Search

Highlights several research works from the European research project called Science Teacher Training in an Information Society (STTIS). Study of the curriculum innovations in science as the central concern of the project; Research strategy used by STTIS participants; Themes and conclusions common to all the papers.

Collaborations are particularly important for the development and deployment of technology. We analyse the influence of organizational, technological and geographical proximity on European nanotechnology collaborations with the help of a publication dataset and additional geographical information. While organizational proximity influences the output of collaborations only indirectly, geographical and technological proximity do so directly. Geographical proximity is most significant in statistical terms and technological proximity has the highest magnitude of effect. Consequently, the latter lends itself most for management and policy interventions, for example, by providing information on technological specialization of potential partners. Resumen Las colaboraciones son especialmente importantes para el desarrollo y el despliegue tecnológico. Se analiza la influencia de la proximidad organizacional, tecnológica y geográfica en colaboraciones europeas en nanotecnología, con la ayuda de un conjunto de datos publicados e información geográfica adicional. Si bien la proximidad organizacional influye en el resultado de las colaboraciones solo de manera indirecta, las proximidades geográfica y tecnológica influyen directamente. La proximidad geográfica es la más significativa en términos estadísticos y la proximidad tecnológica tiene la magnitud del efecto más elevada. Consecuentemente, esta última se presta más a las intervenciones de gestión y de políticas, por ejemplo, facilitando información sobre la especialización tecnológica de socios potenciales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the contribution of information and communications technology (ICT), to international productivity performance. It first uses an international industry data set and a growth accounting framework, to show that ICT has typically had a lower impact on productivity in Europe than in the US, although there is considerable variation within Europe. The paper also analyses the European situation in greater depth by examining micro-economic data from Germany, Italy and the UK. While direct comparisons between the national findings are difficult, the results suggest that the UK experience with ICT has been closer to the US than other European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes factors that influence firms' choice of the organizational forms of strategic alliances. I consider arguments suggested by both the contractual and the competence perspectives. In order to distinguish empirically between them, I devote special attention to the role played by the similarity of partner firms' technological specialization. In the empirical section I consider a sample composed of 271 equity joint ventures, non-equity bilateral and unilateral agreements established between each other in the period 1983-86 by 67 North American, European, and Japanese enterprises from the world's largest firms in information technology industries. I examine the effects on the choicer of alliance form of a measure of firms' technological proximity based on patents count, while controlling for other variables that are usually considered in the empirical literature. The estimate of binomial and multinomial logit models support the competence-based argument that in technological alliances divergence in partners' technological specialization results in a higher propensity to use equity forms. Overall, the findings suggest that both the contractual and competence perspectives provide valuable complementary insights into the determinants of alliance form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper gives a comprehensive overview of the European ESPRIT Condor project. The project aims at bridging the gap between current information systems and future ones, and provides a migration path from document-based, to model-based approaches to information representation and structuring. After a brief overview of the project's aims and objectives, the paper gives the state of the art of electronic document management (EDM) systems in the construction industry, followed by a description of the three legacy EDM systems used within the Condor project. A strategy towards the integration of these systems is then given. The paper presents the overall Condor system architecture and discusses how distributed object technology (through the use of the architecture) can be used as a powerful instalment to potentially facilitate the re-engineering of business processes within the construction industry. The project is ongoing and supported by a user interest group, which involves representatives From a variety of non-construction industry companies all over Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The positive effect of information and communication technologies (ICT) on trade between countries has been widely studied in the literature, but how ICT impacts regional trade is limited due to the lack of regional trade data. In this paper, we test whether broadband, as a proxy for ICT, increases bilateral trade at the regional level in Europe. We use a novel regional trade database of European Union regions and estimate an origin–destination flow gravity model for 2007 and 2010, accounting for spatial dependence among trade flows. Our results indicate that broadband is positive and significant in explaining trade patterns between European regions during both time periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How firms build new capabilities to adapt to changing environments is at the core of strategic management. However, research has addressed this question only recently. In this paper, I propose a model that describes how firms develop a capability to create and develop ventures through corporate venture capital, alliances, and acquisitions. The model is based on two longitudinal case studies of large corporations operating in the information and communication technology sector in Europe. At the core of this model are learning processes that enable the firm to build up an external corporate venturing capability, by utilizing learning strategies both within and outside venturing relationships. To build this new capability, firms engage in acquisitive learning. Critical to deepening the capability acquired is adaptation of all knowledge to the firm specific context through experiential learning mechanisms. I also discuss the important role that initial conditions and knowledge management practices play in determining the direction and effectiveness of specific learning processes that lead to an external corporate venturing capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The information technology sector in Europe, comprising the production of computer hardware and software, is disproportionately located on the continent's western periphery. The vast bulk of computers sold in Europe in the 1990s were assembled either in Ireland or Scotland, while