Saturday, January 21, 2012
A Model of Global Network Environment for Innovation
Karol I. Pelc
Paper presented at the 2012 Global Business and International Management Conference, Orlando, FL, January 15-17. Published in GBIM Proceedings, ISSN 2155 - 1219, p. 118 - 129.
Abstract
Global
innovation networks emerged recently and became a trademark of the 21st
century’s international management of innovation and technology. They are
developing due to continuously increasing complexity of technology and
increasing costs of innovation projects. Collaboration became effective thanks
to the improving information and communication technology allowing easy and
simultaneous access to databases in globally distributed systems. The evolution
of global markets with a high degree of openness provided incentives for
innovation initiatives reaching across national borders. Scientific,
technological and economic networks of collaboration involve companies,
institutions and individuals. In many instances they became necessary for
solving important problems and for jointly developing risky and/or high cost
innovation projects. The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model
of global network environment for innovation. The model represents a
constellation of interlinked global networks. The paper also presents a new
taxonomy of global innovation networks and a brief description of typical
structures of those networks. The global aspects of innovation networks are
emphasized within four basic spheres of environment: economic, managerial,
social, and cultural. The Schumpeterian concept of innovation is applied in
analysis of basic features of collaborative innovation. The impact of global
business environment on innovation network configurations is assessed according
to criteria corresponding to the four basic spheres of that environment.
Paper presented at the 2012 Global Business and International Management Conference, Orlando, FL, January 15-17. Published in GBIM Proceedings, ISSN 2155 - 1219, p. 118 - 129.
Abstract
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Prospects of Innovation
Prospects of Innovation: Development Strategies
Wacław A. Kasprzak and Karol I. Pelc
Book in Polish: Perspektywy Innowacji – Strategie Rozwojowe, Wroclaw University of Technology Press, Wroclaw, Poland, 422 pages, under review, forthcoming 2012.
Summary
The book is addressed to the readers interested in development of innovation strategy at different levels ranging from individual companies to regions and nations. The role of education system and universities in creation and strengthening of innovative potential is also presented. National innovation and technology policies are illustrated by examples of European Union, U. S., and Japan. The book is intended to be a useful source of knowledge on innovation and technology strategies of corporations and small- and medium- size companies. It also covers several important topics related to regional development strategies. Knowledge of forecasts is of essential value for planning and managing innovation at all levels. Hence the authors devoted two chapters of the book to forecasting: one is focused on methods and techniques of forecasting, another is presenting a selection of current forecasts. The book consists of four parts.
Part I is focused on innovativeness and strategies of companies. The opening chapter of this part (Chapter I.1.) presents technological and economic heritage of the 20th century. It includes description of production systems and their development in conjunction with organizational trends. The most important phenomena that influenced the living conditions of societies (computer technology and information systems, globalization, knowledge-based economy, growth of service sector) are also reviewed in this chapter. The following chapters (Chapters I.2., I.3., and I.4) present systemic solutions and experiences of corporations as well as small-and-medium size companies in formulating technology and innovation strategies, and in initiating and managing the R&D programs. Open innovation systems and networks are presented in Chapter I.5., including description of global innovation networks as a phenomenon of growing importance.
Part II presents different aspects of innovativeness of a society (Chapter II.1) and the role of education system in building the innovative capabilities. A model of the university of the future is described (Chapter II. 2) in combination with a review of international data on academic research and transformation programs intended for improvements in that domain in Poland (Chapter II.3).
Part III is a review of three major innovation policy systems. National innovation systems of the European Union, the U. S. and Japan are shown in historical perspectives. The respective three chapters (Chapters III. 1, III.2, and III.3) provide data on governmental R&D programs, and on financial, legal and institutional solutions concerning collaboration between academic, governmental and industrial partners.
Part IV presents methodological aspects of innovation projects and strategies in their relation to technology forecasting and assessment. Technological pursuit strategies are described in Chapter IV.1, which also discusses issues of maintaining the leadership position by a corporation. Development of innovation and technology strategies is linked with forecasting and systematic assessment of potential and probable changes in social, economic and technological environment. Chapter IV.2 introduces the reader to methods and techniques of forecasting. Emphasis is placed on the need for long-term oriented research projects aimed at development of new technologies. The chapter presents methods of hypothesis formulation, developing of time estimates and building consensus in a panel of experts. A review of potential technological breakthroughs, in the period until 2020, is given in Chapter IV.3. Elements and methodological issues of development of strategies at the regional, national and international level are reviewed in Chapter IV.4. Finally, Chapter IV.5 addresses methodological problems related to technology assessment as well as analysis and evaluation of innovation projects.
