Wojciech Nasierowski

On the efficiency of national innovation systems

Abstract This paper presents a non-parametric approach to the disentanglement of the related effects of efficiency and productivity of a countrys technological effort. The ultimate purpose is to identify the extent to which the alleged decrease in the productivity growth of many countries can be explained by differences in efficiency and by differences in its components, namely scale and congestion. The role of moderators in explaining productivity fluctuations if also assessed. The database consists of the countries included in the World Competitiveness Report.

Interrelationships among the elements of national innovation systems: A statistical evaluation

Abstract An obstacle often faced by countries in attempting to improve the standard of living of their people and the productivity of their economic base is a low level of technological development. At the national level, such a problem may be conceptualized in the form of a National Innovative System (NIS), which represents a countrys involvement in innovative activity. It is the purpose of this paper to develop a comprehensive NIS model through the identification of elements which characterize a countrys NIS and of the interrelationships embedded in each individual system. The point of departure is to treat the NIS as any other sector of the economy. As a result, its various elements are delineated according to their role within the NIS, as inputs, outputs, moderators or as a measure of productivity. The nature of the interrelationships is assessed through a structural equations model linking the various elements. It is shown that substantial commonalities exist among the basic elements of the various NISs, notwithstanding large differences in technology development strategies that exist across countries and the wide disparity between levels of development of each country in the sample.

Technology and quality improvements in Mexican companies: some international comparisons

Abstract This paper focuses on selected initiatives oriented towards technological improvements of performance in Mexican companies and betterment of the quality of Mexican products. These aspects are examined quantitatively and qualitatively. Data on research and development (R&D) and education expenditures, indicators of infrastructure development, technology adoption rates, and level of skills, and features of corporate and national cultures are used in analyses. Two restructuring approaches—Business Process Reengineering (BPR) and Total Quality Management (TQM)—are explored from the perspective of their applicability to Mexican conditions. It is observed that substantial problems can be expected when implementing them in Mexico when trying to improve quality and technological indicators of performance. Some suggestions regarding restructuring procedures are outlined.

Rethinking corporate restructuring: a comparison of the four central approaches

Are strategic management, total quality management, business process re-engineering and computer-integrated manufacturing simply different approaches to corporate restructuring, or essentially similar ones in the underlying questions they pose? Where do these similarities and/or differences exist?.

Composite Indexes Economic and Social Performance: Do they provide Valuable Information?

Abstract This paper examines the information content of the selected composite indexes, namely the Global Competitiveness Report Index, the Human Development Index, the Knowledge Economy Index, the Innovation Union Scoreboard, and the like. These indexes are examined from the viewpoint of country rankings. It is argued that these indexes provide highly similar information, which brings to question the usefulness of such a variety of approaches. This paper also explores the drawbacks of composite indexes, and questions whether these indexes can adequately serve as policy-setting mechanisms.

What is Innovativeness: Literature Review

Abstract For decades what has been heated are debates on topics such as: which country is the most competitive? What is the best country to live in?. However, it may be disputable whether results of these debates have practical outcomes. It is arguable whether is it clear what constructs are in fact discussed, how to measure their level, and how to draw conclusions from such studies. This paper addresses aspects relevant to innovativeness - interpretation, measurement, accuracy and practicality. This paper shows that despite of very abundant literature on the subject, the prime tangible effect deals with various rankings of countries for public relations purpose rather than it provides a policy setting directions.

A Conceptual Framework for Formalization of National Innovation Systems

A Conceptual Framework for Formalization of National Innovation Systems The concept of National Innovation System (NIS) is explored from the perspective of its propensity for formalization. It is observed that there are problems with formalization (measurement) of NIS and consequently, deficiency in assessment of efficiency of pro-innovative ventures. Based on an overview of the literature, subsystems of NIS are identified and the leading topics within these subsystems are presented. Results of this study are believed to create the platform for formalization of NIS.

Assessment of technical efficiency of NIS with the use of DEA

This paper examines the technical efficiency of innovation systems. Based upon the European Innovation Scoreboard, the efficiency of investment in innovation is examined with the use of DEA model. It is observed that the so called laggards in innovation are often efficient in their use of resources, whereas leaders of innovation fall short in the area of returns to scale and congestion.

Criteria for the Selection of Tourism Destinations by Students from Different Countries

Abstract The objective of this paper is to identify selected aspects of the management of information about prospective tourist destinations by young people (students) from Canada, Poland, and Trinidad and Tobago. On the basis of a questionnaire study, the ranking of preferences of respondents (i.e., the main criteria of destination choice) has been presented. Students were selected as respondents - as a “convenient sample” - in this privately funded study. A variety of aspects related to comfort (and convenience) and attractiveness have been identified as most important to the choice of destination. These are also leading motives that may form a platform for advertising campaigns and suggestions for regional development. This examination has been done mainly with the use of analysis of averages, Spearman correlation coefficients, and various approaches to factor analysis. It turns out that despite very different characteristics of respondents from the three countries, both their preferences and motives for promotion of the destination are very similar. Conclusions can be helpful for travel agencies and those responsible for the development of tourism infrastructure, as well as for the organization of further studies on the subject. The combination of various statistical tools used when examining the subject and the finding - that is, the similarity of preferences between travelers - can be regarded as new value when examining the subject.

Changing patterns in corporate technology strategies: Research Article

In this paper the competitive strength and weaknesses of unifying and enlarging Europe in the global economy are examined. The focus is on people at work, their skills, and competencies. The idea of flexibility-based competition is developed implicating product and services portfolios, technologies, volumes, quality standards, distribution networks, and development cycles. Flexibility calls for speed maximizing management and special work force and labor markets characteristics. A new employment policy should change European labor markets making them more flexible and enabling “high-speed management.” People able to adjust to flexible labor markets are described as “niche finders.” Those who are equipped to excel in such markets and to win the competition game are presented in this paper as “top performers.” Educational systems and particularly management education and development have to undergo deep restructuring to meet the challenge. An outline of new management education is provided.