Paul Cunningham

Historical comparisons reveal multiple drivers of decadal change of an ecosystem engineer at the range edge

Biogenic reefs are important for habitat provision and coastal protection. Long-term datasets on the distribution and abundance of Sabellaria alveolata (L.) are available from Britain. The aim of this study was to combine historical records and contemporary data to (1) describe spatiotemporal variation in winter temperatures, (2) document short-term and long-term changes in the distribution and abundance of S. alveolata and discuss these changes in relation to extreme weather events and recent warming, and (3) assess the potential for artificial coastal defense structures to function as habitat for S. alveolata. A semi-quantitative abundance scale (ACFOR) was used to compare broadscale, long-term and interannual abundance of S. alveolata near its range edge in NW Britain. S. alveolata disappeared from the North Wales and Wirral coastlines where it had been abundant prior to the cold winter of 1962/1963. Population declines were also observed following the recent cold winters of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. Extensive surveys in 2004 and 2012 revealed that S. alveolata had recolonized locations from which it had previously disappeared. Furthermore, it had increased in abundance at many locations, possibly in response to recent warming. S. alveolata was recorded on the majority of artificial coastal defense structures surveyed, suggesting that the proliferation of artificial coastal defense structures along this stretch of coastline may have enabled S. alveolata to spread across stretches of unsuitable natural habitat. Long-term and broadscale contextual monitoring is essential for monitoring responses of organisms to climate change. Historical data and gray literature can be invaluable sources of information. Our results support the theory that Lusitanian species are responding positively to climate warming but also that short-term extreme weather events can have potentially devastating widespread and lasting effects on organisms. Furthermore, the proliferation of coastal defense structures has implications for phylogeography, population genetics, and connectivity of coastal populations.

Drivers of international collaboration in research

This report, written jointly by the Technopolis Group and the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (The University of Manchester), is a synthesis of a project conducted on behalf of the European Commission DG Research. This study seeks to understand what policy considerations are made when establishing and implementing science, technology and innovation (STI) linkages with other countries. The report reviews the various drivers behind international STI co-operation and explores the interactions between these drivers.

Transnational policy learning in Europe: Attempts to transfer innovation policy practices

Summary Contemporary interest in trans-national policy learning is prompted by a perceived growth in policy transfers and attention is focused on measures employed by other countries which may be used to deal with problems similar to one’s own. With regards to ‘innovation policy’, however, this paper presents empirical findings that confirm there is little evidence of organised ‘intelligence gathering’ to survey innovation policies from other countries in Europe. Instead, information is usually collected on an ad hoc basis and in response to particular needs. The paper highlights a number of attempts to transfer innovation policies and presents a range of factors that can potentially inhibit trans-national policy learning. A trend towards more ‘open and transparent governance’ is noted and it is argued that this requires policies and processes to be better understood in their systemic contexts, as well as the shifting institutional environment in which they operate.

The Impact of Innovation Networks

Networks (as distinct from geographically co-located clusters) have become an important component of technology and innovation policy in several countries and at the supranational level. However, it has been noted that the issue of appropriate policies for network formation and development is not clear cut and that there is a need to clarify both their rationale and the available instruments for facilitating networking. The chapter focuses on the evaluation of network policies and their role and impact on innovation, particularly since innovation is now understood to depend on a variety of feedback loops within the context of the structured relationships that constitute the so-called innovation ecology. We examine the historical development of industrial network policies and their rationales, such as their later adoption by governments to address the policy goal of increasing the exchange of knowledge between actors in the public and private sectors. The range of typical policy instruments is examined and the challenges for their evaluation assessed, before proceeding to a review of the evidence arising from a number of important studies. We conclude with a number of general lessons concerning specific network characteristics from examples where particular policy models have been successful.

Polar hydrocarbon technologies: future developments

This paper addresses the physical and technological difficulties inherent in the extraction of marine hydrocarbons in the polar regions. The factors are then analysed to assess the potential for the transfer from the Arctic to the Antarctic of current and emerging systems of technology. The paper begins with a review of the physical environment of the polar regions, and the technology currently employed in the Arctic, for hydrocarbon exploration. It then analyses the problems concomitant with the transfer of current and emerging technologies in the Arctic to the Antarctic. The paper is purely speculative, the authors fully concur with the terms of current Antarctic Treaty which does not allow the extraction of any resources for at least 50 years, and would hope to see this extended if possible.

ERAWATCH Country Reports 2012: United Kingdom

The Analytical Country Reports analyse and assess in a structured manner the evolution of the national policy research and innovation in the perspective of the wider EU strategy and goals, with a particular focus on the performance of the national research and innovation (R&I) system, their broader policy mix and governance. The 2013 edition of the Country Reports highlight national policy and system developments occurring since late 2012 and assess, through dedicated