Current Month

January 2010

Volume 10  Number 1

If your E-mail has trouble displaying this newsletter, click here for an on-line version.
This newsletter is published by The Centre for Innovation Studies in partnership with Calgary Technologies Inc. Its purpose is to communicate news and information of interest to individuals involved with innovation in Alberta active in industry, government or university.

Please forward this Newsletter to your colleagues and ask them to subscribe. It's free. To add your name to the distribution list, or to remove it, please contact info@thecis.ca.  

We invite you to participate in this newsletter by e-mailing the editor with any news, events, jobs or research items you feel would be of interest to our readers.

Visit our web site at http://www.thecis.ca/ to join the Innovation Club.

RESEARCH 

Predicting Innovation in SMEs: A Knowledge-Based Dynamic Capabilities Perspective - Erasmus University Rotterdam "This study advances a knowledge-based dynamic capabilities framework to predict innovation in SMEs... Results indicate that practices aimed at acquiring external knowledge foster an SME's innovation performance, mediated by innovation orientation. This finding implies a different means for SMEs to be innovative in spite of their resource constraints. Similar predictions for internal knowledge sharing practices however are not supported. Implications for policy makers and owners/entrepreneurs of SMEs are discussed." Business Model Innovation and Strategic Flexibility: A Study of the Effects of Informal and Formal Organization - Imperial College London "Using structured interviews with CEOs of 556 large firms, this study examines how organizations achieve strategic flexibility by enacting business model innovation. While executives find that an innovation-oriented culture enhances strategic flexibility, inter-organizational dependence is perceived as constraining it. Further, changes in formal organizational structure can be unpacked into those activities that focus managerial attention on core activities and those that reconfigure existing activities." Competition, Contracts, and Innovation - U.S. Federal Trade Commission "Changes in the intensity of product market competition affect both the return from innovation and the cost of inducing managers to innovate... With linear profit-sharing contracts, the cost of a non-drastic innovation declines as product market competition increases because the increment gained from innovation becomes a larger fraction of the total profit. We argue that this decline in the cost of attaining innovation as competition increases means that competition will often lead to more innovation even in models where the returns to innovation otherwise would fall as competition increases." Environmental Policy Uncertainty and Innovation in Environmental Technologies - OECD "Drawing upon real options theory, it is hypothesised that for any given level of environmental policy stringency, environmental policy uncertainty can serve as a brake on investment in innovative activities which can reduce the cost of meeting environmental objectives. By increasing the benefits of 'waiting', policy uncertainty will reduce incentives to identify innovative environmental technologies. Using patent counts as a measure of environmental innovation, preliminary empirical evidence has been presented which supports this hypothesis." At Home and Abroad: An Empirical Analysis of Innovation and Diffusion in Energy-Efficient Technologies - Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei "This paper contributes to the induced innovation literature by extending the analysis of supply and demand determinants of innovation in energy-efficient technologies to account for international knowledge flows and spillovers... Our results confirm the role of demand-pull effects, as proxied by energy prices, as well as that of technological opportunity, as proxied by the knowledge stocks. In particular, this paper provides evidence that spillovers between countries have a significant positive impact on further innovation in energy-efficient technologies." R&D and Technology Spillovers Via FDI: Innovation and Absorptive Capacity - CERGE-EI "Two faces of R&D (innovation and learning) and technology spillovers from FDI (foreign direct investment) on a firm's productivity growth are examined in this paper. Using firm-level panel data on Czech manufacturing firms between 1995 and 1998, I find that: (i) the learning effect of R&D is far more important than the innovative effect in explaining the productivity growth of a firm, (ii) there is no evidence of technology spillovers to local firms from having a foreign joint venture partner, (iii) positive spillovers from FDI are found in electrical machinery and radio & TV sectors, which are also active investors in innovative R&D." Sourcing Innovation from You Customer: How Multinational Enterprises Use Web Platforms for Virtual Customer Integration - Technische Universitat Berlin "Integrating the customer in the innovation process is believed to be a powerful means to reduce failure rates and to increase the revenue from new products... Using a sample of the Euro Stoxx 50 companies, we shed light on the various types of virtual customer integration platforms, their limitations, their benefits and the mechanisms that have to be put in place to make them succeed. Results indicate that only a limited number of platforms go beyond the sourcing of ideas." Trends in University Graduation, 1992 to 2007 - Statistics Canada "The number of students graduating from Canadian universities rose 43 per cent between 1992 and 2007, increasing from 169,000 in 1992 to 242,000 in 2007. The number of both male and female graduates has grown steadily since 2002, following a period of stagnant growth in the mid-1990s. That women outnumber men among university graduates is not new–that finding was already evident in 1992. However, the male-female gap has increased, especially during the most recent period of growth in the number of graduates, between 2002 and 2007." Internet shopping in Canada: An examination of data, trends and patterns - Statistics Canada "This research examines the data, trends and patterns in Canadian online shopping from 2001 to 2007. Despite the enormous growth, the value of online orders is still relatively small compared with total retail sales. Although the Internet is having profound impacts on consumer behaviour, it appears that the potential detrimental effect on traditional retail has not come to fruition, at least not yet. Rather, electronic commerce has become an important complement for traditional retail in some product categories, as well as a substitute in others." Collective hallucinations and inefficient markets: The British Railway Mania of the 1840s - University of Minnesota "The British Railway Mania of the 1840s was by many measures the greatest technology mania in history, and its collapse was one of the greatest financial crashes... In contrast to many other bubbles, the British Railway Mania had many powerful, vocal, and insightful critics. But the most influential of them suffered from another delusion, which misled them about the threat the Mania posed. As a result, their warnings were not persuasive, and were likely even counterproductive, as they may have stimulated increased investments."

