Contribution of university-industry linkages (UILs) to tourism clusters: multiple-case studies in Thailand

This research develops a theoretical framework explaining how University -Industry Linkages (UILs) affect the performance of tourism clusters in Thailand. Significant external and internal factors affecting Thai tourism industry are examined. The research questions are significant given the importance of successful tourism cluster through University -Industry Linkages (UIL). These questions recognized tourism clusters, the role of university, the linkages between university and industry, influential factors are contextual, and as a result, the author explores four tourism clusters in Thailand and using multiple case studies explains the nature and character of tourism cluster and University- Industry Linkages (UILs) between tourism cluster and its universities. The findings demonstrated that UILs, strategic entrepreneurship and leadership play key role to successful tourism cluster in developing countries

An aesthetic for sustainable interactions in product-service systems?

Copyright @ 2012 Greenleaf PublishingEco-efficient Product-Service System (PSS) innovations represent a promising approach to sustainability. However the application of this concept is still very limited because its implementation and diffusion is hindered by several barriers (cultural, corporate and regulative ones). The paper investigates the barriers that affect the attractiveness and acceptation of eco-efficient PSS alternatives, and opens the debate on the aesthetic of eco-efficient PSS, and the way in which aesthetic could enhance some specific inner qualities of this kinds of innovations. Integrating insights from semiotics, the paper outlines some first research hypothesis on how the aesthetic elements of an eco-efficient PSS could facilitate user attraction, acceptation and satisfaction

Models on the Move: The Mobilities of Swedish and Dutch Sex Work Policies

Policies, ideas and models related to sex work move between places. Yet there has been little academic attention paid to such mobilities. This thesis attends to this gap by drawing on and extending a policy mobilities approach – incorporating the concepts of mobilities, mutation, assemblages, learning, educating, showcasing, immobilities and gender – to uncover the processes through which sex work policies become mobile models. It focuses on the example of the Swedish and Dutch models of sex work regulation and their reception in the UK (including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). Methodologically, it uses a qualitative approach drawing on documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews which were undertaken with key stakeholders including, state officials, consultants, academics, activists, and NGOs. Empirically, the thesis demonstrates that both models have been widely discussed in policy, NGO and academic circles in the UK, with much learning and educating done about both models. The models have been accompanied by a range of ‘study aids’ – including conferences and fact-finding trips – as well as advocates and critics. Despite its flaws, the Swedish model has gained significantly more traction in the UK than its Dutch model ‘rival’. Conversely, while there is some evidence of local-to-local learning between the UK and the Netherlands, the Dutch model has been positioned by many as a lesson in ‘worst practice’, effectively immobilising its movement to the UK. The thesis has shown that the issue of gender runs behind the two models and their messages, messengers and the mediums through which they are advocated or critiqued. The thesis demonstrates that while a policy mobilities approach is important to the study of policies on the move, it must take seriously the issue of gender