Goio Etxebarria

Regional innovation systems: Institutional and organisational dimensions

Abstract The paper explores the case for Regional Systems of Innovation. Acknowledging the major contribution of research on National Innovation Systems, it suggests that for conceptual and methodological reasons, mostly concerning problems of scale and complexity, that approach may be complemented in important ways by a subnational focus. Taking an evolutionary economics standpoint, the paper specifies the concepts of ‘region,’ ‘innovation’ and ‘system’ as the prelude to an extended discussion of the importance of financial capacity, institutionalised learning and productive culture to systemic innovation. Building on the notion of regions as occupying different positions on a continuum referring to processes constituting them and their powers vis-a-vis innovation policy, the paper concludes by advocating strengthening of regional level capacities for promoting both systemic learning and interactive innovation.

Use of Scopus and Google Scholar to measure social sciences production in four major Spanish universities

A large part of Social Sciences and the Humanities do not adapt to international proceedings used in English for scientific output on databases such as the Web of Science and Scopus. The aim of this paper is to show the different results obtained in scientific work by comparing Social Sciences researchers with those of other sciences in four Spanish universities. The first finding is that some Social Sciences researchers are somewhat internationalised. However, the majority of individuals who are prestigious in their local academic-scientific community do not even appear on the information sources mentioned above.

Panorama of the Basque Country and its Competence for Self-Government

The aim of this article is to present a panoramic view of the Basque Countrys capacity and competence for self-government. We have analysed the historical process of industrialization, the effects of the industrial crisis and new possibilities for development of the areas own regional policy based on new institutions (Government and Provincial Councils) that emerged from administrative decentralization in Spain after 1980. In the following section, we analyse the scope of authority in EU regions. Some of the cultural and transport infrastructure projects backed by these Basque institutions are studied. These projects have had a considerable impact on the Bilbao Metropolitan Area. The changes observed in the nation state, specifically in Europe, show contradictory effects. However, they have reduced the States sovereignty but at the same time have prompted the State to retain powers rather than transfer them to lower institutional levels. This clashes with the desire of some regions or historical nations to access greater shares of self-government, such as the case of the Basque Country.

Tendencies in scientific output on carbon nanotubes and graphene in global centers of excellence for nanotechnology

A change has been taking place in the world of nanotechnologies since 2009, marking the beginning of a new era of end consumer goods related to these new technologies. In this article, our aim is to know the dominant tendencies observed in scientific output on carbon nanotubes at centres and poles from different countries and considered to be at the forefront of nanotechnologies research. We have selected a sample comprised of eight universities and locally coherent concentrations from different geographic areas: Europe, America and Asia. Based on this sample, we have used the Scopus database to analyse scientific output on carbon nanotubes in order to determine if there are significant differences in behaviour. We observe that dynamics of scientific output on nanotubes are similar in the universities and clusters analysed over time although a drop in publications was noted in 2009 in part of the organizations included in the sample. We have seen a large amount of publications on graphene in the last several years, due to the fact that researchers working in the field of carbon nanotubes gradually move towards the study of graphene, explained by the high expectations concerning the use of this element. The results lead us to conclude that advances in knowledge on carbon nanotubes and graphene will make it possible to meet the growing needs of a new and powerful market for products that are progressively including these new elements.

Networks and spatial dynamics: The case of the Basque country

Abstract This article analyzes the relationship between the internal development capacity of a region and the establishment of external infrastructures which link various centres and create cohesive spaces. The methodological approach is based on two types of network (1) internal networks (INs) bring together a wide range of economic and institutional agents; (2) external networks of infrastructures (ENs) show an increasingly international orientation and accompany the spatial dynamic. The theoretical approximation serves as a starting point for the study of some important projects the aim of which is the diffusion of ENs in the Basque country (roads, railways, airports and telecommunications). These projects are occasionally connected with the dynamics of INs that tend to be set up in the metropolitan area of Bilbao.

The Dynamics of Regional Clusters of Nanotechnologies: Evidences from German Länder and Two Spanish Autonomous Communities

In the present article, we use a dynamic approach to analyse the topography of regional/local nanotechnologies clusters through the agents that make them up. These agents include firms of different sizes and characteristics, universities, research centers and intermediary organizations supporting the creation of firms. Our study examines scientific publications as well as the gaps observed in some clusters and how the weakest clusters could be strengthened. Our spatial scope of analysis is region-based. We begin with the study of German lander which serve as references to aid understanding the cases of the two Spanish autonomous communities: the Basque Country and Catalonia.

Knowledge, values and territory: a case study

Today, the study of regions is central to academic analysis and policy deliberation on how to respond to the rise of the knowledge economy. Regional Economies as Knowledge Laboratories illustrates how newer types of regional analysis – utilising scientometrics, knowledge services measures and university networks, and concepts such as knowledge life cycles, experimental knowledge creation, and knowledge ethics – are leading to a perception that regional economies increasingly resemble knowledge laboratories.

What prevents PROS from making KNOTS? Evidence for nano-researchers

ABSTRACT The current study examines the barriers faced by research organisations in nanoscience when transferring knowledge to the industrial sector. Two are the questions that guide this research: Does the context play a role in the effectiveness of knowledge transfer activities? Does the transfer of scientific output in nanoscience depend on the type of organisation? Three geographic areas are compared: the Basque Country (Spain), Uusimaa (Finland) and Sydsverige (Sweden). A survey to the research groups in the three locations was conducted, together with interviews with each group’s leaders. Quantitative and qualitative methods are thus used to interpret the information collected. The results indicate that the main barriers to knowledge transfer come from the innovation system, rather than from the organisation to which the research group belongs. The study discusses a series of trade-offs facing policy makers in charge of implementing science, technology and innovation.

Epigenetic Economics Dynamics in the Internet Ecosystem

We are witnessing a very rapid development of mobile telephone-related sectors, firms and technologies on the Internet. The changes being perceived at the present time are characterized by their high speed, giving rise to high velocity markets and high velocity environments. In such environments, a number of dynamics are not explained by evolutionary principles. This chapter focuses on the dynamics observed in the Internet ecosystem as an illustration of the abrupt changes occurring in these high velocity environments. The goal of this chapter is to analyze the evolution and dynamics observed in the business groups discussed in the book, determining how these expand and diversify their activities, in what we refer to as epigenetic dynamics. Our aim is to understand how epigenetic dynamics of the business groups mentioned above address change in response to variations in their environments. With it, we intend to provide a comprehensive view of the trends and dynamics observed in the Internet ecosystem.

Evolution of the Commercialisation Trajectories in Nanotechnologies

The purpose of this paper is to reach better general understanding of the institutions and processes needed to develop and commercialise nanosciences and nanotechnologies. This knowledge may prove useful to guide the actions of public and private agents. In order to analyse the paths followed in the evolution of nanotechnologies markets, the following points must be taken into account: government initiatives, creation of standards, possible applications, creation of firms, dynamics of patenting and the development of laws and regulations needed for commercialisation, although within the necessary context of sustainable development and respect for public health.