Galician System of Innovation and Innovation Policies: Balance of a Decade

Texto dispoñible en galego e españolRealízase unha análise dos trazos máis importantes da evolución do sistema galego de innovación ao longo da última década. Examínase a posición relativa de Galicia no cadro europeo con base nos indicadores sintéticos de innovación e examínanse as tendencias evolutivas con base nos indicadores de input e output das actividades de I+D e de innovación. Faise tamén un balance das políticas de I+D e innovación do Goberno autónomo, así como dos cambios na configuración do ensino superiorSe realiza un análisis de los rasgos más importantes de la evolución del sistema gallego de innovación a lo largo de la última década. Se examina la posición relativa de Galicia en el marco europeo con base en los indicadores sintéticos de innovación y se examinan las tendencias evolutivas con base en los indicadores de input y output de las actividades de I+D y de innovación. Se hace también un balance de las políticas de I+D e innovación del Gobierno autónomo, así como de los cambios en la configuración de la enseñanza superiorThis paper explores the main features of the Galician System of Innovation (GIS) and highlights the main trends in his evolution during the last decade. The relative position of Galicia in the European context is charted by using the innovation scoreboard of european regions. The analysis of the main input and output indicators of R&D and innovation activities show the evolution of the GIS along the decade. The article also provides a discussion of R&D and Innovation policies implemented by the Galician Government and the ongoing reforms of High EducationS

Structural change and innovation in Galician economy: the challenges of 21st century

Texto dispoñible en galego e españolAnalísase o proceso de cambio estrutural e de transformación da economía galega ao longo do último cuarto de século desde a perspectiva da teoría dos sistemas nacionais de innovación (SNI) e a teoría da regulación. Para iso abórdanse as principais transformación que teñen lugar na base productiva e a incidencia que os diferentes elementos do SNI (estrutura productiva, sistema financeiro, sistema de I+D, educación, políticas públicas, etc) tiveron sobre a capacidade de adaptación e innovación dos principais sectores da nosa economía, especialmente o agrario e o industrial. A existencia de segmentos innovadores en ambos sectores non é quén de contrarrestar o perfil de declive da nosa economía neste período. Do diagnóstico dos factores, externos e internos, que condicionaron a nosa evolución no pasado inmediato poden albiscarse os atrancos que compre superar para que a economía galega mellore, ou cando menos manteña, as suas posicións no marco da Unión EuropeaSe analiza el proceso de cambio estructural y de transformación de la economía gallega a lo largo del último cuarto de siglo desde las perspectivas de la teoría de los sistemas nacionales de innovación (SNI) y de la teoría de la regulación. Para ello se abordan las principales transformaciones que tienen lugar en la base productiva y la incidencia que los diferentes elementos del SNI (estructura productiva, sistema financiero, sistema de I+D, educación, políticas públicas, etc.) tuvieron sobre la capacidad de adaptación e innovación de los principales sectores de nuestra economía, especialmente el agrario y el industrial. La existencia de segmentos innovadores en ambos sectores no es suficente para contrarrestar el perfil de declive de nuestra economía en este período. Del diagnóstico de los factores, externos e internos, que condicionaron nuestra evolución en el pasado inmediato pueden vislumbrarse los obstáculos que es preciso superar para que la economía gallega mejore, o por lo menos mantenga, sus posiciones en el marco de la Unión EuropeaThe process of structural change and the transformation of Galician economy during the last quarter of the century is analyzed from the viewpoint of the theory of Innovation National Systems (INS) and the theory of regulation. In order to del that it is dealt with the main transformations that take place in the productive base and the influence that the different INS elements (productive structure, financial system, R+D system, education, public policies, etc.) exerted on the adaptation and innovation capacity of the main sectors of our economy, especially the agricultural and the industrial ones. The difficulties that must be overcome so that Galicia will improve its economy or at least keep its position within the European Union framework can be envisage through the diagnosis of the internal and external factors which conditioned our development in the immediate pastS

Politicas estratégicas de innovación en los sistemas vitivinícolas locales: la denominación de origen “Rias Baixas”

Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Labor and Human Capital,

Politicas estratégicas de innovación en los sistemas vitivinícolas locales: la denominación de origen “Rias Baixas”

Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Labor and Human Capital,

Decoupling or 'decaffing'? : the underlying conceptualization of circular economy in the European Union monitoring framework

In recent years, the shift to a circular economy (CE) has become an increasingly important component of the European Union’s development strategy. However, no consensus has yet been reached on the depth of the transformation this implies, nor on the most appropriate strategy for its measurement. In 2018, the European Commission presented a monitoring framework to evaluate the progress made in this transition, focused on the priority objectives of the European strategy for the CE. This article aims to discuss the conceptualization of the CE behind the selection and interpretation of the metrics proposed by the commission. It is argued that the chosen indicators are mostly concerned with material self-su ciency and recycling, neglecting other dimensions of the concept more closely related to systemic change. Moreover, some issues that are relevant from a CE perspective, such as the disparate distribution of recyclable material flows among EU Member States in terms of value and environmental impact, are overlooked in the interpretation of the available information. Consequently, a more ambitious and diverse selection of metrics is suggested to reflect the wider socio-economic and environmental objectives of the CE, thus preventing the dissemination of a limited version of the conceptThe authors belong to the Galician Competitive Research Group GRC ED431C 2018/23, to the CRETUS Strategic Partnership (ED431E 2018/01) and to the “R2π: Transition from linear 2 circular: Policy and Innovation” H2020 Project. This research was supported by the Spanish Innovation Agency (AEI) through the project ECO-CIRCULAR: “La estrategia europea de transición a la economía circular: un análisis jurídico prospectivo y cambios en las cadenas globales de valor”—ECO2017-87142-C2-1-R. All these projects are co-funded by FEDER (UE)S

