument is developed as follows. After an overview of concepts and issues associated with capital measurement, the basic framework is adapted to the specific task of allocating capital assets to the generation of tourism goods and services. Then, answers are offered to a set of detailed questions concerning the linkages of the proposed techniques to previous work on TSAs. In its penultimate section, the paper presents a discussion of specific measurement questions and research requirements. The final section is a summary of conclusions.
Wildlife-Based Tourism and Increased Support for Nature Conservation Financially and otherwise: Evidence from Sea Turtle Ecotourism at Mon Repos
Authors: Tisdell Clem , Wilson Clevo
Published: September 2010

The arguments of most conservationists supporting ecotourism have been based on the view that it is environmentally friendly as a resource-use and that receipts from it can counter demands to use the natural resources involved for more extractive economic purposes. But wildlife-based ecotourism can also have positive impacts in itself on the willingness of tourists to pay for wildlife conservation, strengthen the pro-conservation attitudes of tourists, and foster personal actions by them that contribute to wildlife conservation. These aspects are explored in this article on the basis of a survey of tourists visiting Mon Repos Beach near Bundaberg, Queensland, for the purpose of watching marine turtles. The results enable several of the conservation impacts of this experience on tourists to be quantified, and highlight important relationships between specific socio-economic variables and the willingness of tourists to pay for the protection of sea turtles. Furthermore, it is shown that the on-site experiences of ecotourists have positive impacts on the willingness of tourists to pay for the conservation of wildlife, and that willingness to pay is sensitive to whether or not wildlife is seen. It is suggested that in situ ecotourism is likely to be a more powerful force for fostering pro-conservation attitudes and actions among visitors than ex situ wildlife-based tourism in aquaria and zoos.
An Economic Impact Case Study: The South Pacific Masters' Games
Authors: Ryan Chris , Lockyer Tim
Published: September 2010

The South Pacific Masters' Games in New Zealand is an example of sports tourism promoted by sporting enthusiasts as a commercial venture with support from a local authority, Hamilton City Council. Council support was motivated partly by a wish to achieve economic gain from the Games. The study estimates that the total of 1,655 competitors created a net incremental economic impact of NZNZ$249,000 (about £90,000). Additionally, the paper provides a case study of how direct economic impacts might be assessed and discusses reasons why such small-scale local studies should perhaps not attempt multiplier estimates, given the type of data that such studies require.
Reconciling Cost—Benefit and Economic Impact Assessment for Event Tourism
Authors: Burgan Barry , Mules Trevor
Published: September 2010

Governments frequently justify their expenditure on underwriting the commercial viability of tourism events in terms of the economic impacts that the events bring to their host region. However, the justification for public expenditure in general is more usually based upon cost–benefit analysis, founded on the principles of welfare economics. It concentrates on consumer and producer surplus measures, with a particular emphasis on consumer surplus. In many cases the focus of special events is not on local consumers, but on attracting consumers from outside the region. In this case, producer surplus is the more appropriate focus. It generally assumes that resources are used at their opportunity cost. In contrast, economic impact analysis involves estimating the full value associated with the use of either labour or capital. This paper demonstrates that there is a potential correspondence between the welfare economics paradigm of cost–benefit analysis and the growth-based paradigm of economic impact. That link is based on an underlying presumption that resources are unused or underused, and therefore income generation is a real benefit.
International Boundaries and Tourism Strategies
Authors: Asgary Nader , Walle Alf H.
Published: September 2010

Niagara Falls, an acclaimed natural wonder straddling two countries, provides a convenient means of juxtaposing different tourism strategies. Canada focuses on providing ‘activities’ and adult entertainment while the USA has historically provided opportunities to view nature and (to a lesser extent) to participate in family-oriented festivals. The opening of a Canadian gambling casino in the area, coupled with currency fluctuations, has significantly undercut the US tourism industry. Using an econometric model, strategies for reversing the tourism decline in the USA are discussed. By offering family-oriented festivals, the US tourism industry can gain a differential advantage, because the growth of casino gambling in Canada carries an increasingly ‘adult image’. Catering to gamblers is a ‘niching strategy’ in which other target markets tend to be discounted. By catering to under-served markets, the USA can avoid challenging the Canadians ‘on their own turf’ and, thereby, meet with minimal competition and risk when expanding its tourism industry.
Modelling and Forecasting Monthly Airline Passenger Flows among Three Major Australian Cities
Authors: Kim Jae H. , Ngo Monique T.
Published: September 2010

