Review of EU, national and regional innovation drivers

A policy review of innovation drivers in support of the development of the Regional Innovation Strategy

A hydrogen framework for the East Midlands

Profiles capabilities in midlands-based organisations in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies as a rationale for support of a Midlands hydrogen cluster

Strategic management for regional economic development and business sustainability : countries in transition

Purpose: The aim of this research paper is focusing on strategic management approach toward balanced regional economic development (RED) in transition countries. The specific aim of the research is to develop an strategic model for regional economic development in Kosovo that will positively impact and support the business environment as well impacting the overall development of the country through coordinated project management and synergy creation among the communities, local authorities and businesses. Design/Methodology/Approach: The article used a mixed-methodological approach including both qualitative and quantitative data collection and appraisal, which included desk review covering existing literature at national and international level, semi-structured interviews with key, group discussions, relevant reports and other related documents. Findings: Policies and strategies actually leave a gap at the regional level. Most of regions and municipalities lack the capacities to create an effective environment for private sector development and job creation for all communities. There is some dissatisfaction among stakeholders regarding the functioning of existing regional development structures and processes. Neither the Regional Development Agencies (RDA) nor central body recognized as Association of Regional Development Agencies (ARDA) have achieved a satisfactory level of cooperation among themselves, and with their key stakeholders. Practical Implications: The future approach to RED should be based on balanced distribution of responsibilities between the central and local government levels with clear roles and responsibilities. The central government enables the environment and designs the legal framework. A central liaison body facilitates coordination between the regions and municipalities together with regional development agencies who establish solid linkages with the private business sector to develop and implement interventions. Originality/Value: The research aims to establish the regional economic development model that will serve as one stop shop at regions supporting the business development and increasing employability in the country.peer-reviewe

An investigation of key growth industry sectors in Wales using Multi-Sectoral Qualitative Analysis

This paper examines the problem of key sector identification in regional economies. Whilst the paper questions the desirability of policy focusing on the promotion of key sectors, it suggests that tools are generally underdeveloped to identify these sectors. The paper suggests that multi-sectoral qualitative analysis provides one means of forming conclusions on sector potentials.

ANALYSIS OF FICUS CARICA L. – VOLATILE COMPONENTS AND MINERAL CONTENT

Ficus carica L. is a well-known Mediterranean plant, its fructus - the fig- is consumed widely, mostly in the southern region of Europe. It’s a member of the Moraceae family, one of the earliest crops. It can be consumed raw, dried or even as jam as a part of the Mediterranean diet. One part of our research was to determine the volatile components of Ficus carica L. The composition of volatile components are important for the determination of fruit quality. We compared two extraction methods, examined by SPME-GC/MS. Two preparation methods were used: directly measured by SPME, and also samples made by steam distillation. Figs has an important role as phytonutrition. Mineral element content was determined by ICP. Fig is a good source of elements for Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn and Mo, since eating 5 dkg of dried fig covers more than 15% of the Recommended Dietry Allowances

An institutional perspective on managing migrant workers in the North of England

Despite advances made in our understanding of migrant worker issues, analysis of the literature reveals disconnections between the policy and practice of 'managed migration' across three fundamental levels of the state (e.g. public institutions at the EU, national and regional levels), corporate (e.g. employers and unions) and community (e.g. migrant social networks) levels. Consequently, this has implications on corporate and community aspects that often escape deeper analytical scrutiny. Concomitantly, the literature often assumes that policy decisions at the state level are necessarily homogeneous, and fails to account for the local specificities that could exist in this area. This research therefore sought to investigate the interplay between state, corporate and community levels in managing migrant workers across three regions in the North of England, and explore its implications on managing migrant worker employment in construction. The key research questions examined include the critical issues confronted by state, corporate and community actors in terms of framing migrant worker issues, and the nature of existing interactions between these stakeholders in terms of managing migrant workers in each of the three regions. Cross-regional comparisons were also considered in this research. Through interviewing key participants, it was found that subtle differences exist in regional government actors' response to the impacts of migration through their policy formation. It was also noted that interactions between the three levels vary substantially cross the three regions, and the tendency for stronger relationships to be forged between government and corporate actors where economic imperatives are concerned, with weaker and more ad hoc connections made between stakeholders across the three levels where social policy is concerned. It was concluded that any migration policy cannot be viewed as stand-alone, since empirical analysis across the three regions demonstrate the intertwining dimensions of linking migration policy with social and employment concerns

Institutionalization of Regional Policy and the Regional Institution System in Serbia

This study summarizes aspects of Serbian regional policy with special focus on regions and the development of the regional institutions. The study emphasizes the importance of the issue in the Republic of Serbia in 2010, with the ambition to join the European Union. With the enactment of the new Law on Regional Development and the legal framework five NUTS 2 regions were created. The Ministry of Economy and Regional Development is responsible for the institutional coordination of the regional policy. Regional Development Agencies are at the intermediate level of institutional hierarchy. After the regionalization of Serbia, the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina remained a whole and unified NUTS 2 region with complex and developed regional institutions

Evaluation of the main achievements of cohesion policy programmes and projects over the longer term in 15 selected regions: case study North East England

This report presents the Pilot Case Study for North East England as part of the study ‘Evaluation of the Main Achievements of Cohesion Policy Programmes over the Longer Term in 15 Selected Regions (from 1989-1993 Programming Period to the Present)’ which is being managed by the European Policies Research Centre and London School of Economics

The nutritional impact of fortified ready-to-eat cereals on the diets of school age children

Includes bibliographical references

A legacy handbook for manufacturing

Legacy Handbook reviewing emda's experience of manufacturing activity. Identifies key achievements and draws out lessons learned that may be relevant to successor bodies active in this area