ISSN 1995-459X print E-ISSN 2312-9972 online ISSN 2500-2597 online English
Editor-in-chief Leonid Gokhberg
|
2011. vol. 5. No. 1
|
Strategies
Marlene Arens,
Christian Dötsch,
Wolfram Krewitt ,
Peter Markevitz,
Dominique Möst,
Julie Oberschmidt,
Martin Wietschel,
Martin Scheufen,
Sebastian Herkel
Energy Technologies 2050
|
4–14
|
Marlene Arens— Researcher, Fraunhofer Institute for System and Innovation Research (Germany). E-mail: marlene.arens@isi.fraunhofer.de Address: Fraunhofer-Institut für System- und Innovationsforschung ISI, Breslauer Straße 48, 76139 Karlsruhe Germany Christian Dötsch— Head of Business Unit for Energy Systems, Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technologies (Germany). E-mail: christian.doetsch@umsicht.fraunhofer.de Address: Fraunhofer-Institut für Umwelt-, Sicherheits- und Energietechnik UMSICHT, Osterfelder Straße 3, 46047 Oberhausen Germany Wolfram Krewitt— Head of Department, German Centre for Air and Space Address: Linder Hoehe 51147 Cologne Germany Peter Markevitz— Researcher, Jülich Research Centre. E-mail: p.markewitz@fz-juelich.de Address: Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Strasse, 52425 Jülich, Germany Dominique Möst— Project Manager, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Karlsruhe (Germany). E-mail: dominik.moest@wiwi.uni-karlsruhe.de Address: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 6980, 76049 Karlsruhe, Germany Julie Oberschmidt— Researcher, Fraunhofer Institute for System and Innovation Research (Germany). E-mail: julia.oberschmidt@gmx.de Address: Fraunhofer-Institut für System- und Innovationsforschung ISI, Breslauer Straße 48, 76139 Karlsruhe Martin Wietschel— Head of Department for the Economics of Energy, Fraunhofer Institute for System and Innovation Research (Germany). E-mail: martin.wietschel@isi.fraunhofer.de Address: Fraunhofer-Institut für System- und Innovationsforschung ISI, Breslauer Straße 48, 76139 Karlsruhe Germany Martin Scheufen— Researcher, Institute of High Voltage Technology, Rhine-Westphalian Technical University Aachen (Germany). E-mail: scheufen@ifht.rwth-aachen.de Address: Institute for Hight Voltage Technology, Schinkelstraße 2, D-52056 Aachen Sebastian Herkel— Head of Department, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Germany). E-mail: sebastian.herkel@ise.fhg.de Address: Heidenhofstr. 2, 79110 Freiburg, Germany Research and development in the field of energy technologies is characterized by high risks and substantial investments which pay off only long term. Research in the field of energy technologies requires special support from the government. The study entitled «Energy technologies 2050» reveals priorities for the public policy support with reference to prospective non-nuclear energy research. For this purpose an evaluation methodology has been developed that allows the systematic comparison of technology fields claimed for public funding. The methodology =is based on three scenarios distinguished by the prices for energy carriers, quotas of CO2 emissions, energy consumption and estimated volumes of CO2 emissions. The evaluation criteria were selected in a way as to reflect the key energy policy goals and to provide comparative analysis of all the thematic areas and technology fields covered. The necessity of public support was detected based on an assessment of the state of the art of an area’s development stage, future demands and main obstacles for growth. The selected fields were then analyzed in detail via expert survey, and S&T policy recommendations for future support were developed. The future of technologies under scrutiny was evaluated in each of the three scenarios. Irrespectively of any scenario areas such as «renewable energy sources», «energy efficiency in industry and tertiary sector», «energy storage» and «power grids» remain stable. The evolution of other thematic areas depend on one or two scenarios and is thus related on framework conditions. The described study could significantly contribute to the identification of prospective research themes and the definition of S&T priorities. |
Innovation and Economy
|
16–25
|
Pavel Rudnik— Head, Division for Private-Public Partnerships in Innovation, Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, National Research University – Higher School of Economics. E-mail: prudnik@hse.ru Address: 20, Myasnitskaya str., Moscow, Russia, 101000 Technology platforms are regarded as an important tool for linking disparate elements of the innovation system and shaping an integrated innovation framework. Platforms can be a part of the institutional framework for building relationships along one of the axes of the innovation system “universities – research organizations – industry” and provide a basis for the elaboration and implementation of focused and comprehensive innovation policy in different areas. The paper considers the process of shaping technology platforms in Russia and describes the contemporary context of their formation. This process is only at an early stage and is fragile. This is due to objective reasons, primarily