La balanza de pagos tecnológicos de Galicia: entre la dependencia y la irrelevancia tecnológicas

Texto dispoñible en galego e españolRealízase unha aproximación cuantitativa á Balanza de Pagamentos Tecnolóxicos de Galiza, recollendo os pagamentos e ingresos correspondentes aos fluxos de “tecnoloxía non incorporada” para os anos 1998 e 1999 a partir dun inquérito ás empresas. Os resultados revelan, tanto a nivel global como sectorial, un escaso volume de fluxos tecnolóxicos inmateriais e un elevado déficit no comercio de coñecementos e servizos tecnolóxicos, confirmando a profunda dependencia de GalizaThis paper analyses the technology balance of payments of Galice, taking into account both the payments and receipts related to the flows of non disembodied technology for years 1998 and 1999 from a survey to the companies. The results reveal, as much at global as sectorial level, a great weakness of this Balance of Technology Payments, and confirmes the strong dependence of Galice in this senseSe realiza una aproximación cuantitativa a la balanza de pagos tecnológicos de Galicia, recogiendo los pagos y los ingresos correspondientes a los flujos de “tecnología no incorporada” para los años 1998 y 1999 a partir de una encuesta a las empresas. Los resultados revelan, tanto a nivel global como sectorial, un escaso volumen de flujos tecnológicos inmateriales y un elevado déficit en el comercio de conocimientos y servicios tecnológicos, confirmando la profunda dependencia de GaliciaS

LENTURA A Circular Economy Business Model Case

This report analyses one of the business case studies selected within the R2Pi Project: Lentura, an association of agro-ecological food growers located in Galicia, Spain. This study aims at obtaining a comprehensive knowledge of what an initiative based on a local and natural food supply implies in terms of circular business models. Lentura, whose origins date back more than a decade, has as its main goal to provide its customers with horticultural products, obtained through organic practices and marketed in proximity. In other words, the business model is based on growing natural food, free of synthetic chemicals, which is sold through proximity schemes that minimise the number of kilometres covered by the food products. For the latter, distribution is based on direct sales, around a geographical area that does not exceed 30 km between producers and consumers. This association is mainly characterized by organic farming practices. Taking this fact into account and the organic and proximate characteristics of its foodstuffs, Lentura's practices fit in well with a CEBM based on circular sourcing. However, Lentura also carries out activities that may be considered as co-product recovery, such as the utilization of animal excreta for fertilizing or reusing packaging employed in food deliveries. Concerning Lentura’s context, organic farming has been a growing market in Spain and Europe for more than a decade. Although the conventional food sector remains highly competitive, there is a growing demand for a natural and healthy diet, which visibly benefits Lentura’s model. Despite these developments, national and regional legislation does not benefit (or even hinder) the emergence and prosperity of organisations and activities like Lentura. They are characterised by very stringent hygiene requirements and production limitations. The assessment of the circularity of Lentura business model provides remarkable insights. The key aspects are related to the natural farming practices, to the organisation of activities in proximity (reducing the number of kilometres and making it possible for the products to be so natural) and to the take-back and reuse of packaging. These circular activities have given rise to a series of financial and non-financial benefits that range from cost and material savings through the reintegration of packaging, to the improvement of the farmers’ income and the sustainability of food products through the maintenance of proximity schemes. The close and highly relational environment generated by Lentura is the main strength of the organisation, together with the naturalness of its food products. However, the lack of flexibility that they impose on their proximity model leads to relevant problems in aspects such as the volume of supply. With regards to the environment, Lentura may be affected by the increasing competition from organic or eco-friendly products provided by conventional food suppliers. Moreover, this report also shows some potential opportunities for Lentura to go further in circularity and improve its business model, such as relaxing the criteria of proximity, intensifying its production or generating compost from food waste. Even despite the mentioned aspects, this is a circular model that is not difficult to replicate or transfer, since it is based on simple ideas and does not require large investments for its implementation. The critical point to overcome lies in the ability to coordinate a certain know-how together with the maintenance of customers who today have above-average levels of educational awareness on food-related topics. In short, the report shows how Lentura manages to create a small alternative food system with a high relational content, which is an interesting business model for a Circular Economy. Information flows simply and farmers are valued, while respecting to a large extent the natural cycles involved in farming processes. The conclusion section recommends to adapt the hygiene and marketing regulations in the area and to introduce measures to improve consumer’s food education in order to support more circular business models similar to Lentura case.This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 73037