Bibliographical list of sources cited or references to literature on the subject are included in each chapter. Their purpose is to facilitate further studies on the problems and issues presented in the book.
Wacław A. Kasprzak and Karol I. Pelc
Book in Polish: Perspektywy Innowacji – Strategie Rozwojowe, Wroclaw University of Technology Press, Wroclaw, Poland, 422 pages, under review, forthcoming 2012.
Summary
The book is addressed to the readers interested in development of innovation strategy at different levels ranging from individual companies to regions and nations. The role of education system and universities in creation and strengthening of innovative potential is also presented. National innovation and technology policies are illustrated by examples of European Union, U. S., and Japan. The book is intended to be a useful source of knowledge on innovation and technology strategies of corporations and small- and medium- size companies. It also covers several important topics related to regional development strategies. Knowledge of forecasts is of essential value for planning and managing innovation at all levels. Hence the authors devoted two chapters of the book to forecasting: one is focused on methods and techniques of forecasting, another is presenting a selection of current forecasts. The book consists of four parts.
Part I is focused on innovativeness and strategies of companies. The opening chapter of this part (Chapter I.1.) presents technological and economic heritage of the 20th century. It includes description of production systems and their development in conjunction with organizational trends. The most important phenomena that influenced the living conditions of societies (computer technology and information systems, globalization, knowledge-based economy, growth of service sector) are also reviewed in this chapter. The following chapters (Chapters I.2., I.3., and I.4) present systemic solutions and experiences of corporations as well as small-and-medium size companies in formulating technology and innovation strategies, and in initiating and managing the R&D programs. Open innovation systems and networks are presented in Chapter I.5., including description of global innovation networks as a phenomenon of growing importance.
Part II presents different aspects of innovativeness of a society (Chapter II.1) and the role of education system in building the innovative capabilities. A model of the university of the future is described (Chapter II. 2) in combination with a review of international data on academic research and transformation programs intended for improvements in that domain in Poland (Chapter II.3).
Part III is a review of three major innovation policy systems. National innovation systems of the European Union, the U. S. and Japan are shown in historical perspectives. The respective three chapters (Chapters III. 1, III.2, and III.3) provide data on governmental R&D programs, and on financial, legal and institutional solutions concerning collaboration between academic, governmental and industrial partners.
Part IV presents methodological aspects of innovation projects and strategies in their relation to technology forecasting and assessment. Technological pursuit strategies are described in Chapter IV.1, which also discusses issues of maintaining the leadership position by a corporation. Development of innovation and technology strategies is linked with forecasting and systematic assessment of potential and probable changes in social, economic and technological environment. Chapter IV.2 introduces the reader to methods and techniques of forecasting. Emphasis is placed on the need for long-term oriented research projects aimed at development of new technologies. The chapter presents methods of hypothesis formulation, developing of time estimates and building consensus in a panel of experts. A review of potential technological breakthroughs, in the period until 2020, is given in Chapter IV.3. Elements and methodological issues of development of strategies at the regional, national and international level are reviewed in Chapter IV.4. Finally, Chapter IV.5 addresses methodological problems related to technology assessment as well as analysis and evaluation of innovation projects.
Bibliographical list of sources cited or references to literature on the subject are included in each chapter. Their purpose is to facilitate further studies on the problems and issues presented in the book.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Global Innovation Networks
Multiple perspectives on global innovation networks
In: Hosni, Y. (ed.), "Technology and the Global Challenges," Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Management of Technology, IAMOT 2011, Miami Beach, FL, April 2011, CD format, ISBN: 0-9815817, Paper # 1569355473, pp.17.