The authors examine statistical properties of time series data for the monthly numbers of airline passengers for three major Australian city-pairs (Brisbane–Melbourne, Sydney–Melbourne and Sydney–Brisbane). It is found that the three time series show a co-movement in the long run, each exhibiting a stochastic trend and deterministic seasonality. The impulse response analysis is conducted to examine how these time series are related in the short run. The bootstrap method is used to test for the statistical significance of impulse response estimates. The evidence suggests that the time series for the Sydney–Melbourne route is highly influential on the others in the short run. A number of univariate and multivariate time series models are used for forecasting. It is found that univariate methods generate more accurate forecasts than multivariate models.
The Americas: Part 1
Authors: Bar-On Raphael Raymond
Published: September 2010

The Americas form the second largest destination region in international tourism. The World Tourism Organization (WTO–OMT) reported 129 million tourist arrivals in this region in the year 2000 (excluding cruise passengers and day-visits), 5.5% above 1999, with receipts from international tourism totalling US$137 billion (including receipts from day-visitors, excluding international fares), 12% above 1999 (in current US$). Tourist arrivals and cruise passengers are presented for the 51 destinations (by sub-regions).
Self-Employment and Wealth Creation
Authors: Bögenhold Dieter , Fachinger Uwe , Leicht René
Published: September 2010

For the past two decades the subject of entrepreneurship has been revived in public discourse and economic debate. The call for entrepreneurship tends to become a call for self-employment. The authors argue that the assumption that entrepreneurship means self-employment is not correct. In addition, they focus on a key issue that frequently surfaces in the debate — the wealth of the self-employed. Their conclusion is that attention must be drawn to the multiple forms of self-employed activities, some of which are far removed from those that are normally associated with the term ‘entrepreneurship’.
Social Networks, Resources and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Jenssen Jan Inge
Published: September 2010

The question to be addressed in this study is how social networks and entrepreneurial resources relate to and impact on entrepreneurship. This question has been answered through an empirical investigation carried out in Norway. The explanatory variables applied in the study capture up to 45.6% of the variability of start-up success. The results show that social networks are important as channels for resources. The introduction of resources as an intervening variable considerably increases the explanatory power of the network approach. The study also indicates that it is useful to distinguish between the network developed before the entrepreneurial process and the network developed through the process.
A Review of the Impact of Education and Prior Experience on New Venture Performance
Authors: Kennedy Jessica , Drennan Judy
Published: September 2010

The importance of education and experience to the successful performance of new firms is well recognized both by management practitioners and academics. Yet empirical research to support the significance of this relationship is inconclusive. This paper discusses theories describing the relationship between education and experience and firm performance. It also analyses and classifies the differing measures of performance, education and experience, and compares the results of multiple studies undertaken between 1977 and 2000. Possible reasons for conflicting results are identified, such as lack of sound theoretical bases that relate education and experience to performance, varying definitions of the key variables and the diversity of measures used. Finally, a framework is developed that incorporates variables that interact with experience and education to influence new venture performance.
An Emergent Life-Cycle Model in Small New Zealand Wineries
Authors: Beverland Mike
Published: September 2010

A number of authors have noted that few small firms grow into larger firms. As a result they have criticized models that implicitly assume small firms grow. One such model is that of the organizational life-cycle. These models assert that firms go through a series of distinct stages or cycles as they develop over time. This study develops a four-stage model of a life-cycle based on 20 case studies of small growth-oriented New Zealand wineries. Wineries were found to go through pre-birth, start-up, expansion and growth stages in their first eight years. During this time, owners had little choice about the developmental path their organizations took. After this initial eight years, owners had far more influence on the future direction of the firm.
The Integrated Insect Management System and its Effects on the Environment and Productivity of Cotton
Authors: Sundaramurthy V.T.
Published: September 2010

