Innovation is a widely applied yet poorly understood term in the context of public policies and practices among Western nations. Technological innovations specifically have and will continue to advance civilization, shape modern society, and drive the economic health and geo-political standing of nations. This book offers a unique interpretation of science, technology & innovation (STI) policies in Western nations, particularly in regard to government-sponsored programs. The author challenges established thinking, directly addressing numerous myths that cloud our understanding of innovation and proposes a fresh perspective grounded in fundamental logic and analysis. Written in short chapters and presented in an alphabetically organized framework, this book addresses what is working and what isn’t working in current STI policies and suggests that the most efficient and effective way to generate technological innovations that yield the desired socio-economic benefits, is for national governments to sponsor directed scientific research and directed engineering development, and align both with the requirements of carefully managed commercial production. The book also features examples drawn from government data, scholarly literature, practitioner anecdotes and the author’s personal experience.

Innovation is a widely applied yet poorly understood term in the context of public policies and practices among Western nations. Technological innovations specifically have and will continue to advance civilization, shape modern society, and drive the economic health and geo-political standing of nations. This book offers a unique interpretation of science, technology & innovation (STI) policies in Western nations, particularly in regard to government-sponsored programs. The author challenges established thinking, directly addressing numerous myths that cloud our understanding of innovation and proposes a fresh perspective grounded in fundamental logic and analysis. Written in short chapters and presented in an alphabetically organized framework, this book addresses what is working and what isn't working in current STI policies and suggests that the most efficient and effective way to generate technological innovations that yield the desired socio-economic benefits, is for national governments to sponsor directed scientific research and directed engineering development, and align both with the requirements of carefully managed commercial production. The book also features examples drawn from government data, scholarly literature, practitioner anecdotes and the author's personal experience.

This book brings together different insights into the importance of innovation and creativity to build competitiveness in the European industry and society from different angles. The authors first look at how European countries and their policies have fared on innovation and creativity measures. They go on to examine multinational companies in particular, analyzing research and innovation at the headquarters and subsidiary level and the linkages between them. Looking at the management of innovation in firms and subsidiaries, they gain insights into how firms can innovate more effectively and efficiently. The study examines the role of management control and culture in stimulating creativity as well as an important driver of innovation. The chapters in the book are also complementary in the sense that they include qualitative as well as quantitative studies, from academic researchers to people working in the field. Researchers, professors, managers, students and policymakers interested in innovation, creativity, knowledge, multinational companies, competitiveness and Europe will be enlightened on how to be more creative and innovative.

This series of books brings together results of an intensive research programme on aspects of the national systems of innovation (NSI) in the five BRICS countries — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It provides a comprehensive and comparative examination of the challenges and opportunities faced by these dynamic and emerging economies. In discussing the impact of innovation with respect to economic, geopolitical, socio-cultural, institutional, and technological systems, it reveals the possibilities of new development paradigms for equitable and sustainable growth. This volume explores the relationship between transnational corporations (TNCs) and NSI across BRICS economies. The essays highlight the role of foreign direct investment (FDI), the evolution of TNCs and examine local factors — such as government policies, human resources, market structures, and technological capabilities — that affect collaborative efforts with indigenous firms towards innovation and development. The authors approach the thesis of technological globalisation with some caution, refuting the idea that research and development (R&D) activities have been inexorably internationalised. Original and detailed data, together with expert analyses on wide-ranging issues, make this book an invaluable resource for researchers and scholars in economics, development studies and political science, in addition to policy makers and development practitioners interested in the BRICS countries.

This open access book addresses challenges related to women in STEM in higher education, presenting research, experiences, studies, and good practices associated with the engagement, access, and retention of women in the STEM disciplines. It also discusses strategies implemented by universities and policymakers to reduce the existing gender gap in these areas. The chapters provide an overview of implementations in different regions of the world and provide numerous examples that can be transferred to other higher education institutions.

The Global Innovation Index provides detailed metrics about the innovation performance of 127 countries and economies around the world. Its 81 indicators explore a broad vision of innovation, including political environment, education, infrastructure and business sophistication. This year’s report reviews the state of innovation in agriculture and food systems across sectors and geographies. Chapters of the report provide more details on this year’s theme from academic, business, and particular country perspectives from leading experts and decision makers.

After the United Nations adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to "end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all," researchers and policy makers highlighted the importance of targeted investment in science, technology, and innovation (STI) to make tangible progress. Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals showcases the roles that STI solutions can play in meeting on-the-ground socio-economic and environmental challenges among domestic and international organizations concerned with the SDGs in three overlapping areas: agriculture, health, and environment/energy. Authors and researchers from 31 countries tackle both big-picture questions, such as scaling up the adoption and diffusion of new sustainable technologies, and specific, localized case studies, focusing on developing and middle-income countries and specific STI solutions and policies. Issues addressed include renewable energy, automated vehicles, vaccines, digital health, agricultural biotechnology, and precision agriculture. In bringing together diverse voices from both policy and academic spheres, this volume provides practical and relevant insights and advice to support policy makers and managers seeking to enhance the roles of STI in sustainable development.