a mutual misunderstanding of strategic interests. Until today the challenge of overcoming the existing gap hasn’t yet been scrutinized on the governmental level. The author presents the concept of public-private partnerships, various types of such cooperation and examines possible scenarios for their development. Methodologically the initiative to establish technology platforms in Russia draws heavily on the European experience, which is also disclosed in detail. The publication compares features of European and Russian technology platforms, describes the challenges and opportunities for their development, and identifies strengths and weaknesses of the platforms. A number of recommendations are provided. In particular, it is needed to follow the basic principles that have proven successful in the European practice; focus on the markets, not only on technology development and coordination of actions of a wide range of participants. All the core enterprises should be represented in a platform, not only governmental but also private ones. The platform should be established with close involvement of ministries and departments responsible for the strategic development of the relevant sectors. Indirect support measures will allow the coordination of the program of innovative development of state-owned enterprises with the platform strategy; define the topical scope of R&D projects as well as the amount of funding through federal targeted programmes etc. The author depicts some positive effects accompanying the establishments of technology platforms. The success of a platform depends on its ability to provide a strong involvement of the main actors of the national innovation system. A key role in this process belongs to the government. |
|
26–39
|
Dan Medovnikov— Deputy Director, Institute for Innovation Management, National Research University — Higher School of Economics. E-mail: dmedovnikov@hse.ru Address: 20, Myasnitskaya str., Moscow, Russia, 101000 Stanislav Rozmirovich— Director, Center for Innovation Studies, Institute for Innovation Management, National Research University — Higher School of Economics. E-mail: srozmirovich@hse.ru Address: 20, Myasnitskaya str., Moscow, Russia, 101000 Technology corridors are regarded as a promising new tool for the management of technological development and economic modernization of the economy. The introduction of defined technological corridors can have a significant impact on consumption and lifestyle of a society, so far there is a risk of rejecting the reforms and social tensions. The authors studied the experience of the introduction of the first Russian technology corridor for motor fuel manufacturers. They considered disadvantages related to domestic practice of technical regulations that constrain the implementation of technological corridors. Thorugh analysis of this case it becomes clear that the only governmental mandatory requirements and restrictions addressed to the manufactures will not result in the necessary changes. Mandatory requirements should be supplemented by a list of measures establishing conditions for enterprises that allow them to follow-up the established standards. In addition, a complete roadmap is required for the successful establishment and moving within a technology corridor. The paper lists the measures that must accompany the successful promotion of technological corridor. The paper presents the results of a sociological survey that demonstrated the general readiness of the Russian actors to introducing more stringent standards, regulations and quality requirements close to European ones, and would be prepared to deal with possible negative consequences of these steps. The priority introduction of a tighter regulation in agriculture, food processing, pharmaceutical and construction would be welcomed by the Russians. In general, it can be concluded that the estimate of the prospects of introducing technological corridors is variable. It depends on an aspect of life which will be influenced by introducing technology corridors. The revealed clear priorities are: security of personal consumption, environment, public safety, and energy as well as resource conservation. Such a ranking provides a basis for the establishing the optimal sequence in introducing technological corridors. The study’s respondent’s attitude towards the prospects of introducing technological rodmaps, and interviews with experts allowed identifying possible future designs of the roadmaps for some sectors. |
Science
|
40–47
|
