Why some clusters succeed whereas others decline ? Modelling the ambivalent stability properties of clusters

The aim of this paper is to study the ambivalent properties of stabilities of clusters. We propose to enter the black box of the local knowledge externalities by focusing on the location decision externalities. In particular, we show that the nature of mimetic strategies in the convergence process of locational choices influence the dynamic stability of clusters. Thus, when uncertainty and search for legitimacy prevail on the need for coordination and the associated necessities of compatibility and technological convergence, the clusters are unstable, due to an excess of cognitive proximity and a risk of unintended spillovers. Nevertheless, this search for legitimacy, through the strategy which consists in following the locational choice of companies leader of a sector, can lead to the fast emergence of a cluster. But without relational proximity, its stability is not insured. These results are obtained following the formulation of some theoretical proposals on the links between location decision externalities and the resulting forms of socioeconomic proximities. This set of proposals is validated firstly by a model of simulation which makes it possible to test the properties of stability of aggregate outcomes of locational choices. Secondly, they are illustrated by a comparative empirical analysis of two main French clusters (Silicon Sentier and Sophia-Antipolis)..clusters, proximities, stability, location under decision externalities, Silicon Sentier, Sophia-Antipolis

Appropriating signs and meaning: The elusive economics of trademark

This paper deals with economic analysis of trademark. Its presence in markets is originally connected with the problem of information asymmetries and the need to provide information for assisting exchanges, so as to avert the market failure brought about by adverse selection. However this information-conveying function is also accompanied by a differentiation effect, arising from the power of persuasion that signs can exert on individuals. The exploitation of differentiation has given rise to the practice of branding, which ties markets and consumption to the realms of meaning and experience. Branding is so all-pervasive in today's economy as to have somehow transfigured it, so that the role of persuasion is now pre-eminent. Nonetheless, the mainstream economic theory tends to resist acknowledging this change, which would to a large extent call into question well-established hypotheses and theoretical tools. The general response has therefore been to assume that the informational role of trademark predominates, and to use this hypothesis to construct models, welfare evaluations and policy prescriptions that bear little or no relation to the actual markets. The opposing approach - in the shadow of the Nelson's and Arrow's seminal papers on economics of information - is recognising the idiosyncratic character of information, and therefore drawing conclusions and devising solutions that, while still based upon the welfare criterion, also incorporate a wider awareness and a deeper representation of the scenario under study. The present work attempts to move in this direction, showing how different disciplines can provide some key epistemological tools for enabling economists to effectively evaluate the welfare outcomes of the introduction and progressive alteration of a particular intellectual property right within the realm of signs and meanings.trademark, brand, intellectual property, economics of information, signs,economic welfare

Aligning Individual and Organizational R&D Goals for Self-Sustainability: Investigating Preferences of Researchers in Selected CSIR-Laboratories, India

This paper intends to explore the measure for aligning the goals of researchers towards achieving organizational R&D targets. The paper also explores the significance and ordering of R&D outputs and the factors that influence generation of R&D outputs, from the perspective of researchers working in the Indian public sector organizations. Data was collected in five Indian R&D laboratories and Weighted Average Method; Spearman Correlation Coefficient and Rank Regression were utilized for the analysis. The findings indicated that various groups of researchers prefer to target different R&D outputs and not all the factors are considered as equally significant in influencing the generation of R&D outputs. Further, the R&D organization should include preferred real factors while policy making for achieving collaborative efforts towards fulfilling organizational objectives. The set of selected R&D outputs and influencing factors were also ordered according to the average rankings given by the researchers. The findings can help R&D managers to identify the expectations of the researchers and include their preferences in R&D Planning. The study could be extended to a larger dataset of researchers working in other government as well as private R&D organizations. Hardly any studies were found that explored the preferences of researchers with respect to R&D outputs and influencing factors with respect to the Indian public sector R&D laboratories. Author Accepted Manuscript (AAM) Version License Emerald allows authors to deposit their AAM under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial International Licence 4.0 (CC BY-NC 4.0). To do this, the deposit must clearly state that the AAM is deposited under this licence and that any reuse is allowed in accordance with the terms outlined by the licence. To reuse the AAM for commercial purposes, permission should be sought by contacting [email protected]. For the sake of clarity, commercial usage would be considered as, but not limited to: o Copying or downloading AAMs for further distribution for a fee; o Any use of the AAM in conjunction with advertising; o Any use of the AAM by for promotional purposes by for-profit organisations; o Any use that would confer monetary reward, commercial gain or commercial exploitation. Final Published Version is available at: DOI (10.1108/IJPPM-12-2019-0556) Citation Kumari, B., Sahney, S. and Madhukar, A. (2021), "Aligning individual and organizational R&D goals for self-sustainability: investigating preferences of researchers in selected CSIR laboratories, India", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-12-2019-055