The dynamics of insect pests and the impact of the management system on commercial village farms were investigated over several years. Damage to the cotton crop by bollworms in the polycrop system increased with the advancement of crop growth, with greater application of nitrogenous fertilizers and irrigation and with reduced planting distances between the conventional varieties. The activity of the adults of Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera litura and Pectinophora gossypiella in this crop system was at its peak during the middle reproductive phase of the cotton crop, and subsequently declined. The foliaceous, tall growing hybrids and varieties with heavy canopies had greater infestations of the adults of the leaf-feeding insect, S. litura. Investigations carried out over several years on commercial village farms show that the insect management system was lethal to the insect complex in the cotton system. De-topping of the growing terminals of plants greatly reduced oviposition by insecticide-resistant populations of H. armigera. The manual collection of larvae and affected plant parts resulted in the reduction of bollworm infestation on the village farms by 3–90%. Liberation of Trichogramma achea in great numbers reduced the population of different species of bollworms on the village farms. This system has reduced environmental pollution with insecticides by 35–59% and contamination of labourers' and farmers' blood and female workers' breast milk by 35–76%. Increased productivity of varieties and hybrids has been maintained over an observed range (according to growing conditions) from 870 to 2,220 kg/ha of seed cotton. The population of native natural enemies of cotton insects was increased several fold and had inverse density-dependent effects on the host insects. The pest management system has been adopted in cotton-growing states with financial assistance from the government of India since 2000.
Effect of Economic Crisis on Sustainability Aspects of Holstein Dairy Systems in Brazil
Authors: Waltrick Beatriz , Koops Wiebe J.
Published: September 2010

This analysis presents the development of the Holstein dairy system in Brazil, evaluating system sustainability during a time of crisis, based on changes in system productivity, stability, resilience and equity. Sustainability indicators are used to describe these changes. Records of Holstein cows registered in the National Dairy Cattle Archive from 1980 to 1992 were analysed to include a crisis period around 1990. The Holstein dairy farming system showed high stability and resilience in terms of milk production, although a high sensitivity to disturbances was evident.
Animals, Poor People and Food Insecurity: Opportunities for Improved Livelihoods through Efficient Natural Resource Management
Authors: Devendra C. , Chantalakhana C.
Published: September 2010

Poverty is a rural dilemma and continues to be a persistent multidimensional problem. It is associated with poor farmers, small farm systems, the landless, resource endowments, the socioeconomic environment and externalities. Over 75% of the poor live and work in rural areas, trapped in a poverty–adaptation–fragile lives–little hope–low life expectancy complex, with an enduring hope for self-reliance and a more comfortable life tomorrow. Since agricultural growth is central to improved livelihoods, strategies that focus on promoting such growth are critical: improved efficiency in natural resource management (NRM), of which animals are a part, can directly contribute to productivity enhancement and reduced poverty. It is estimated that approximately 678 million of the rural poor keep animals, within which the largest ownership of animals is seen in mixed crop–animal systems. The role and contribution of animals is discussed with reference to household benefits — current, medium-term and long-term savings, increased productivity of mixed farm systems, sustainability of agricultural systems and the environment, and enhancement of social stability. While large ruminants (buffalo and cattle) are very valuable for agriculture and farm security, milk and beef, ploughing and dung production, small animals (goats, sheep, chickens, pigs and ducks) are particularly important for nutritional and household security. The link between gender and animals is emphasized, especially the implications of the very strong relationship between women and children and small animals. This paper describes in detail characteristics of poor farmers and small farm systems. It discusses opportunities for NRM, and presents examples of data from different categories of animals and the extent of their contribution to total farm income, which in Asia ranges from 7–69%. It is concluded that improved animal production systems can increasingly make a significant contribution to improved human welfare, rural growth and reduced poverty. To achieve this, however, much more investment in agricultural research and development is necessary that can target less-favoured rainfed areas, coupled with participatory and interdisciplinary approaches, effective public–private sector partnerships, and commitment to purpose.
Biotechnology and the Industrialization of Horticulture in India
Authors: Reddy C. Raghava , Haribabu E.
Published: September 2010

This paper delineates changes in the organization of the production of horticultural plants as a result of the introduction of plant tissue culture techniques in India. Conventionally, horticultural plantlets have been produced in farmer-managed nurseries by using traditional plant breeding techniques such as grafting, budding, layering, seed propagation, etc. Over several centuries, the production process was organized as a craft, based on empirical experience. During the last decade, many multinational corporations and large Indian industrial companies have made substantial investments in horticulture by deploying tissue culture. In a comparative study of nurseries using conventional plant breeding techniques and plant tissue culture, it was observed that production processes had undergone several changes as a result of the introduction of tissue culture. In traditional nurseries the production process was organized according to the simple division of labour. In contrast, plant tissue culture technology was introduced within a complex organizational structure with a formal hierarchy similar to that of the manufacturing industry. Plant tissue culture has ushered in the industrialization of horticulture.
Prospects of Biodiversity in Herbicide-Resistant Crops
Authors: Schütte Gesine
Published: September 2010