Helmut Gassler— Research Fellow, Centre for Economic and Innovation Research, Joanneum Research (Austria). E-mail: helmut.gassler@joanneum.at Address: Joanneum Research, Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Centre for Economic and Innovation Research, Sensengasse 1, 1090 Vienna, Austria Andreas Schibany— Research Fellow, Centre for Economic and Innovation Research, Joanneum Research (Austria). E-mail: andreas.schibany@joanneum.at Address: Joanneum Research, Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Centre for Economic and Innovation Research, Sensengasse 1, 1090 Vienna, Austria In many countries which have limited R&D budgets are confronted with discussions about the feasibility and appropriateness of supporting basic science and research. Among these countries is Austria – the country of origin of the authors. Basic research as opposed to applied research aims at increasing the stock of knowledgeper sewithout any consideration to applicability. Meanwhile, there is a widely held belief that publicly funded research must result in economic gains. Thus basic research is inherently under pressure of having to prove its favorable effects on the economy. In recent years such rhetoric has even intensified. Moreover the so-called ‘free-rider’ strategy presumes that it is ambiguous for a small economy to invest in costly basic research when the results of other countries’ basic research are published and available without charge as public goods. The authors provide a retrospective analysis of the discussed issue. From his point of view rejection of developing country’s internal scientific base is reckless in terms of responsibility for the future of coming generations. Explaining the causes of way-out views, the authors offer a look at the situation from a different perspective paying attention to known facts. Because of its high degree of specialization basic research is often thought of as abstract and out of touch with reality, but in the main it is inspired and set off by practical questions. Undoubtedly, an early estimate of its effects is quite complicated, since basic research outputs usually require a significant time lag to be transformed into commercial product. The authors suggest that in the future it will remain difficult to fully assess the impact of basic research on economic growth and to provide clear answers to the questions raised. Numerous evidences however demonstrate that application of the knowledge gained from the basic research promotes the emergence of entirely new industrial developments. Basic science, supported by the government and development undertaken by the private sector, are able to be complementary and act in tandem. Today more than ever before there is a need for free, i.e. unrestricted, science-oriented research, namely for doing that part of research work which private companies can and will no longer afford. These projects contribute to the expansion of a company’s technological capacities by providing access to existing knowledge, guaranteeing the possibility of their use and further development, etc. It is proved that a country rejecting development of its own research facilities and skilled personnel will not be able to take advantage from the achievements gained by other nations. Availability of highly qualified and skilled scientists is essential for an efficient capture of new knowledge. Companies, possessing similar human capital, have the ability to absorb information from outside thus increasing in-house expertise. The authors draw attention to the possibility for companies to conduct R&D in collaboration with universities. This will allow the commercialization of research results as well as investments in innovative entrepreneurial initiatives. In Austria, this type of funding so far remains underdeveloped. |
|
48–55
|
Mikhail Kuzyk— Discipline Leader, Interdepartmental Analytical Centre. E-mail: kuzyk@iacenter.ru Address: 121069, P.O. box 35, 31/29 bld. 2 Povarskaya str., Moscow, Russia Based on results of the study "Microeconomic analysis of public policies aimed at fostering innovation" the author evaluates the most significant impacts of the crisis on activities of research organizations. He studies changes in the volume of implemented R&D and the nature of customers’ demands; obstacles to developing partnerships between research organizations and industry; the challenges and opportunities arising from the crisis and crisis management actions planned and taken by the organizations. Among the most referred effects are decreased contracts from non-governmental actors as well as from government and related agencies, the partial loss of customers, the deteriorated timeliness of payments from counterparts and non-payments, higher prices by subcontractors etc.. However a financial creditworthiness in general as well as "dismal" decline in R&D did not happen. Organizations giving higher expectations to their research performance in general were less amenable to the impacts of the crisis. Meanwhile, over two thirds (70%) of respondents indicated the absence of any positive aspects of the crisis. Pessimistic estimates are typical for the organizations receiving a significant share of orders from manufacturing plants. The analysis revealed sustainable sets of anti-crisis measures, their current and future specifics. About 90% of the studied organizations at the time of conducting the survey have already begun implementation of various anti-crisis measures. Their efforts were focused on commercializing R&D outputs, the search for new customers and adapting to their needs, the development of international linkages, expansion of research and searching for new staff. High-level performing organizations preferred to focus on the development of already existing activities and enhancing skills of existing staff, while the organizations of a lower research performance more often resorted to shift to new customers, changed their subcontractors and suppliers, and reformed the internal structure. Most organizations considered internal restructuring as an important anti-crisis policy measure in the future. Introduction of new means of material incentives as well as creation of small innovative companies were also regarded as prospective steps. |
