Linking the bottom-up and top-down evolution of regional innovation systems to policy: organizations,support structures and learning processes

The literature is ambiguous about whether regional innovation systems (RIS) evolve bottom-up or top-down. This is reflected in RIS policies, which tend to focus on either development of the actor level, i.e. organizations in a RIS, or the system level, i.e. the support structure for innovation. Here, we analyzed a Norwegian RIS policy programme, the Programme for Regional R&D and Innovation (VRI), which aimed to combine both approaches. We found that VRI mainly developed the support structure for innovation and that learning outcomes from VRI involvement in organizations differed between the involved actor groups. This is particularly so for RIS development in regions inexperienced with support structure development prior to VRI involvement. Conversely, in regions with well-functioning support structures prior to VRI, the focus was most beneficially on stimulating learning at the actor level. We argue that future research should investigate mechanisms and interlinkages between the two levels and especially their regional particularities.     

Reverse innovation,international patenting and economic inertia: Constraints to appropriating the benefits of technological innovation

In this paper we compare the role of outward-bound international patenting in “reverse innovation” and in conventional international modes of innovation. Through analysis of panel data from 148 countries over 18 years we reveal that, while all countries may in principle appropriate economic benefits from endogenous technological innovation by increasing their level of outward-bound international patenting, the ability of a country to do so may be hampered by the pre-existing level of its economy. We classify countries in to four strategic innovation quadrants—Slow Movers, Traders, Inventors and Cosmopolitans—based on the relative change over time in their competitiveness in international patenting and their per capita wealth. The mix of wealthy countries and less wealthy countries varies greatly between quadrants, with the wealthy countries dominating the Cosmopolitans quadrant and the less wealthy countries dominating the Slow Movers quadrant. We conclude that, for lower income countries to improve their success in appropriating the benefits of reverse innovation, innovators and would-be innovators based in those countries need to develop sophistication and prowess in international patenting strategy and intellectual property management tailored to the unique conditions of each country.     

Analytical models for a new turnover-based hybrid storage policy in unit-load warehouses

This paper considers a low-level unit-load warehouse employing single-deep storage lanes and a single-command manual storage and retrieval policy. Analytical travel distance models are developed for class-based and full turnover storage policies under across-aisle, within-aisle and a newly proposed hybrid product placement schemes. Our computational studies show that the analytical models developed in this paper are very accurate as compared to simulation results and a comparative study with a real-world warehouse case. Hybrid storage policies proposed in this paper outperform all other traditional storage policies. The paper also presents insights and simple design rules to warehouse practitioners.     

The Demola model as a public policy tool boosting collaboration in innovation: A comparative study between Finland and Spain

The next generation of Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) policies will be defined by mission orientation and co-creation processes and implemented by dynamic public-private partnerships. However, the experience of European countries up to now in attempting to boost cooperation in innovation reveals a very different story. Beyond some contextual factors, the characteristics of the agents involved, the dynamics of their relationships and the design of the collaboration tools also have a critical influence at organisational level. This paper aims to identify these organisational factors in different contexts through the analysis of the Demola model, a university-industry innovation platform created in Finland which has spread to other countries, including Spain. Demola applies a standardised model but it has differences in its functioning depending on the national levels of collaboration in the innovation systems. In our case study, we have compared Finland and Spain, bearing in mind the features of the agents involved and their relationships, through a content analysis of primary and secondary information. The results of the study show that the institutional structure of the collaboration and the organisational culture of each institution are key factors in its functioning. These results can be useful for innovation managers, university leaders, educational experts and policy makers.     

A natural gas cash-out problem: A bilevel programming framework and a penalty function method

One of the many complex problems that arise from the transmission and marketing of natural gas is when a shipper draws a contract with a pipeline company to deliver a certain amount of gas among several points. What is actually delivered is often different from the amount that had been originally agreed upon. This phenomenon is called an imbalance. When an imbalance occurs, the pipeline penalizes the shipper by imposing a cash-out penalty policy. Since this penalty is a function of the operating daily imbalances, an important decision-making problem for the shippers is how to carry out their daily imbalances so as to minimize their incurred penalty. In this paper, we introduce the problem of minimizing the cash-out penalty costs from the point of view of a natural gas shipping party. We present a mixed integer bilevel linear programming model and discuss its underlying assumptions. To solve it efficiently, we reformulate it as a standard mathematical program and describe a penalty-function algorithm functions for its solution. The algorithm is well-founded and its convergence is proved. Results of numerical experiments support the algorithm’s robustness providing a valuable solution technique for this very important and complex problem in the natural gas market.     