Region-wise spillover effects from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is considered as a key element in the industrial development of a nation. It brings capital inflow and contributes to the development of technology, managerial skills, and domestic firms. Multinational corporations (MNCs) possess superior knowledge, patents, trademarks, and exclusive technology which “spillover” to the host economy and benefit the domestic firms. Using a sample of inward FDI data from India, the empirical findings from a Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression indicate that equity inflow of FDI positively augments the regional Gross Domestic Product (GSDP). In addition, the industrial linkages have a positive impact on sectoral development; however, the impact of taxation is negative. Moreover, when we change the specification of our model by using the Limited Information Maximum Likelihood (LIML) regression with an instrument, we find that sustained economy like India has uneven distribution of FDI inflows and serves as a very good example of proximity concentration, intra-regional openness, and agglomerations. A decrease in geographic distance of 5.5 km from the regional headquarters increases the FDI inflow by approximately USD1Mil. We also find that the market size, infrastructure and labour conditions are key attributes in the spatial distribution of FDI inflow. Furthermore, we use a textual analysis framework with the news articles from Factiva database on the FDI policy. The Key Research Index conveys periodic changes in policy framework from the perspective of the investments in the early years, the growth of the FDI in the retail sector and the various sectoral benefits received from the FDI policies. The empirical findings strongly corroborate with the argument that industrial linkages between foreign and domestic firms aids industry agglomerations and spillovers to the host economy (Blomstrom et al., 2000; Gorg and Greenaway, 2002; Narula and Marin, 2005; Vacek, 2007). Our findings emphasises that lowering of taxes to encourage FDI is a major driver to stimulate regional attractiveness and it augments the revenues collected through taxes. In other words, the policy environment provides a breeding ground for flourishing of enterprises and thereby benefits the local economy and a decrease in geographical distance increases inflow of FDI. The quintessential findings from this research contributes in highlighting key recommendations for the policy makers and to the existing literature on spatial distribution of FDI Inflows and their spillovers in Emerging economies

Industrial smart and micro grid systems – A systematic mapping study

Energy efficiency and management is a fundamental aspect of industrial performance. Current research presents smart and micro grid systems as a next step for industrial facilities to operate and control their energy use. To gain a better understanding of these systems, a systematic mapping study was conducted to assess research trends, knowledge gaps and provide a comprehensive evaluation of the topic. Using carefully formulated research questions the primary advantages and barriers to implementation of these systems, where the majority of research is being conducted with analysis as to why and the relative maturity of this topic are all thoroughly evaluated and discussed. The literature shows that this topic is at an early stage but already the benefits are outweighing the barriers. Further incorporation of renewables and storage, securing a reliable energy supply and financial gains are presented as some of the major factors driving the implementation and success of this topic

Mobile Ad hoc Networking: Imperatives and Challenges

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) represent complex distributed systems that comprise wireless mobile nodes that can freely and dynamically self-organize into arbitrary and temporary, "ad-hoc" network topologies, allowing people and devices to seamlessly internetwork in areas with no pre-existing communication infrastructure, e.g., disaster recovery environments. Ad hoc networking concept is not a new one, having been around in various forms for over 20 years. Traditionally, tactical networks have been the only communication networking application that followed the ad hoc paradigm. Recently, the introduction of new technologies such as the Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11 and Hyperlan are helping enable eventual commercial MANET deployments outside the military domain. These recent evolutions have been generating a renewed and growing interest in the research and development of MANET. This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of this dynamic field. It first explains the important role that mobile ad hoc networks play in the evolution of future wireless technologies. Then, it reviews the latest research activities in these areas, including a summary of MANET\u27s characteristics, capabilities, applications, and design constraints. The paper concludes by presenting a set of challenges and problems requiring further research in the future

Constitutive surveillance and social media

Starting from the premise that surveillance is the ‘dominant organising practice’ of our time (Lyon et al 2012: 1), this thesis establishes a framework of ‘constitutive surveillance’ in relation to social media, taking Facebook as its key example. Constitutive surveillance is made up of four forms: economic, political, lateral, and oppositional surveillance. These four surveillance forms – and the actors who undertake them – intersect, compound, and confront one another in the co-production of social media spaces. The framework of constitutive surveillance is structured around a Foucauldian understanding of power, and the thesis shows how each surveillance form articulates strategies of power for organising, administering, and subjectifying populations. After outlining the four surveillance forms, each chapter unpacks the relationship of one form to social media, building throughout the thesis an extensive critical framework of constitutive surveillance

Public policy and strategies to support institutional and technological innovations in the new water economy: the example of innovation technology clusters in developing and diffusing water technologies.

A long list of water technologies has been central to human development throughout history. From the well in ancient times to desalination in the contemporary period, water technologies are needed to produce, distribute and treat water to support human life, industry, agriculture, and environmental health. As human development puts intense pressure on the planet\u27s limited fresh water supplies, society is turning to increasingly innovative water technologies to close the supply-demand gap. The water economy represents a significant share of total economic output it its own right, while at the same time water directly or indirectly underpins all other economic activity. The water technology sector within the water economy has emerged as one of the world’s biggest and most interdisciplinary industries employing scientists, engineers, information technology specialists, and a range of different management and policy professionals. The international market for water technology is large and growing. This market represents a significant business opportunity for individual firms and a local economic development opportunity for regions seeking to develop dynamic industrial clusters that vi provide high paying jobs. This opportunity has motivated governments around the world to pursue policies to support water technology firms in what has historically been a highly fragmented industry which was highly dependent on local investments in public water infrastructure. To understand the growth and development of water technology clusters, this study utilizes a nine-part cluster development strategy developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support its own clean technology initiatives. The applicability of the model was tested using case studies of six clusters – three in the United States, and one each in The Netherlands, Singapore, and Israel. An analysis of the case studies shows a high correlation between the EPA strategy model and the policies and practices pursued in each cluster. This suggests that this strategy-model could be used by policy makers and planners in other regions as a framework for analyzing growing or mature water technology clusters, or a framework to drive the development of nascent or emerging water technology clusters