Contribution of Cluster Relations to Food Competitiveness in the EU

The participation in regional networks is an important factor in explaining the food companies’ innovation capacity which – in turn - is an important driver of competitiveness (Gellynck et al., 2006a; Gellynck et al., 2007). Further, it is argued in cluster theory that intensive networking between related companies and other actors in a given region is a driver of competitive advantage of this region (Enright, 1998; Porter, 1998). In this paper the food cluster is understood as a set of geographically and socially embedded network relations based on a range of complementarities and communalities between regional actors and enhancing the competitiveness of the regional food industry. Each cluster shows distinct patterns of learning and uses different sources of knowledge (Pittaway et al., 2004; Steiner and Hartmann, 2006). As such, clusters exist in different forms, characterised by distinct configurations of network relations. By joining a network and taking part in a collaborative process with partners belonging to the network, the company is able to overcome internal restrictions (Camps, 2004; Daskalakis and Kauffeld-Monz, 2005; Janszen, 2002). Network configurations are diverse in character, dynamic and principally guided by the choices of partners and by the network infrastructure itself (Pittaway et al., 2004). Further, networks are considered to be embedded in the environment (Etzkowitz and Klofsten, 2005). This environment can cover different geographical scales of which the regional scale proves to be a significant one (Bunnell and Coe, 2001). Earlier research demonstrates that the company’s networking behaviour is important to explain its innovation capacity and competitiveness: it is the condition which has to be fulfilled to benefit from other regional external resources for innovation, such as the presence of a strong food chain, a competitive market or leading-edge facilities (Gellynck et al., 2006b; Gellynck et al., 2007). Further, networking relations are established with a diversity of partners. There is evidence that networks are more effective where there is exchange of knowledge between systems, for example between different industrial sectors, regions or stakeholders (Foster et al., 2003; Kaufmann and Todtling, 2001). This is also acknowledged in cluster theory, where reference is made to networks between concentrated groups of companies and a range of other organisations (Porter, 1996; Raines, 2001). Following the important role of networking in innovation processes and the diversity of network relations existing within regional food clusters, our paper focuses on the question which network characteristics have the strongest relationship with the competitiveness of the regional food industry. In particular, this paper formulates an answer to this question based on the perception of the main stakeholders in the network: entrepreneurs, scientists, policy makers and network actors (understood as regional development initiatives and formal networks). This paper is structured as follows. In the following section the conceptual framework is described, leading to the research question. In section three the research design and methodology are described. Afterwards, in section four the analysis and main findings are presented, leading to the conclusions in section five.Agribusiness,

Exploring the role of networks in reconciling endogenous and exogenous drivers of business development in rural areas

This paper presents an explorative study through focus groups in 9 rural EU regions. It studies the importance of - and relationship between endogenous and exogenous drivers of rural business development. The analysis describes which drivers are perceived important by rural entrepreneurs and rural development experts and classifies them endogenous or exogenous. The findings stress the importance of social networks to anticipate on exogenous drivers. This complies with social capital theory stating that ‘bridging’ relations are more efficient in transferring specific knowledge than ‘bonding’ relations. Eventually, research hypotheses are formulated for better understanding how to reconcile endogenous and exogenous drivers

Low-to-Medium Power Single Chip Digital Controlled DC-DC Regulator for Point-of-Load Applications

A DC-DC converter for generating a DC output voltage includes: a digitally controlled pulse width modulator (DPWM) for controlling a switching power stage to supply a varying voltage to an inductor; and a digital voltage feedback circuit for controlling the DPWM in accordance with a feedback voltage corresponding to the DC output voltage, the digital voltage feedback circuit including: a first voltage controlled oscillator for converting the feedback voltage into a first frequency signal and to supply the first frequency signal to a first frequency discriminator; a second voltage controlled oscillator for converting a reference voltage into a second frequency signal and to supply the second frequency signal to a second frequency discriminator; a digital comparator for comparing digital outputs of the first and second frequency discriminators and for outputting a digital feedback signal; and a controller for controlling the DPWM in accordance with the digital feedback signal

Pro-inflammatory properties of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (CXCL12) in collagen-induced arthritis

CXCL12 (stromal cell-derived factor 1) is a unique biological ligand for the chemokine receptor CXCR4. We previously reported that treatment with a specific CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, exerts a beneficial effect on the development of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in the highly susceptible IFN-γ receptor-deficient (IFN-γR KO) mouse. We concluded that CXCL12 plays a central role in the pathogenesis of CIA in IFN-γR KO mice by promoting delayed type hypersensitivity against the auto-antigen and by interfering with chemotaxis of CXCR4(+ )cells to the inflamed joints. Here, we investigated whether AMD3100 can likewise inhibit CIA in wild-type mice and analysed the underlying mechanism. Parenteral treatment with the drug at the time of onset of arthritis reduced disease incidence and modestly inhibited severity in affected mice. This beneficial effect was associated with reduced serum concentrations of IL-6. AMD3100 did not affect anti-collagen type II antibodies and, in contrast with its action in IFN-γR KO mice, did not inhibit the delayed type hypersensitivity response against collagen type II, suggesting that the beneficial effect cannot be explained by inhibition of humoral or cellular autoimmune responses. AMD3100 inhibited the in vitro chemotactic effect of CXCL12 on splenocytes, as well as in vivo leukocyte infiltration in CXCL12-containing subcutaneous air pouches. We also demonstrate that, in addition to its effect on cell infiltration, CXCL12 potentiates receptor activator of NF-κB ligand-induced osteoclast differentiation from splenocytes and increases the calcium phosphate-resorbing capacity of these osteoclasts, both processes being potently counteracted by AMD3100. Our observations indicate that CXCL12 acts as a pro-inflammatory factor in the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis by attracting inflammatory cells to joints and by stimulating the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts