International Journal of Technology Management & Sustainable Development - Volume 14, Issue 1, 2015

Over the last few decades, there has been increasing interest in understanding (and supporting through public policies) innovative activities related to environmental protection. This article examines the incentives related to investment in environmental innovation in French manufacturing firms. The study engages in a theoretical analysis to identify the factors that could be associated to firms’ decisions to invest in environmental innovation. Our findings, which are based on a survey of 2270 firms, indicate that investment in environmental innovation is largely influenced by factors internal to the firm. In particular, size, performance, training, cooperation and openness are shown to have significant impact on green innovation.

This article analyses two of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, individualism–­collectivism and masculinity–femininity, and selected indicators of the Human Development Report (HDR). Specifically analysed in the HDR are three communication technology indicators, cell phone subscription, Internet use and the number of telephone mainlines, as they can measure the wealth or development of a country. We contend that while Hofstede has examined cultural variations across 53 nations, there is a dearth of empirical studies examining the relationship between Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and communication technology. Results indicate a positive correlation between individualism and communication technology. Likewise, we found a positive correlation between individualism and human development. Conversely, no correlation was found between masculinity–femininity and communication technology, and no correlation was found between masculinity–femininity and human development.

This article explores the evolutionary process underlying the development of the triple helix innovation system and the role of knowledge intermediaries in the process. It draws on the experience of knowledge network development in an SME cluster in the Thai hard disk drive industry. Conceptually, the evolutionary process starts with inter-firm networks, which occur in the form of supply chain-based vertical links and trade association or cluster-based horizontal links. These evolve into triple helix networks and culminate into the triple helix innovation system through the agency of network dynamics. Intermediaries enhance network development as sponsors, providing funds; as brokers, closing and bridging structural holes that disconnect network players; and as boundary spanners, facilitating knowledge circulation. The case study suggests that knowledge network development in Thailand has a long way to go before morphing into the triple helix innovation system. Some evidence of network dynamics was nonetheless detected; but for lack of trust in the triple helix culture the fledgling network dynamics fizzled out when the government prop, which initiated the process, was withdrawn. The article concludes by highlighting the need for policy to promote the culture of trust among network players and for knowledge intermediaries to be robustly systemic in their organization and operation.

Nowadays information technology (IT) adoption is considered to be the main driver of improved performance in all types of knowledge-based organizations. This article is an attempt to provide insight into whether IT adoption (ITA) increases innovation tendency by universities and what kind of influence the level of staff capabilities exerts in this relationship. By using data from a survey of 228 individuals drawn from universities in Northern Nigeria, three models were developed and tested by means of parametric analyses of multiple correlation and regression to explain the relationships between ITA, staff knowledge capabilities (SKC) and universities’ innovative behaviour (UIB). Results of the analysis show a positive link between the variables, signifying that universities exhibiting high level of innovative output are those that have intensely adopted IT and employ and train staff to increase their knowledge capabilities.