Long-term and large-scale field tests with different weed control methods and agricultural vegetation surveys provide an appropriate tool for an evaluation of the effects on biodiversity of different weed control strategies. In this paper, the toxicological effects, amounts and frequencies of applications, and changes in farming practice are described and compared. The test results are discussed in relation to the question of whether environmental benefits can be achieved by the herbicide-resistance technique. Cropping history and the absence of beneficial plant species invading from the vicinity often override the effects of actual farming practice. Thus long-term strategies are necessary in order to increase biodiversity.
Technology-Based Economic Development in Atlanta and Georgia
Authors: Tornatzky Louis G.
Published: September 2010

This paper addresses the role that research universities can play in regional technology-based development through a detailed examination of experiences and activities in the state of Georgia. The author first assesses the achievements of the state in terms of various national performance indicators, concluding that it has made strong progress in the development of a technology-based economy albeit in a relatively small number of technology sectors and with most of the beneficial impacts limited to the state's major city Atlanta. He then looks at the role of the state's universities in this context, and the public policy initiatives that have driven the Georgia technology strategy. In particular, he discusses the Georgia Research Alliance and several of its programmes, and other formal economic development partnerships. The importance of and approach to industry extension and assistance activities, university-industry research partnerships, and technology transfer are also examined. Finally, the author looks at the wider set of public policy issues that need attention in the context of regional high-tech economic growth. As yet, there seems little connection between such growth and the reduction of income disparities, the improvement of educational participation and attainment, and the quality of the urban environment. If widespread economic development is to be achieved in a region, it may be necessary for technology strategies to take such challenges actively into account.
Experiencing Entrepreneurship at Cambridge
Authors: Brown Richard A. , Puddick Ruth
Published: September 2010

Higher Education is increasingly central to the development of wealth and a knowledge-based society. But how can universities encourage entrepreneurship and help students to experience the realities of life in entrepreneurial organizations? In a pilot project, students at Cambridge University in England were exposed to both the theories and practices of entrepreneurship with project-based work placements in such organizations in the Cambridge area. This article summarizes how the scheme operated, the lessons learned and the achievements. Project-based work has benefits for both students and companies and offers an important bridge between academe and small businesses in particular.
Regional Development and the European Consortium of Innovative Universities
Authors: Hansen Saskia Loer , Kokkeler Ben , van der Sijde P. C.
Published: September 2010

The European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU) was established in 1996. This network of universities currently has eleven partners and two associate partners. All the universities are ‘innovative’ and ‘entrepreneurial’ in research, education, or regional development (technology transfer) – or in more than one of these areas. In this paper ECIU activities in the context of regional development are described, especially in terms of the ways information is exchanged and shared. The exchange of information is not just among the ECIU partners: each university has around it an infrastructure that includes incubators, science parks and other regional entities, and the exchange of information extends to these organizations. The exchange of information and experience relating to best practice is important for the partners to sustain a ‘learning’ network in a ‘learning’ Europe.
Universities and Their Local Partners
Authors: Vartiainen Perttu , Viiri Arto
Published: September 2010

In the 1990s Finland began to emphasize a ‘new’, expertise-based regional policy driven by local initiatives and networking. An essential part of this approach is the intertwining of the universities and regional development processes, in which a major role is played by such facilities as science parks. At the heart of the regional impact of the University of Joensuu is the research and training carried out in its basic academic units. The greatest regional effect of the university is due to its internationally competitive research and education, as well as to the development of strategic priority areas. The strategic focal points and strengths of the University of Joensuu, the Joensuu Science Park and the North Karelia region of Finland complement one another well. In addition to the university's own departments, a key channel for transferring expertise is the Joensuu Science Park. The park is responsible for technology transfer, training, development measures and networking with other actors in their fields of expertise.
The University of Warwick and its Region
Authors: Bobe Mark
Published: September 2010