A new warranty strategy: Combining a renewing free‐replacement warranty with a rebate policy

In this paper, a new warranty policy is proposed and analyzed for repairable products. This policy combines a renewing free‐replacement warranty with a rebate policy. Under this combined policy, the warranty period is partitioned into two intervals. If a product fails during the first interval, the seller replaces the product with a new or repaired product, and the warranty begins anew for the replacement. If a product fails in the second interval, the seller refunds a pre‐specified proportion of the sales price. We derive conditions under which the combined policy is cost‐effective from the perspective of the seller. A numerical example is presented and a sensitivity analysis is performed. Our results imply that reduced demand due to higher prices can be offset with a longer warranty period. Finally, the future extension as well as the practical application of this warranty policy is discussed through an informal survey. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

From traditional wristwatch to smartwatch: Understanding the relationship between innovation attributes,switching costs and consumers' switching intention

Smartwatches are one of the most disruptive innovations of the past decade. However, these hi-tech gadgets fail to attract interest in the same way as smartphones, or tablet PCs. Despite optimistic market growth forecasts, smartwatches have not taken the place of traditional wristwatches until today, and the number of people who use traditional wristwatches outnumbered those who use smartwatches. This study is thus motivated to examine the factors that affect traditional wristwatch users' intentions to switch to smartwatches. Based on the Diffusion of Innovations Theory, a research model was developed involving perceived product lifetime, financial switching costs, and procedural switching costs. The proposed model was then empirically evaluated using survey data collected from 234 actual traditional wristwatch users about their perception of switching intentions to smartwatches. The findings revealed that relative advantage and financial switching costs significantly influence traditional wristwatch users’ behavioral intentions to switch to smartwatches. Furthermore, financial switching costs mediated the effects of relative advantage and perceived product lifetime on the switching intention. Surprisingly, perceived product lifetime, complexity, and procedural switching costs do not have direct impacts on switching intention.     

Optimal maintenance policy for a Markovian system under periodic inspection

This study proposes a state-dependent maintenance policy R_i,j(T,N,α) for a multi-state continuous-time Markovian deteriorating system subject to aging and fatal shocks and with states 0 (new state) <1<2<…<L (failed-state). Under R_i,j(T,N,α), the system is inspected at each kT for k=1,2,3… to identify the current state as, say a, and then do-nothing, repair and replacement are taken immediately according to 0≤a≤i−1, i≤a≤j−1 and j≤a≤L−1, respectively in case i<j. Additionally, the replacement is carried out whenever L occurs due to fatal shocks. This policy includes numerous maintenance policies in the literature as special cases and can be applied quite generally. We then try to determine the optimal i^*, j^* and T^* such that the expected long-run cost rate is minimized. A numerical example is given to evaluate the performance of the policy.     

From local structure to a global framework: recognition of protein folds

Protein folding has been a major area of research for many years. Nonetheless, the mechanisms leading to the formation of an active biological fold are still not fully apprehended. The huge amount of available sequence and structural information provides hints to identify the putative fold for a given sequence. Indeed, protein structures prefer a limited number of local backbone conformations, some being characterized by preferences for certain amino acids. These preferences largely depend on the local structural environment. The prediction of local backbone conformations has become an important factor to correctly identifying the global protein fold. Here, we review the developments in the field of local structure prediction and especially their implication in protein fold recognition.     

A systematic approach to determine the optimal maintenance policy for an automated manufacturing system

We propose a systematic approach to determine the optimal maintenance policy for an automated manufacturing system which includes a flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) and several automated machine shops. The systematic approach combines simulation, fractional factorial design, noise or outer array of Taguchi design, regression metamodelling, and classical queueing analysis. A useful expression of the fractional utilization of the manufacturing system is derived and incorporated into formulating and solving the corresponding decision problem. The systematic approach provides an effective implementation procedure to handle practical maintenance problems found in a complex manufacturing environment. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

From technological acceptability to appropriation by users: Methodological steps for device assessment in road safety

This article presents the methodology developed within the framework of the research project SARI (Automated Road Surveillance for Driver and Administrator Information). This methodology is based on the logic of action research. The article presents the different stages in the development of technological innovation addressing vehicle control loss when driving on a curve. The results observed in speed reduction illustrate that no matter how optimal an innovation may be technologically speaking, it is only as effective as it is acceptable from a user standpoint. This acceptability can only be obtained if the technology is developed by engineers in liaison with social science specialists.     

Optimal Bayesian maintenance policy for a gearbox subject to two dependent failure modes

Most maintenance optimization models of gear systems have considered single failure mode. There have been very few papers dealing with multiple failure modes, considering mostly independent failure modes. In this paper, we present an optimal Bayesian control scheme for early fault detection of the gear system with dependent competing risks. The system failures include degradation failure and catastrophic failure. A three‐state continuous‐time–homogeneous hidden Markov model (HMM), namely the model with unobservable healthy and unhealthy states, and an observable failure state, describes the deterioration process of the gear system. The condition monitoring information as well as the age of the system are considered in the proposed optimal Bayesian maintenance policy. The objective is to maximize the long‐run expected average system availability per unit time. The maintenance optimization model is formulated and solved in a semi‐Markov decision process (SMDP) framework. The posterior probability that the system is in the warning state is used for the residual life estimation and Bayesian control chart development. The prediction results show that the mean residual lives obtained in this paper are much closer to the actual values than previously published results. A comparison with the Bayesian control chart based on the previously published HMM and the age‐based replacement policy is given to illustrate the superiority of the proposed approach. The results demonstrate that the Bayesian control scheme with two dependent failure modes can detect the gear fault earlier and improve the availability of the system.     