Master Class
|
56–66
|
Ville Brummer— Research Fellow, Systems Analysis Laboratory, Helsinki University of Technology (Finland). E-mail: ville.brummer@tkk.fi Address: Systems Analysis Laboratory, Aalto University, P.O. box 11100 00076, Aalto, Finland Juuso Liesiö— Research Fellow, Systems Analysis Laboratory, Helsinki University of Technology (Finland). E-mail: juuso.liesio@tkk.fi Address: Systems Analysis Laboratory, Aalto University, P.O. box 11100 00076, Aalto, Finland Juuso Nissinen— Financial Analyst, Depfa Bank Plc. (Finland). E-mail: juuso.nissinen@depfa.com Address: Systems Analysis Laboratory, Aalto University, P.O. box 11100 00076, Aalto, Finland Ahti Salo— Professor, Systems Analysis Laboratory, Helsinki University of Technology (Finland). E-mail: ahti.salo@tkk.fi Address: Systems Analysis Laboratory, Aalto University, P.O. box 11100 00076, Aalto, Finland International partnership plays an increasingly important role in the performance of innovation systems. Despite the consensus on the benefits of international cooperation and the adoption of a number of influential policies, systemic ways of joint identification of the thematic priorities and collaborative networks and activities in R&D programmes are underdeveloped. At the global level, the formation of policy is complicated by the need to account for numerous horizontal and vertical linkages, both within as well as between innovation systems. As the number of prospective stakeholder groups grows, the diversity of the objectives and strategies that they pursue grows too, implying that it becomes increasingly difficult to synchronize them. Aiming to close the gap authors developed a methodology for robust portfolio modeling of networks (RPM-Networking) that allows identifying the thematic priorities and shaping long-term collaborative networks within national and international programmes. The basic criterion for evaluating potential networks is their viability. The proposed approach is based on portfolio analysis – robust portfolio modeling (RPM) - which allows taking into account resource-related and other constraints when identifying thematic priorities for R&D and shaping related networks. Building collaborative networks should be consistent with the definition of thematic priorities. RPM-Networking allows synthesizing these processes. Methodologically RPM-Networking presumes an integral estimate of thematic priorities and collaborative networks thus facilitating the identification of thematic priorities and the establishment of new networks basing on multi-criteria analysis of research topics to evaluate the degree of interest of potential participants. The paper considers the capacities of the method as exemplified by the processing of the data set derived from joint consultations under the project WoodWisdom-Net. It covers 18 partners from eight countries and seeks to advance networking and integration of national programmes in wood material science and engineering. Experience of applying the methodology has proved its effectiveness and viability. The authors conclude that the creation of new collaborative research networks should be central to the establishment of international programs where networking is hindered by a wide variety of cultural characteristics and organizational practices. In addition applying a systemic methodology allows achieving other desired parameters such as enhanced governance, determining the exact amount of funding for projects, thus reducing the risks, and identifying the target group of scientists which are interested in related topics in terms of complementarities and interdisciplinary approaches. Further it is possible to optimally implement the results of Foresight in practice. In particular it appears that the successful mobilization of the scientific community, submission of a quite wide range of topics for evaluation and their high scores are critical prerequisites for successful application of RPM-Networking. |
Events
|
68–77
|
The review summarizes discussions held in the framework of the workshop «Economics of S&T and Innovation» as a part of the French-Russian Conference “Economy, Policy and Society: New Challenges and Prospects” (Higher School of Economics, Moscow, 28-29 October, 2010). The participants became acquainted with the results of studies implemented in Russia and France that reflected new approaches to measuring S&T and innovation performance and to analysing human capital of S&T. |
|
|