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Innovation and Economy
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6–26
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The paper investigates the relationship between the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) — innovativeness, pro-activeness, and readiness to take risks — and firm performance of Russian SMEs. We assess the effects of EO on firmperformance in the context of an emerging market taking into account environmental contingencies. Our findings are underpinned by the results of a survey of managers in 104 Russian small and medium firms. The data were processed using structural equation modeling. We find that EO structure in the context of the Russian market differs from the traditional three-dimensional conceptualization of entrepreneurial orientation that is typical of Western countries. Emerging markets — as illustrated byRussia — are characterized by a two-dimensional EO structure: innovativeness and pro-activeness are perceived as a single dimension, while readiness to take risks is a separate component. Moreover, a positive relationship between the united dimension of entrepreneurial orientation — innovativeness and pro-activeness – and firm performance is manifested only in a dynamic or hostile external environment. Particular features of Russia’s institutional and cultural environment may help to explain our findings. |
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26–39
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Mobile banking is currently one of the most dynamic and rapid growth types of distance banking services. In recent years in Russia, the number of individual bank accounts that can be accessed remotely using mobile devices has increased by more than 20 times. With every year, an increasing number of banks offer mobile banking services. Nevertheless, the popularity of mobile banking applications is lower than the popularity of other banking services. Thus the problem of mobile banking adoption by customers remains an extremely important problem. This paper analyses foreign surveys on the incentives for using mobile banking. The model developed by the authors is based on well-known theoretical and empirical approaches and takes into account particular features of Russia’s economy and society. As a theoretical basis, we use the most widespread theories about technology acceptance and innovation diffusion. Using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach, we verified that the key incentives for using mobile banking by mobile Internet users — are perceived usefulness and perceived efforts. Our results confirm those of most similar foreign surveys. Our findings also have ‘real world’ significance as they may help financial institutions better understand the latest developments of mobile banking in Russia. |
Science
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40–53
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This paper investigates the methodological aspects of nanotechnology patent landscaping. The authors suggest that nanotechnologies take precedence over other technological trends, an assertion that is confirmed by current assessments and forecasts regarding the size of the nanotechnology product market. In this paper the authors analyse patent activity within the Russian Federation and globally by building a patent map of nanotechnology and the associated field of metallurgy. Using this as a basis, a new methodological approach is posited to search for nanotechnology solutions using key words and relevant interdisciplinary terms. The practical significance of these methodological approaches is confirmed by the activities of the Fund for Infrastructure and Educational Programmes (FIEP). The FIEP helps in determining the thematic scope of newly developed educational programmes, finding potential developers working on a common intellectual and material basis for the educational process, and selecting potentially interested partner companies to ensure observance of the programmes’ structure and quality to manufacturing requirements and the needs of the labour market. |
Master Class
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54–65
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The main purpose of Technology Foresight (TF) in Korea is to predict the development of S&T and use the results in developing S&T policies. However, informing the public about what the future holds based on the development of S&T is an equally important role of TF.Since the introduction of the first TF in 1994, Korea has conducted four such studies. TF in Korea has become a key process in setting S&T policy, such as the Science and Technology Basic Plan (S&T Basic Plan). The S&T Basic Plan determines the national strategic technologies by reflecting on future technology. The S&T Basic Plan is a mandatory legal planning process established every five years by the Korean government. It is the top-level policy document affecting S&T-related policy making in Korea.TF in Korea primarily utilizes the Delphi method. The third and fourth TFs have strengthened the links between S&T and society by determining future technologies capable of solving future needs. The fourth TF presented scenarios and special illustrations to show members of the public the future technologies and their implications for society. Additionally, the fourth round of TF analyzed the potential negative impacts of future technologies. |
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66–79
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South Africa has only irregularly undertaken exercises to identify priority technology areas, despite government recognition of their importance. Moreover this activity has no institutional frameworks. This article reviews past efforts in this field in South Africa. In the end of 1990s, the Department of Arts Culture, Science and Technology announced the results of the National Research and Technology Foresight. One of the key implications of these results was that, in contrast to the rest of the world, South African stakeholders fail to recognize the importance of emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, micro-production as well as simulation technologies as cost-effective components of new product and process development. These results appear to have permeated through the STI policy and as a result, the country appears to be lagging in terms of research in emerging technologies. The main focus of the authors is on the findings of the most recent effort supported by the Department of Trade and Industry to identify changes in industrialists’ opinions related to technology priorities. The recent results indicate that the country is integrating into the global economy, as national priorities are converging with priorities elsewhere. |
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