Karol I. Pelc
Paper presents a new taxonomy and an integrating definition of global innovation networks based on multiple perspective review and analysis of the networking environment for technology innovation. Several types of innovation networks are included such as inter-firm networks, intra-firm networks, inter-governmental project networks, and open innovation networks. The Schumpeterian approach is applied in the analysis of basic features of collaborative innovation. It allows connecting the technology development process with commercialization, diffusion and proliferation processes. Global aspects of analysis and a model of knowledge flows refer to constellation of four layers in the interlinked global networks: (a) Research networks, (b) Technology innovation networks, (c) Production networks, and (d) Service and distribution networks. Linkages between elements of each network and across the layers are presented through identification and representation of respective streams of knowledge. Different types of networks are assessed as parts of the emerging global ecosystem of technology innovation. Economic, managerial, social and cultural perspectives are applied for that assessment.
Global brain: A dual metaphor
Transformations, Special Issue 2010/2011, 3- 4 (66-67), p. 32-49, ISSN 1230-0292.
Karol I. Pelc
Review of the past concepts of global intelligence and knowledge gathering systems leads to new interpretations of the global brain metaphor. Two interpretations are presented in the paper. First of them relates to theoretical concepts of generalized intellectual capabilities of humanity evolving toward an integrated consciousness. The second deals with practical implementations in the form of global knowledge and innovation networks. This approach is illustrated by examples and classification of innovation networks. Duality of the metaphor constitutes the main focus of the paper.
Global consolidation of research and innovation networks
Chapter in: L. Zacher (ed.), Science – Technology – Society, book in Polish: Nauka – Technika – Spoleczenstwo, Warsaw 2011, 18pp, accepted for publication (forthcoming).
Karol I. Pelc
Karol I. Pelc
Theory of Technology
Multidimensional model of technology
(in Polish: Wielowymiarowy model techniki), Chapter in: L. Zacher (ed.) , Science – Technology – Society, book in Polish: Nauka - Technika – Spoleczenstwo, Warsaw 2011, 19pp, accepted for publication 11/02/2010 (forthcoming).
Karol I. Pelc
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Knowledge Management
An Interface Between Strategic Management and Knowledge Management
Kurokawa, S., Pelc, K. I., Senoo, D.
International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies, 3, 1 & 2, 2009, p.1–3. Preface.
The Special Issue of the International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies presents results of research conducted in many countries. It is intended to demonstrate strategic aspects of knowledge management practices in organizations. Review of all nine papers of the Special Issue indicates that relationship and interactions between strategic management of a company and its knowledge management are bi-directional. This general conclusion also applies to individual functional areas of a company. The authors emphasize that effective knowledge management constitutes a fundamental element of innovative capacity of a modern company. (The authors of this Preface are the editors of the Special Issue).
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Innovation Strategy
Innovation and Technology Strategies
Waclaw A. Kasprzak, Karol I. Pelc
Book in Polish: Strategie Innowacyjne i Techniczne (with summary and list of contents in English), PALMApress, Wroclaw, Poland 2008, ISBN 83-7076-128-3.
Innovation and Technology Strategies
Waclaw A. Kasprzak, Karol I. Pelc
Book in Polish: Strategie Innowacyjne i Techniczne (with summary and list of contents in English), PALMApress, Wroclaw, Poland 2008, ISBN 83-7076-128-3.
Summary
Developing an innovation and technology strategy for a company as well as a regional innovation strategy requires specific methods of analysis and design. In addition, the strategies need to be based on up-to-date forecasts. To support formulation and evaluation of those strategies the following topics have been addressed in the book: (1) Technological and economic heritage of the 20th century, (2) Technology strategies in the American and Japanese industries, (3) Patterns and measurements of R&D expenditures and their effects in the context of knowledge-based economy, (4) Entrepreneurship and technology development strategies of small- and medium- size companies, (5) Technological pursuit strategies, (6) Methods and techniques of forecasting in combination with assessment of success probability of scientific and technological projects, (7) Review of potential technological breakthroughs until 2020, and evaluation of selected forecasts from the past, (8) Elements and methodological issues of development of strategies at the regional, national and international level, (9) Innovation policy and competitive status of the European Union, (10) Assessment of technological, scientific and educational status of Poland, (11) Review of tools for regional strategy development recommended by the European Union.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Innovation in Manufacturing
Improvisation Model for Team Performance Enhancement in a Manufacturing Environment
Anil B. Jambekar, Karol I. Pelc
Team Performance Management, 2007, 13, 7/8, p. 259-274
Abstract
The core purpose of the paper is to propose that improvisational practices have potential of bringing an additional dimension to learning process in a typical manufacturing organization governed by a culture-implied “Plan what we do and do what we plan” environment. In today’s turbulent environment employees should possess both the capability to follow a plan while, at the same time remaining able to respond instinctively to outcomes that are unexpected.