The prevalence of weak patents in the United States: A new method to identify weak patents and the implications for patent policy

The presence of patents with dubious validity (i.e., weak patents) has been one of the prominent patent policy issues with undesirable consequences in innovation. The present study empirically examines the prevalence of weak patents in the United States and whether or not the current patent system is capable of correcting weak patent issues. To this end, we propose a new method to identify weak patents by using patent citation information in conjunction with the textual similarity between citing and cited patents. Our method, along with a series of internal validation measures, shows that 13% of U.S. patents filed from 2001 to 2010 are weak patents. By applying this new method, we find that patent owners build a patent portfolio around a weak patent by developing subsequent inventions more than they do for a non-weak patent. Our further analysis finds that a weak patent is more or equally likely to be retained by the patent owner than a non-weak patent. Our findings suggest that patent owners have an incentive to invest in maintaining and appropriating weak patents, and thus, the current patent system is incapable of self-correcting weak patent issues.     

Engineering Smart Nanofluidic Systems for Artificial Ion Channels and Ion Pumps: From Single-Pore to Multichannel Membranes

Biological ion channels and ion pumps with intricate ion transport functions widely exist in living organisms and play irreplaceable roles in almost all physiological functions. Nanofluidics provides exciting opportunities to mimic these working processes, which not only helps understand ion transport in biological systems but also paves the way for the applications of artificial devices in many valuable areas. Recent progress in the engineering of smart nanofluidic systems for artificial ion channels and ion pumps is summarized. The artificial systems range from chemically and structurally diverse lipid-membrane-based nanopores to robust and scalable solid-state nanopores. A generic strategy of gate location design is proposed. The single-pore-based platform concept can be rationally extended into multichannel membrane systems and shows unprecedented potential in many application areas, such as single-molecule analysis, smart mass delivery, and energy conversion. Finally, some present underpinning issues that need to be addressed are discussed.     

From loop structure to policy-making: a CONWIP design framework for hybrid flow shop control in one-of-a-kind production environment

A feasible constant work in process (CONWIP) policy can guide developer to better implement CONWIP system. The feasible policy should be selected from alternatives by evaluation. Therefore, how to generate more than one CONWIP alternative policy to evaluate is an inevitable problem in CONWIP practice. From the perspective of loop structure, we propose CONWIP design framework (CDF) which is a systematic design approach to obtain CONWIP alternative policies. The basic concepts and components for CDF are discussed in this paper. Based on CDF, we make 10 CONWIP alternative policies for hybrid flow shop in one-of-a-kind production environment, and these alternative policies are evaluated by simulation. The simulation result implies that (i) the CONWIP alternative policy with robustness has the potential to cope with more fluctuations in high-variety production environment; (ii) a better design for CONWIP policy will be able to enhance the system performance in practice; and (iii) the loop structure can serve as a parameter of CONWIP.     

Hybrid modeling approach to market deployment planning: an application to a natural disaster relief supply business venture

In today’s fast-paced global economy, entrepreneurs increasingly tend to holistically design their business ventures during the early stages of business creation. This tendency highlights the need for an efficient and systematic approach to market deployment planning due to the dynamic and complex nature of current markets and the evolving significance of global strategic positioning. Traditional market expansion planning is no longer adequate for fast-paced contexts. This paper introduces a hybrid modelling approach in order to develop a market deployment roadmap. Based on market pertinent databases, the proposed approach uses self-organising maps for market clustering and an optimisation model for market deployment road mapping within each cluster. The approach is illustrated through its application to market deployment road mapping for a business venture specialising in natural disaster supply relief. Dealing with real case studies with exploiting the vast database have not received much attention in disaster relief planning context. Hence, this study provides a novel contribution to humanitarian relief planning considering the role of the business ventures in relief operation and their business model simultaneously.     

An integrative product line redesign approach for modular engineering products within a competitive market space: a multi-objective perspective

The purpose of this research is to aid enterprises to redesign their existing product line from the standpoint of two critical competitive dimensions i.e. time to market (TTM) and market share. An integrative methodology for product line redesign is evolved that sews together aspects related to product functionality, modularity and competitive market segments. Firstly, the existing level functionality of a multi-modular product is established employing the functional analysis systems technique for the given manufacturer under consideration and other market players. Thereafter, product premium and TTM functions for respective modules in terms of the linear relationships are established. Further, a detailed mathematical model is evolved where the two objective functions related to minimisation of TTM and maximisation of the product premium are formulated. The constraints in the devised optimisation model pertain to market segment, product profile, engineering design and non-negativity and integrality considerations. Finally, employing the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), the devised model is solved that yields a number of Pareto-optimal redesigned products for the three market segments under consideration. Analysis of the results yields several managerial insights that are discussed. The devised framework is illustrated employing a real-life case of Black and Decker’s power tool product line.