Innovation and Regulatory Reform in Public Transport : Innovative Capabilities and Learning of the Public Transport Organisations

This thesis is a result from a project funded by the co-operative research programme T3 of the Netherlands Organisation of Applied Scientific Research TNO and the Netherlands Research School for Transport, Infrastructure, and Logistics TRAIL TRAIL Thesis Series no. 2006/5, The Netherlands TRAIL Research School, Delft, The NetherlandsThis thesis studies the effects of regulatory reform on innovative capabilities, mainly technological and organisational innovation and learning, in the public transport organisations. Though there is little research that explicitly examines the relationship between regulatory reform and technological innovation in the public transport sector, we utilise, in this thesis, various theories and studies correlating to the issue as well as empirical evidence (case studies) to support the analyses. In this thesis, the main research question asks: ‘What effect does regulatory reform (in the public transport market) have on innovative capability, and which routes of innovation will prevail?’ The thesis is based on two theoretical perspectives: innovation theory and institutional and organisational studies. This thesis provides a broader perspective on innovation; it focuses on both the technological and organisational aspects of innovative activities. In this thesis, the public transport service is exemplified by the ‘twin characteristics’ approach which defines public transport in terms of three sets of characteristics: technical characteristics, competence, and service characteristics. It then classifies innovation into three subgroups: service innovation, pure technical innovation, and competence development. Within those three groups, the innovative capabilities of the public transport system can be divided into three more categories, namely, innovative capabilities related to 1) infrastructure, 2) vehicle, and 3) service operation. These innovative capabilities can be considered as guidelines for analysing the innovation process in the public transport sector. Furthermore, the thesis defines three levels of innovation to locate where the innovation is positioned in time and space

How do FTAs affect exporting firms in Thailand?

Thailand - an outward-oriented regional production hub - is one of East Asia's most active users of free trade agreements (FTAs) as an instrument of commercial policy. By December 2009, Thailand had 11 concluded FTAs, and more were either under negotiation or proposed. Thai trade negotiators have striven to secure market access via FTAs, but little is known on how FTAs actually affect exporting firms. A survey of 221 exporters in leading sectors forms the basis for the first systematic study of the business impact of FTAs in Thailand. Key findings are as follows: (i) 24.9% of respondents used Thai FTAs as of 2007-2008, and this figure seems set to rise; (ii) 45.9% of respondents said that FTAs had influenced their business plans; (iii) 26.2% of firms felt that dealing with multiple rules of origin adds to business costs, and this is estimated to be less than 1% of export sales; (iv) more than half the sample firms have consulted with government and business associations on FTAs; and (v) a significant demand existed for business development services to adjust to FTAs, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The findings suggest that Thailand should refine its FTA strategy to take better advantage of regional trade agreements. The study concludes with specific recommendations to improve business awareness of FTAs, encourage greater utilization of FTA preferences, increase competitiveness of local firms, and mitigate the potential effect of multiple rules of origin

Bewegen in de toekomst: een trend verkenning

Een achtergrondstudie van maatschappelijke, ruimtelijke en technologische trends ten behoeve van de planvorming rond de as Haarlemmermeer-Almer

Innovation and Integration in Urban Transport Policy

It is believed that regulatory reforms of public transport could bring about a better quality of service. The expectations are that the regulatory reforms would lead to more innovation in the industry. This article focuses on the role of innovation in the public transport market, and how it is developed. The paper examines different effects of regulatory regimes with respect to innovative capabilities of the public transport services, both in the public and private sectors. Innovative capabilities include the implication of both technological and organisational innovations. Innovation is classified into three areas, namely: technical innovation, competence development and service innovation. In accordance with this classification, this study analyses the relationship between regulation and innovation along with the connection between public authority and private operator. This paper elaborates the theoretical framework derived from the innovation perspective and compares the innovative capabilities that occurred in both the Netherlands and Great Britain

Opportunities for innovation in public transport: Effects of regulatory reforms on innovative capabilities

It is believed that regulatory reforms of public transport could bring about a better quality of service. The expectations are that the regulatory reforms would lead to more innovation in the industry. This article focuses on the role of innovation in the public transport market, and how it is developed. The paper examines different effects of regulatory regimes with respect to innovative capabilities of the public transport services, both in the public and private sectors. Innovative capabilities include the implication of both technological and organisational innovations. Innovation is classified into three areas, namely: technical innovation, competence development and service innovation. In accordance with this classification, this study analyses the relationship between regulation and innovation along with the connection between public authority and private operator. This paper elaborates the theoretical framework derived from the innovation perspective and compares the innovative capabilities that occurred in both the Netherlands and Great Britain

Opportunities for innovation in public transport: Effects of regulatory reforms on innovative capabilities

It is believed that regulatory reforms of public transport could bring about a better quality of service. The expectations are that the regulatory reforms would lead to more innovation in the industry. This article focuses on the role of innovation in the public transport market, and how it is developed. The paper examines different effects of regulatory regimes with respect to innovative capabilities of the public transport services, both in the public and private sectors. Innovative capabilities include the implication of both technological and organisational innovations. Innovation is classified into three areas, namely: technical innovation, competence development and service innovation. In accordance with this classification, this study analyses the relationship between regulation and innovation along with the connection between public authority and private operator. This paper elaborates the theoretical framework derived from the innovation perspective and compares the innovative capabilities that occurred in both the Netherlands and Great Britain.