CONNECTIONS

Digital Alberta - Financing Your Digital Vision Calgary, AB:  January 26, 2010 This full day Financing Your Digital Vision seminar is for technology entrepreneurs who want to learn about the full range of financing options available to get your company started and growing. One of the highlights of this session will be our Entrepreneur Panel including industry experts Ken Bautista, Seek Your Own Proof; Michael Sikorsky, Robots and Pencils; Trevor Doerkson, MoboVivo; and Ron Thiele, XPAN Interactive, who will also present on Bootstrapping. Presenters include investors, funders and entrepreneurs who share their knowledge about financing options, from seed to venture capital, highlighting the pros and cons of each. At the seminar you will gain a clear understanding of the importance of managed growth and viable financing alternatives.   Digital Tableau - The Art and Craft of Digital Media The Banff Centre, AB:  February 4-7, 2010 During the 2 1/2 days of this workshop, we will combine studio time in the areas of illustration, sound, 3D animation techniques with classroom presentations on best practices, character and script development, etc. The first guest speaker that we are very pleased to confirm is Rich Mckain from Pixar Animation Studios who worked on Disney's 'Up'. Rich is a Calgary Native and is really looking forward to getting into peeling the layers of the 3D animation process. In the weeks to come we will be announcing more speakers for this outstanding workshop! Register for this event today as seats are limited!   2010 Front End of Innovation Amsterdam:  February 8-10, 2010 The 2010 Front End of Innovation team has identified unique Critical Factors that your organization requires for Balancing Short-term Profitability with Long-term Sustainability. There is no other European program with a similar event format. You will explore each factor throughout the event including: meet customer demands tap into unfulfilled needs, foster organic growth continue long term strategies, design thinking in order to solve business problems, perform creative execution do more with less, avoid commoditization move beyond product innovation, generate partnerships make open innovation & external collaboration work, learn from thought leaders on moving from today to tomorrow.   Mobile World Congress | Global Conference for Mobile Technology and Business Barcelona:  February 15-18, 2010 This year's Mobile World Congress will include: A world-class thought leadership conference featuring visionary keynotes and action-provoking panel discussions An exhibition with more than 1,300 companies displaying the cutting-edge products and technology that will define the mobile future An Awards ceremony and industry seminars that highlight the most innovative mobile solutions and initiatives from around the world And most importantly, the planet's best venue for mobile industry networking, finding business opportunities, and making deals In 2009, Mobile World Congress hosted approximately 47,000 mobile professionals from 182 countries. More than 50% of these were C-Level executives, and 9,000 of them represented mobile network operators from around the world. In addition, more than 2,400 members of the press reported from the event, representing more than 1,500 media groups from 76 countries. If your company wants to be a serious player in the mobile eco-system, you can't afford to miss the 2010 GSMA Mobile World Congress.   Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America Austin, TX:  February 15-18, 2010 For the seventh straight year Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America has been the event leading the way for the renewable industry. Rewenewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America 2009 had nearly 4,000 renewable energy power professionals in attendance making it another wildly successful year. Featuring insightful discussions and presentations during technical sessions related to technology, markets, business strategies and policy covering the wind, solar, biomass, hydro, geothermal, ocean/tidal/wave, bio-power, bio-fuels hydrogen and energy sectors. There has never been a better time to be a part of the exciting, ever-growing world of renewable energy!   Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America Austin, TX:  February 23-25, 2010 The 2010 conference promises to offer a worldwide audience who will hear papers, panel discussions and presentations during technical sessions related to technology, markets, business strategies and policy covering the wind, solar, biomass, hydro, geothermal, ocean/tidal/wave, bio-power, bio-fuels hydrogen and energy sectors. There has never been a better time to be a part of the exciting, ever-growing world of renewable energy!   i-SUP2010 Innovation for Sustainable Production 2010 Bruges:  April 18-21, 2010 i-SUP2010 will cover 6 separate international congresses at the same time and at the same location, each aimed at a specific target audience of industry leaders, universities, research institutes and decision makers, covering such wide fields as: Sustainable Production, Sustainable Chemistry, Sustainable Energy, Materials for Sustainable Production, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), In vitro methods replacing animal testing (CARDAM). Each theme holds the contents of a full-fledged congress with key-note speakers, presentations and poster sessions   Canadian Telecom Summit Toronto:  June 7-9, 2010 The Canadian Telecom Summit is Canada's pre-eminent gathering of the telecommunications industry and those with vested interests in its welfare. Attracting the senior-most professionals from around the globe, The 2010 Canadian Telecom Summit will provide a forum for the broad cross-section of stakeholders to exchange views, share ideas, challenge assumptions and plan for the future.   World Innovation Forum New York:  June 8-9, 2010 In a fast-paced, technology-driven, and constantly changing world, innovation is more critical than ever. Innovation paves the way to increased profitability, business solutions and growth. During two days at the World Innovation Forum, learn how to integrate and refine innovation to strengthen your business and gain a competitive advantage in a fiercely competitive marketplace. Dissect case studies, analyze theory, and join the greatest thought pioneers in the field of innovation - world renowned visionaries, creative problem solvers, best selling authors, and business authorities.   International Polar Year - Oslo Polar Science Conference Oslo:  June 8-12, 2010 The IPY Oslo Science Conference will demonstrate, strengthen, and extend the International Polar Year's accomplishments in science and outreach. The conference is an essential opportunity to display and explore the full breadth and implications of IPY activities. The international and interdisciplinary science conference will in particular highlight the global impact of the changes that have been observed in the Polar Regions.

