Introduction

Abstract

This book provides a concise introduction to important aspects of contemporary innovation policy, with particular emphasis on its impact on economic growth and development. It addresses a non-specialist audience interested in quickly building background knowledge, getting familiar with the terminology, and understanding core concerns and debates in this area of policy. The book has its origins in a more extensive report to the World Bank prepared to impart background information to middle- and upper-level policy decision-makers and analysts as well as stakeholders from industry and universiti. Contributors; List of Figures; List of Tables; Chapter-1; Introduction; Chapter 2 ; Fundamentals of Innovation Policy for Growth and Development ; 2.1 Introduction ; 2.2 Models of Economic Growth ; 2.2.1 The Neoclassical Growth Model ; 2.2.2 Endogenous Growth Theories ; 2.2.3 Evolutionary Economics ; 2.2.4 The Convergence Hypothesis ; 2.3 Technology Creation (Invention) ; 2.3.1 The Research Chain ; 2.3.2 Economic Arguments for Policy Intervention in Research Activity ; 2.3.3 Issues of Interest to Policymakers ; 2.3.3.1 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). 2.3.3.2 R & D Composition 2.3.3.3 Non-Linear Research Models ; 2.3.4 Policy Tools Available to Support Basic Research ; 2.4 Commercialization of New Technologies (Innovation) ; 2.4.1 Commercialization and Large Firms ; 2.4.2 Commercialization and Entrepreneurship/Small Firms ; 2.4.3 Policy Interventions Supporting Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses ; 2.4.3.1 Finance and Technical Assistance ; 2.4.3.2 Government Procurement ; 2.4.3.3 National Systems of Entrepreneurship ; 2.5 Technology Diffusion ; 2.5.1 The Diffusion Process ; 2.5.2 Diffusion Policy. 2.5.3 International Diffusion 2.6 Technology, Innovation, and International Economic Competitiveness ; 2.6.1 Defining Competitiveness ; 2.6.2 Assessing Competitiveness: The Global Competitiveness Index ; 2.6.3 Competitiveness as a Decentralized Process ; 2.6.4 Policy Implications ; 2.6.4.1 Clusters and Technology Parks ; 2.6.4.2 Systems of Innovation ; References; Chapter-3 ; University Entrepreneurship: A Survey of US Experience ; 3.1 Introduction ; 3.2 Bayh-Dole Act ; 3.3 The Entrepreneurial University ; 3.3.1 Incentive Structures. 3.3.2 Concern About Publication Delay and Increased Secrecy 3.3.3 Diversion of Research Priorities ; 3.3.4 Conclusions ; 3.4 Technology Transfer Offices ; 3.4.1 Effectiveness in Commercializing University Research℗ Results ; 3.4.2 Performance in Launching New Firms ; 3.4.3 Relations with Private Research Sponsors ; 3.4.4 Critiques of Technology Transfer Offices ; 3.4.5 Alternative Approaches to TTO Commercialization℗ Activities ; 3.5 Conclusion ; References ; Chapter-4; Strategic Alliances/Knowledge-Intensive Partnerships; 4.1 Introduction; 4.2 Common Types of Alliances. 4.3 Context of Strategic Alliances4.3.1 Definitions; 4.3.2 International Context; 4.4 A Practical Guide; 4.4.1 Partnership Opportunities and Dangers; 4.5 Partner Choice; 4.6 Partnership Negotiation; 4.7 Conclusion; References; Chapter-5; Clusters/Science Parks/Knowledge Business Incubators; 5.1 Introduction; 5.2 Clusters; 5.2.1 What is a Cluster and Why are they Desirable?; 5.2.2 Why Do Industries Cluster?; 5.2.3 Agglomeration Vs. Innovative Clustering; 5.2.4 Case Studies in Cluster Formation; 5.2.4.1 Silicon Valley; 5.2.4.2 Bangalore, India; 5.2.4.3 Silicon Wadi (Israel).