Ireland also accounted for over 40 per cent of all packaged software and 60 per cent of all business software sold in Europe. As the sector in both these locations is largely foreign owned, the question arises as to whether EU enlargement might impact on the geography of the sector by diverting information technology FDI from the western to the new eastern periphery. This issue is explored in the present paper by analysis of five individual sub-segments: computer assembly and electronic components, R&D, mass-market packaged software and the remainder of the software sector. The paper deems it likely that computer assembly operations will continue the shift seen in recent years from Ireland and Scotland to Central and Eastern Europe. The production of electronic components such as microchips represents a growing share of activity in most EU locations as well as in the CEE countries. Analysis suggests that this pattern of geographically-dispersed growth will resume once the consequences of the collapse of the high-tech bubble are played out. The distribution of R&D activity across Europe and globally is also considered unlikely to be much affected by enlargement. As for software, as long as localisation activities remain important, Ireland – the EU location in which most of this activity is carried out – seems set to be able to compete strongly, given the attractiveness of its English-language environment and other attributes to the young continental Europeans upon which this activity relies. Most software services remain largely non-tradable however. This sector will grow in the accession states as computer penetration rates converge on the EU average, but without displacing activity from the incumbent EU member states. For firms already competing in the tradable niche software segment, on the other hand, enlargement cannot but be beneficial because of its impact on the size of the market into which they sell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To provide evidence-based and peer-reviewed recommendations for the development of dental continuing professional development ( CPD) learning e-modules. Methods The present recommendations are consensus recommendations of the Dent CPD project team and were informed by a literature research, consultations from e-learning and IT expert, discussions amongst the participants attending a special interest group during the 2012 ADEE meeting, and feedback from the evaluation procedures of the exemplar e-module (as described in a companion paper within this Supplement). The main focus of these recommendations is on the courses and modules organised and offered by dental schools. Results and discussion E-modules for dental CPD, as well as for other health professionals' continuing education, have been implemented and evaluated for a number of years. Research shows that the development of e-modules is a team process, undertaken by academics, subject experts, pedagogists, IT and web designers, learning technologists and librarians. The e-module must have clear learning objectives (outcomes), addressing the learners' individual needs, and must be visually attractive, relevant, interactive, promoting critical thinking and providing feedback. The text, graphics and animations must support the objectives and enable the learning process by creating an attractive, easy to navigate and interactive electronic environment. Technology is usually a concern for learners and tutors; therefore, it must be kept simple and interoperable within different systems and software. The pedagogical and technological proficiency of educators is of paramount importance, yet remains a challenge in many instances. Conclusions The development of e-courses and modules for dental CPD is an endeavour undertaken by a group of professionals. It must be underpinned by sound pedagogical and e-learning principles and must incorporate elements for effective visual learning and visual design and a simple, consistent technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formal ties that bind collaborating organisations are often assumed to be reinforced by the relationships of individual employees, and these by trust. So, too, are the personal networks by which employees acquire much of the information required for the organisation's innovation. It is easy to assume that personal networks should support collaborative arrangements. It is also tempting for managers to ensure that they do by bringing them under organisational control. This paper investigates collaboration in Esprit, the European Commission's programme for research in information technology. It finds personal networks, and considers the implications for innovation of attempts to render these networks compatible with collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper proposes that the E-revolution constitutes a special case of disruptive innovation for organizations, demanding new responses by leaders, managers and change agents in successfully charting a course of change. • The greatest challenges in embedding E-technologies are not necessarily strategic or technical. They relate to people, structure and culture -- that is, to the critical issues of implementation and business innovation. • A typology of different kinds of E-change strategies is developed, showing how different organizational forms and change processes will be necessary in different strategic contexts. • The approach used successfully by one organization may be completely inappropriate for another. A change-mapping schema is then introduced to illustrate how these E-strategies and associated change processes may alter over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how the national background affects the use of e-HRM, using data from 13 European countries. Findings suggest that the adoption of e-HRM is region-specific and affected by multiple factors. They also support the existence of two distinct sets of HRM technological systems, that is, back-end and front-end ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the information society, information and communication technology (ICT) is potentially an important policy tool. Especially at local levels, scholars stress the essentiality of active intervention and use of ICT tools. However, since these technologies are still new, little experience exists relative to urban ICT initiatives. This paper therefore aims to examine the way urban front-liners (both elected politicians and administrative professionals) perceive the opportunities of urban ICT policy. Using a European survey, the authors researched views and beliefs about different aspects of urban ICT policies. Following that, they tested whether there is a relationship between the activity field of the respondents and their views on ICT policies. Significant differences among urban planners and economists were established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the impact of information and communication technologies in the economic growth in Europe. Reduction of digital information and communication processing cost; Evaluation of the technologically driven digital convergence between communication and computer technology; Growth in the international electronic networking.

