Managing strategic change at the regional level: Regional networks of economic development and industry clusters

Regional Development Networks of private and public organisations is a contemporary phenomenon that is reshaping strategies of local development by introducing new agents and more dynamism and flexibility in the decision making process. This approach reflects new trends in corporate and business development, balancing the tensions produced by competition and collaboration. Regions as networks incubators are regions with specific characteristics enhancing an emergent and evolving movement of networking between organisations working for the regional development. The purpose of this paper is to present the network scenario of two regions from Spain and Australia that exemplify the emergence and evolution of networks' incubator and the relevance to their regional development. Both regions are facing economic restructuring as a result of regional spatial competition on the global market. These regions could be characterised as learning regions and a definition of the network incubator will be provided. The paper will argue that regional networks are a development tool, which could act as a catalyst in stimulating economic revitalisation. It is possible to engineer this tool, stimulating the conditions of the region as a network incubator. Key Words: regions of networks' incubators, learning regions, local development

On the cohomology of Brill-Noether loci over Quot schemes

Let C be a smooth projective curve over the field of the complex numbers. We consider Brill-Noether loci over the moduli of maps from C to the Grassmannian G(m,n) and the corresponding Quot schemes of quotients of a trivial vector bundle on C compactifying the spaces of morphisms. We study in detail the case in which m=2, n=4. We prove results on the irreducibility and dimension of these Brill-Noether loci and we address explicit formulas for their cohomology classes. We study the existence problem of these spaces which is closely related with the problem of classification of vector bundles over curves

Predictability of Extreme Intensity Pulses in Optically Injected Semiconductor Lasers

The predictability of extreme intensity pulses emitted by an optically injected semiconductor laser is studied numerically, by using a well-known rate equation model. We show that symbolic ordinal time-series analysis allows to identify the patterns of intensity oscillations that are likely to occur before an extreme pulse. The method also gives information about patterns which are unlikely to occur before an extreme pulse. The specific patterns identified capture the topology of the underlying chaotic attractor and depend on the model parameters. The methodology proposed here can be useful for analyzing data recorded from other complex systems that generate extreme fluctuations in their output signals

Nanotechnology, Industry Competitiveness and University Strategies: the Case of the UWS Nanotechnology Network in South-West Sydney

University-industry alliances have long been pursued by public funded programs hoping to boost innovation spillovers in a geographical or cognitive area of research-strength by universities. However, there is still a lack of industry-university cooperation in many fields while at the same time the benefits of universities to their regions’ knowledge intensity is firmly advocated (Acs 2004, Martinez-Fernandez & Leevers 2004, Martinez-Fernandez 2004)). The issue is not limited to the dissemination of knowledge, a traditional role of universities, but to introducing change into the region’s innovation system through activities that increase industry competitive advantage. Results from a project conducted in South-West Sydney from 2003 to 2005 shows that active industry engagement by Universities offering specific expertise in frontier technologies has a positive effect in university-industry cooperation if compared with other technologies well established in the private sector. The project results also show that the role of Universities as active facilitators of industry engagement in frontier technologies is a critical element in the regional/local innovation system where the university operates. The paper discusses first the context of the emergence of the UWS Nanotechnology Network as a sophisticated knowledge intensive service activity led by the University. Secondly the paper discusses the particular case of nanotechnology as a science in an early path and the role of universities at this particular stage. Thirdly, the paper discusses the use and barriers of firms to nanotechnology applications and the role played by UWS during the duration of the project. Finally policy issues arise in relation to the role of the public education sector in the early promotion of frontier technologies. References Acs, Z. (2002) Innovation and the Growth of Cities. Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd. Martinez-Fernandez, M.C. (2004) ‘Regional Collaboration Infrastructure: Effects in the Hunter Valley of NSW’, Australian Planner Vol 41(4); Planning Institute of Australia: Queensland. Martinez-Fernandez, M.C. and K. Leevers (2004) ‘Knowledge Creation, Sharing and Transfer as an Innovation Strategy: The Discovery of Nano-technology by South-West Sydney’. International Journal of Technology Management (IJTM), Volume 28 (3/4/5/6): 560-581.

Andarele Dance: The Female Body Empowerment Through The Sensual Movement

This article commences with the historical-epistemological background of the sensual Andarele dance from Esmeraldas, Ecuador, aiming to comprehend the symbolic and social conception of the body. Employing a qualitative methodology, it scrutinizes the relationship between the Andarele dance and social and gender theories. The article's primary objective is to engender a discussion concerning female empowerment, with due consideration given to analyzing data on women's experiences in Ecuador and theoretical studies elucidating the benefits of women's body movement as a novel instrument for self-awareness. This process enables women to recognize their creative potential, empower themselves, and embark on emancipation. Consequently, their bodies become a transversal axis that connects and communicates with the external world. Tari Andarele: Pemberdayaan Tubuh Wanita melalui Gerakan Sensual Abstrak Artikel ini diawali dengan latar belakang sejarah-epistemologis tarian sensual Andarele dari Esmeraldas, Ekuador, yang bertujuan untuk memahami konsepsi simbolis dan sosial tentang tubuh. Menggunakan metodologi kualitatif, penelitian ini meneliti hubungan antara tarian Andarele dengan teori sosial dan gender. Tujuan utama artikel ini adalah untuk melahirkan diskusi tentang pemberdayaan perempuan, dengan pertimbangan diberikan untuk menganalisis data pengalaman perempuan di Ekuador dan studi teoretis menjelaskan manfaat gerakan tubuh perempuan sebagai instrumen baru untuk kesadaran diri. Proses ini memungkinkan perempuan untuk mengenali potensi kreatif mereka, memberdayakan diri mereka sendiri, dan memulai emansipasi. Akibatnya, tubuh mereka menjadi sumbu transversal yang menghubungkan dan berkomunikasi dengan dunia luar