Several authors view the concept of improvisation associated with performing arts and creativity-based artistic productions such as jazz performance, comedy and improvisational theater as a model to shape organizational processes. The instances of improvisation cited in the literature are first classified as either proactive or reactive. Using jazz metaphor the paper offers a model of decision making by an agent and a process view of communication.
Authors propose that a culture of a manufacturing environment described as “Plan what we do, do what we plan, but improvise with bias toward improved system performance” is very desirable and should be legitimized. Although the model is conceptual, it will benefit from more empirical or case based research.
For practicing managers, this work offers a goalpost toward productive thinking.
The authors argue that improvisational experience of other domains of activity e.g. in creativity- based artistic productions; jazz band, theatre, etc. should be considered for adoption into manufacturing environment after a suitable transformation.
Improvisation Model for Team Performance Enhancement in a Manufacturing Environment
Anil B. Jambekar, Karol I. Pelc
Team Performance Management, 2007, 13, 7/8, p. 259-274
Abstract
The core purpose of the paper is to propose that improvisational practices have potential of bringing an additional dimension to learning process in a typical manufacturing organization governed by a culture-implied “Plan what we do and do what we plan” environment. In today’s turbulent environment employees should possess both the capability to follow a plan while, at the same time remaining able to respond instinctively to outcomes that are unexpected.
Several authors view the concept of improvisation associated with performing arts and creativity-based artistic productions such as jazz performance, comedy and improvisational theater as a model to shape organizational processes. The instances of improvisation cited in the literature are first classified as either proactive or reactive. Using jazz metaphor the paper offers a model of decision making by an agent and a process view of communication.
Authors propose that a culture of a manufacturing environment described as “Plan what we do, do what we plan, but improvise with bias toward improved system performance” is very desirable and should be legitimized. Although the model is conceptual, it will benefit from more empirical or case based research.
For practicing managers, this work offers a goalpost toward productive thinking.
The authors argue that improvisational experience of other domains of activity e.g. in creativity- based artistic productions; jazz band, theatre, etc. should be considered for adoption into manufacturing environment after a suitable transformation.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Schumpeter and technology networks
A Schumpeterian Perspective on Technology Networks
Karol I. Pelc[1]
Chapter in: E. G. Carayannis and C. Ziemnowicz (Eds.) "Re-discovering Schumpeter," Palgrave Macmillan Publ. Ltd., Houndmills Basingstoke, U. K. , Chapter 14, 229 - 242, 2007.
ABSTRACT
A Schumpeterian Perspective on Technology Networks
Karol I. Pelc[1]
Chapter in: E. G. Carayannis and C. Ziemnowicz (Eds.) "Re-discovering Schumpeter," Palgrave Macmillan Publ. Ltd., Houndmills Basingstoke, U. K. , Chapter 14, 229 - 242, 2007.
ABSTRACT
Concepts of Joseph Schumpeter related to technology and innovation are reviewed with emphasis on principle of “new combination” of elements involved in an economically successful innovation. Contemporary technology and innovation networks may be viewed as an implementation of the Schumpeter’s ideas. Developing the combinations of different technologies, which are mutually complementary, is one of the most creative and productive forms of technological change. Those interconnected technologies constitute a network that involves several types of interface: economic, cognitive, technical, organizational etc. A definition of technology network and its theoretical model are presented. Technology network is viewed as a constellation of three platforms: knowledge network, innovation network and supply/production network. The model also provides a framework for analysis of complementarities between technologies in a network. Technology networks constitute a new Schumpeterian model of innovation, which is proposed as Schumpeter Mark III, complementary and in addition to the earlier models Schumpeter Mark I and Mark II presented in the literature.
[1] Karol I. Pelc is a Professor of Technology and Innovation Management, Emeritus, at Michigan Technological University, School of Business and Economics, Houghton, Michigan. He may be reached at kipelc@mtu.edu . His webpage address: www.sbe.mtu.edu/kipelc
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