INFORMATION

Alberta Innovates is new hub for innovating, investing, collaborating Alberta Innovates officially came into being on January 1, realigning 10 provincially funded research and innovation organizations. The five new Alberta Innovates agencies will focus on life sciences, energy and environment, health, technology and science research.     City of Edmonton launches Open Data catalogue The City of Edmonton has launched its Open Data catalogue, describing public municipal resources in the city, to increase the accessibility of public data managed by the city.     Scientific Research and Experimental Development program to become more efficient Beginning this summer, the Canada Revenue Agency will work to improve on accuracy and processing of SR&ED claims. CRA officials will also spend more time better explaining the SR&ED program requirements, process, and decisions to the claimants and their representatives.     Two new directors appointed to EEDC coard Dr. Roger Palmer and Barry Travers have been appointed to Edmonton Economic Development Corporation's Board of Directors. They will be officially appointed at EEDC's Annual General Meeting in April.     CED: Calgary on the way up Calgary Economic Development's State of the Economy Report for the second half of 2009 shows while some indicators are in recession territory, their magnitude and positions have improved over the course of the year.     Biocomposites have a motive to grow CTI profiles California-based Motive Industries's relocation to Calgary.     Year end boost to University of Calgary research University of Calgary researchers received $2,449,861 million in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation at the end of 2009. Eight proposals were awarded money under the CFI's Leaders Opportunity Fund which provides infrastructure support to Canadian institutions.     Calgary still a prime destination The Conference Board of Canada finds that Calgary, Waterloo, Ottawa, Vancouver, St. John's and Richmond Hill lead the way in attractiveness for migrants in terms of education, society, innovation and economy. Calgary scored an 'A', while Edmonton earned a 'B'.     Alberta's cabinet: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue Alberta's cabinet was adjusted in January. Doug Horner remains as Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. Ted Morton becomes Minister of Finance and Enterprise. Ron Liepert becomes Minister of Energy. Gene Zwozdesky becomes Minister of Health and Wellness.     University of Calgary launches new chairs to aid oil and gas exploration Two University of Calgary researchers, John Chen and Mario Costa Sous, will work to create software allowing users to gain information from vast amounts of oil and gas reservoir data under a public-private partnership through iCORE's Industry Research Chair program.

CAREERS

Nominate a deserving individual, organization or business for a Calgary Award: Calgarians are invited to recognize fellow citizens for their contributions in making Calgary a dynamic, progressive and compassionate city. The nomination deadline is Friday, March 5, 2010.

INNO-LINKS

The mediaFRESH 2010 awards hosted by Digital Alberta are dedicated to the recognition of those Alberta Digital Media Professionals and Post-Secondary students who have created outstanding projects and programs between September 2008 and November 2009. Submissions are strongly encouraged and must be received on or before Monday, February 22, 2010.

QUOTE

"A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle."  ~ Kahlil Gibran (1883 - 1931) Lebanese-American Poet Philosopher & Artist

COMMENTS AND SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBEContact info@thecis.ca  if you have comments or suggestions.

Subscriptions: click here.

THECIS Newsletter
Editor —  Ben Li
Publisher — Peter Josty

© Copyright 2007 THECIS The Centre For Innovation Studies