Victor Martinez-Gomez

Innovation policy, services and internationalisation: the role of technology centres

Globalisation compels firms to undertake internationalisation strategies in different ways. Recent research explains that part of a firms international potential depends upon its networks. Technology centres play a key role in these networks: they belong to the territorial innovation system and supply knowledge-intensive services. The empirical evidence contained here shows a positive association between the use of services provided by technology centres and exportation, especially in the case of firms operating in R&D-intensive sectors.

Location and adoption of ICT innovations in the agri-food industry

This article identifies the web technologies adoption pattern of agri-food industries considering a set of characteristics which include location, economic performance and previous history of adopting innovations. Our main results highlight that, together with certain firm characteristics, rural locations act as an accelerator for the adoption of web technology, compared to the slower adoption rate in urban areas.

Forget R&D pay my coach: young innovative companies and their relations with universities

Young innovative companies (YICs) are attracting attention in their role of industry regenerators. However, we have little information about their relations with universities as sources of information. This paper explores university-industry interaction involving YIC in the Valencian Community, using YIC founders’ personal attributes and motivations as explanatory variables. The Valencian Community has a relatively high degree of university-industry interaction, but surprisingly little technological innovation. A survey of YICs in the region shows that, in their case, firm size does not affect the probability of contracting with universities, and that R&D intensity is not significant if we consider firm founders’ personal characteristics and motivations. YIC founders exploiting market opportunities recognized in previous business activities, and necessity entrepreneurs, are the least likely to interact with universities. We highlight the role of external advisory services to highlight the benefits of universities.

Are non-tariff measures a substitute for tariffs in agricultural trade? Recent evidence from southern Mediterranean countries

The significance of and interest in non-tariff measures (NTMs) have increased as a consequence of the reduction in agricultural tariffs. This paper analyses the relationship between NTMs and tariffs in southern Mediterranean countries (SMCs) through two complementary analyses. First, the authors construct a taxonomy of protection for products, distinguishing between high protection, transparent protection, low protection and disguised protection. The low protection category is most widely represented, and the disguised protection category is also important. Second, the policy substitution hypothesis between tariff and non-tariff protection is tested. This hypothesis appears in the literature as the possibility that countries implement NTMs for protection purposes, as a result of the progressive reduction in the tariffs levied. Policy substitution is found in some SMCs, which is consistent with an upward trend of non-tariff protection as tariff liberalization progresses in the region.

Issues in Trade Liberalisation in Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Countries

Member Partner Countries plus Turkey (MPCs) face numerous challenges to agricultural policy and competitiveness. The current policy strategy has not generated desperately needed economic development in rural areas and growth in value-added agriculture is low compared to other developing regions, all of which indicate a need for new approaches that go beyond conventional industry analysis. Using principles from the supply chain management literature and drawing heavily from current value chain thinking, this chapter applies a Global Value Chain Analysis (GVCA) to the fresh orange export sector in MPCs. Consumer data was collected in four European countries through quantitative surveys and Tesco loyalty card data and field interviews were conducted with value chain stakeholders in MPCs. A set of policy recommendations are presented. It is hoped the findings catalyse a discussion on the use of value chain thinking in agricultural policy formation for the region.

Are Non-Tariff Measures a Substitute for Tariffs in Agricultural Trade?

The significance of and interest in non-tariff measures (NTMs) have increased as a consequence of the reduction in agricultural tariffs. This paper analyses the relationship between NTMs and tariffs in southern Mediterranean countries (SMCs) through two complementary analyses. First, the authors construct a taxonomy of protection for products, distinguishing between high protection, transparent protection, low protection and disguised protection. The low protection category is most widely represented, and the disguised protection category is also important. Second, the policy substitution hypothesis between tariff and non-tariff protection is tested. This hypothesis appears in the literature as the possibility that countries implement NTMs for protection purposes, as a result of the progressive reduction in the tariffs levied. Policy substitution is found in some SMCs, which is consistent with an upward trend of non-tariff protection as tariff liberalization progresses in the region.

Food Security, Competitiveness and Trade: The Case of Tunisian Agriculture

The purpose of this study is to provide an overview about the competitiveness of the Tunisian agri-food sector before signing the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU. Agri-food sector plays a vital role in Tunisian economy and exports. However, the globalization of markets can influence the comparative advantage of agri-food sector enjoyed by Tunisia in exporting several Mediterranean products and increase competition. Tunisian agricultural sectors competitiveness is deeply concerned given the particular economic context in the country after the revolution and the important competition atmosphere in the Mediterranean area. Meanwhile, food security is an essential priority that cannot be compromised. Tunisia should tradeoff between two options by signing the DCFTA agreement: Developing agri-food exports in free trade area or protecting local market and the implementation of new policies to ensure food security. An analysis of the competitive advantage of the Tunisian agri-food sector reveals an important potential of exporting some agri-food staples. Recently, Tunisia is facing new challenges in exporting strategic products such as dates and olive oil, underlying the importance of adopting new business and marketing strategies, such as conditioning, packaging or prospecting new markets.

Adoption of ICT Innovations in the Agri-Food Sector: An Analysis of French and Spanish Industries

Abstract The adoption of information and communications technologies (ICTs) represents a key innovation for firms. Not only do ICTs directly affect the firm but they also lead to changes in the way the firm organizes itself and builds relationships with other entities. A prime example is the Internet, which offers a wide range of relationship opportunities, making the firm’s location less relevant. In the agri-food industry, some studies show that innovation intensity has been low, as has the ICT adoption rate. Using a sample of 1300 Spanish and French agri-food firms, this study examines trends in ICT adoption. The analysis explores characteristics of the firm (size, export activity, etc.) and the business environment. Results reveal a lack of significant differences in the behavior of different firms in France and Spain. Prior adoption of innovations, firm size, and competition within the firm’s subsector are the three determinants most strongly related to the likelihood of adopting ICTs in the agri-food industry. Results are inconclusive as to the effect of location of the firm, although existing evidence implies faster adoption in rural areas than in urban areas.