REVERTIA A Circular Economy Business Case

This report presents the results of the Revertia case study, selected in the framework of the R2PI project, among 17 other cases, because of its focus on an activity linked to priority areas of the Circular Economy, namely Plastics and Critical Raw Materials. The information contained in the report is based on the methodology designed within the framework of the R2PI project to understand the characteristics of the business model, evaluate its outcomes and identify the main barriers and enablers of the CEBM. Revertia is an authorised Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) manager that combines e-waste management services with a circular value proposal consisting in the preparation of IT equipment for reuse. The company responsibly manages an e-waste flow and, by applying secure reconditioning processes, is able to extend the service life of IT equipment that has been discarded. Refurbished equipment, with a 1-year warranty, are sold in second-hand markets or donated. The activity of preparation for reuse also involves the utilization, to the extent possible, of used and recycled components. In addition, the business model is based on efficient logistics, avoiding e-waste transportation when reconditioning is not an option. The value proposition is based on the provision of high added value services to corporate IT equipment users, who need to manage their WEEE responsibly. The value network is thus formed by the origin-customer that generates e-waste and the EEE manufacturers represented through collective schemes. Downstream there are the destination-customers of second-hand and donated products, as well as the WEEE recycling companies to which Revertia's own waste is destined. Revertia's business model is clearly influenced at the context level by the WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU and the Spanish RD 110/2015, which regulate the industry and set targets for reuse and recycling of WEEE. In addition, the market context given by the rapid technological change in the EEE sector, the collective schemes derived from the implementation of the EPR obligation, the maturity of the WEEE recycling industry, the existence of illegal scrap metal agents, and some socio-cultural aspects such as the lack of awareness of WEEE's environmental costs are factors that strongly affect Revertia's activity. The report also presents an assessment of the circularity of the business model. The model corresponds to the Re-make pattern among the CEBM defined in the R2PI project. Its circularity lies in extending the useful life of a product, also integrating used and recycled components as far as possible. Current circularity is limited, since it is not based on services added to this second-hand product, nor is the organisation further able to act on the products manufacture or end of life. Therefore, Revertia takes opportunity of a gap left by other players in the sector (EEE manufacturers). Therefore the business model is dependent on the generation of an e-waste flow as well as on sales of refurbished computers. With regards to the outcomes assessment, the main advantages of the business model are found in the non-financial aspects: reuse of IT equipment for the same use demonstrates clear environmental benefits compared to recycling. In addition, it also allows for greater local employment generation linked to the management and preparation for reuse activity. In the socio-economic area, second-hand products provide access to quality equipment at very affordable prices. The SWOT analysis shows that the main strengths are the long-lasting and stable relationships with the origin-customers, the know-how and expertise of Revertia. The weaknesses point to its dependence on the linear model, therefore, to being able to capture waste streams, in competition with the mature recycling industry. The opportunities lie in the Spanish regulatory framework, which sets targets for the reuse of WEEE, as well as a state of opinion more favourable to responsible and sustainable consumption; however, there are also clear threats to the model, such as the possible entry of more competitors and the lack of sensitivity of EEE manufacturers towards reuse. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that the Re-make CEBM is replicable and transferable, especially as long as the linear economic paradigm is dominant. However, there are a number of business and policy recommendations that may support greater circularity: first, specific agreements with EEE manufacturers to extend circularity from the conception of EEE products until its final disposal after multiple lifetimes; second, at the policy level, tighter regulation, with inspection and sanction systems, incentives for eco-design and product life extension activities, transparent information and monitoring systems, as well as education and training measures are neededThis project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 73037

TITLE: Strategic innovation policies for the emergence of new clusters: the comparative experience of the bi-national Medicon Valley

ABSTRACT Medicon Valley is a bi-national life science cluster located in the Øresund region. This crossboder region includes a Swedish side and a Danish one. The fact of being a bi-national cluster constitutes a remarkable singularity. This life science cluster ranks the third of Europe and among the top five in the world. Its main strongholds are the quality of scientific research; the innovative and business environment; the access to capital, mainly through venture capital, the availability of high skilled workers and the technology transfer and knowledge sharing between universities, hospitals and industries. Such strongholds are the result of a combination of factors. The universities (mainly, Lund and Copenhagen Universities) and the long tradition of pharma industry are considered the initital drivers. The cooperation among all the agents seems to be other key element of the cluster. In fact, this experience is considered a successful example of the triple helix model. Furthermore, we have also to consider the role of public policies. Public agencies (as Vinnova) and later organizations as Medicon Valley Alliance are also relevant actors. The paper focuses on the strategic innovation policies that helped to the emergence of this cluster, with the aim of comparing the implemented policies in both national sides of the cluster. Moreover, an assessment of the results in the two areas is attempted. One outstanding characteristic of the policy instruments implemented to support innovation and specifically biotechnology in both countries is the systemic perspective. Moreover, a lot of the implemented policy instruments addressed to various policy goals. Most of the policies implemented were generic to stimulate innovation, mainly at the time of the emergence of the cluster. However, some specific measures also exist. The role of policy has been increasing at time of developing the cluster, with a broad use of biotechnology focused instruments