Titanium Implants – A Comparison of a Swedish and an Ohio Firm

Two firms in the health care market are studied in a case study of the introduction of two almost identical innovations. The two firms, both in the titanium implant business have been chosen so that they match when it comes to origin, technology and customers. But the diffusion occurred in two different (institutional) environments, the Swedish and the US. The whole process from invention to innovation and diffusion in the market is studied. The analysis takes its starting point in competence bloc theory (a Schumpeterian theory). We find that the institutional environment is crucial for firm growth.invention; innovation; institutional environment; titanium implants

The Exit of Pharmacia and Regional Growth

In this paper we ask whether the withdrawal of a major employer (Pharmacia) from a region in Sweden (Uppsala) has had a negative effect on employment growth. We explore the possibility that the exit of Pharmacia may not have had a negative effect on the total employment in the region. It might be the case that new innovative resources with economic potential have been released due to the withdrawal leading to new firm formation and expansion of existing firms. We find no evidence that the withdrawal has led to a negative effect on employment growth in the region.exit; regional growths; start-ups; entry

Dynamics and growth : the health care industry

This dissertation uses the theory of the experimentallyorganised economy (EOE) and competence blocs to analyseeconomic development in the health care industry. The healthcare industry is both important and interesting to study fromseveral points of view. The industry is large, even larger thanthe manufacturing industry, and draws significantresources. The theory of the EOE and competence blocs is bothevolutionary and dynamic. It identifies the actors needed foran efficient selection and commercialisation of investmentprojects and the competences needed to support that process.For this, the institutional setting is important in thatinstitutions influence the incentives that guide actors in theeconomy and the nature of competitionthat forces change. Four empirical studies are carried out using severalempirical methods to study similar problems, ranging fromeconometric analyses of panel micro data to case studies. Weask if the withdrawal of a major employer (Pharmacia) from aregion (Uppsala) has had a negative effect on employmentgrowth. We then ask if the turnover of establishments has hadany effect on regional employment growth. We find no supportfor the first question. However, the regional turnover ofestablishments is found to have had a positive effect onregional employment growth, illustrating how important thisdynamic is for the economy. In addition, a case study of theintroduction of two almost identical innovations in twodifferent competence bloc environments, that of the US and thatof Sweden, captures the whole process from invention toinnovation and diffusion in the market. We find that without acomplete competence bloc the risk is high of\u93loosing awinner\u94. Finally, we study the role of the technologytransfer process from university to industry for thecommercialisation of new inventions. Among other things, thestudy illustrates how institutional changes, such as theBayh-Dole Act, have created positive effects for theeconomy. The Experimentally Organised Economy; Competence Blocs;Industrial Dynamics; Health Care Industry; IndustrialTransformation; Regional Turnover of Establishments; CaseStudies; Technology TransferNR 20140805</p

Institutions, technology and growth : a competence bloc approach

NR 20140805</p

special issue: Technology transfer in United States universities

This paper examines the role of offices of technology transfer (OTT) in 12 U.S. universities in 1998 in commercializing research results in the form of patents, licenses, and start-ups of new companies. We study the organization and place of OTTs within the university structure, the process of technology transfer, and the staffing and funding of the office. Data were collected through a mail questionnaire followed up through telephone interviews. We also conducted a statistical analysis of data for 170 U.S. universities, hospitals, and research institutes for the period 1991-1996. Our findings suggest that technology transfer from universities to the commercial sector needs to be understood in its broader context. The primary purpose of a technology transfer program is for the university to assist its researchers in disseminating research results for the public good. Success in this endeavor is only partially reflected in income generated for the university or the number of business start-ups. The degree of success depends not only on the nature of the interface between the university and the business community but also on the receptivity in the surrounding community as well as the culture, organization, and incentives within the universities themselves.Technology transfer - Commercialization - Licensing - Patenting - Start-ups