The University of Warwick is one of the UK's top five universities, dedicated to providing research and teaching of an international standard. While the university does function within the national and international contexts, it also places great value on regional (the English West Midlands) and sub-regional (the city of Coventry and the county of Warwickshire) involvement. It is argued that the university makes a strong contribution to the regional economy through The University of Warwick Science Park, the Warwick Manufacturing Group, the Warwick Business School, and other academic departments. Funding through the Higher Education Reach-Out to Business and the Community Scheme (HEROBC) has served to broaden and deepen the university's already substantial regional engagement while allowing it to maintain its national and international roles.
Attracting High-Tech Companies
Authors: van der Sijde P.C. , Vogelaar G. , Hoogeveen A. , Ligtenberg H. , van Velzen M.
Published: September 2010

From 1998 to 2001 a consortium of regional partners – the University of Twente, the Enschede Foundation Business & Science Park, the Regional Development Agency, and the Municipality of Enschede – carried out a project to attract new business to the area of Twente and to the Business & Science Park in particular. In that period, a well-functioning structure for cooperation among the partners was established in order to attract companies in sectors related to the principal research areas of the university Cooperation in the consortium is analysed using the ‘4S’ model (scope of cooperation; skills; scale; social networks) to identify the added value of the partners in this endeavour. It emerges that the four parties were complementary to each other. In total, some 13 companies have been attracted to the region, 161 jobs have been created and it is expected that in the next five years those 13 companies will create around 250 new jobs. Interviews were carried out with the companies to assess the value for them of the university's technology research and facilities. The results indicate that the technological expertise of the university was and remains one of the key attractions of the region for the companies.
Universities and Innovation in Regional Strategic Planning Culture
Authors: da Rosa Pires Artur , Rodrigues Carlos , de Castro Eduardo
Published: September 2010

The relevance of university-industry relationships to economic development is matched by the prolific research work that has been carried out on the interaction between the academic sector and productive systems. However, this research is almost exclusively focused on technology transfer. Considering the context of the emerging knowledge-driven economy in which institutional capacity emerges as a major competitive factor, this paper argues that there is a need to broaden the analytical framework in relation to university-industry links. This argument is based on the perception that universities can play a major role in building regional institutional capacity. The case of the University of Aveiro is explored to illustrate this additional dimension of university-industry interaction.
Understanding Notions of Enterprise in the Higher Education Sector
Authors: Hartshorn Christina
Published: September 2010

Findings from research undertaken in universities in the North East of England as part of the Science Enterprise Challenge initiative demonstrate the wide-ranging conceptualizations of ‘enterprise’ and ‘entrepreneurship’ held by academics from a broad spread of disciplines. These include conceptions of enterprise as certain skills, behaviours and attitudes, and as the establishment of a business venture. Subsequent ‘enterprise offerings’ within the university curriculum are informed and influenced by the subjective and different definitions of enterprise given by the research respondents. This paper suggests how these diverse definitions and conceptualizations may be accommodated by higher education institutions, and thus form part of the national policy agenda of creating an enterprising society.
Entrepreneurial Universities
Authors: Formica Piero
Published: September 2010

Whether or not a society can be called ‘entrepreneurial’ depends in part on the legitimacy and esteem accorded to those who pursue the entrepreneurial route. Communities in which entrepreneurship can thrive create more jobs and wealth. Entrepreneurship foments the Schumpeterian process of creative destruction by which the new replaces the old. New opportunities are perceived, capitalized and converted into marketable products or services. Fresh competition in the free market economy and the breaking down of international borders will significantly influence new company formation and the underlying models of entrepreneurial motion. Ample opportunities for creativity and innovation are driving the move towards the formation of small businesses that from the start enter into a fast and high-growth phase – the so-called ‘entrepreneurial growth’ companies. Is there a distinctive role for education in enhancing entrepreneurial capacity bringing together entrepreneurial capacity and opportunities, and thus expanding local entrepreneurial activity in the form of entrepreneurial growth companies? In addressing this question, the paper first looks at two basic models of entrepreneurial motion – the small business model and the growth model – and then investigates the concepts of entrepreneurial learning and organizations for entrepreneurial education (the entrepreneurial universities). Entrepreneurial universities foster interaction and networking. They embed entrepreneurship in academic culture in order to achieve economic returns from the knowledge generated through research projects, empowered teams of teachers, students and business people, face-to-face and electronic relationships, and networked enterprises emerging from their spin-off activity. Finally, the paper identifies agents in the market and seed funds as instrumental organizations in the role of entrepreneurial universities. Endowed with high education and marketable skills, those agents support the new company in creating its own market. Seed funds provide risk-bearing capital and management support, which are complementary ingredients to money and intangible assets from the founder, family and friends.