This article investigates euro changeover-related inflation using disaggregated price-level data. The differences-in-differences approach is used, and the control group for the treatment country, Estonia, is built from 12 eurozone countries. The Nielsen Company disaggregated price data are employed at product, brand and shop-type levels. The results indicate that while the overall inflationary effect of euro adoption was modest, the effects were significantly different across various market segments. Changeover-related inflation was higher for products that were relatively cheaper than the eurozone average. Inflationary effects were stronger in smaller shops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents elements of a future vision of learning in the knowledge-based society which is enabled by ICT. It is not only based on extrapolations from trends and drivers that are shaping learning in Europe but also consists of a holistic attempt to envisage and anticipate future learning needs and requirements in the KBS. The ‘learning spaces’ vision puts learners at the centre of learning, but, at the same time, conceives learning as a social process. The potential of ICT-enabled learning spaces can only be realised, however, if it is embedded in a social and institutional context that is open to innovation and supported by a favourable policy environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the implementation and development of Information and Communication Technologies in the education sector in Europe. Implementation of public-private partnership for the delivery of electronic learning; Impact of computers on the learning process; Analysis of the recourse to the private sector to support infrastructure projects.

Tourism has become a major source of employment, revenue, international awareness and opportunity in European cities. As competition among European cities grows, the efficiency of management in city tourism organisations (CTOs) becomes increasingly important. This article reports on a longitudinal study of 50 European CTOs over the 4-year period from 1995 to 1999. The aim of the study is to examine the changes in functions provided by European CTOs during the given period of time. Findings reveal that five identifiable function categories can characterise the changes that happened during the given period of time: hotel booking service, commerce, conventional information dissemination, advanced information product and relationship management. It is argued that information technology and role change are the main driving forces of these changes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a survey about the information professionals identification on the American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) benefits and services valuable to its European members. Survey shows that the professionals found many of the benefits are encouraging them to become members. It is recommended that the Society should conduct annual meeting in Europe, provide mentoring opportunities and include more coverage of European issues in publications. A list of regional professional associations that may partner the Society in the future are also developed to provide and strengthen these benefits.

Reports on the themes and issues of priority research that should be taken into consideration by the World Health Organization in Europe. Relationship between overall policy goals and organizational behavior; Organization of community participation and intersectoral collaboration; Consumer's view of health care needs through better information systems. INSET: How the Regional Targets Fit Together.