From a var model to a structural model,with an application to the wage–price spiral

In this paper a VAR model is considered as a general framework in which a structural model can be tested. We carefully describe the hypotheses defining a structural model; this leads us to discuss various notions such as: predeterminedness, non-causality, exogeneity, contemporaneous identification, overall identification, weak and strong structural forms. Then we propose a test procedure, based on the asymptotic least-squares method, which allows successive testing of each aspect of a structural model. This procedure is applied to the wage–price spiral.     

Dating the productivity slowdown with a structural time-series model

This paper challenges the widely accepted view that the productivity slowdown began after 1973. Instead, the empirical evidence shows that the growth rate of trend productivity began to drop rapidly in the mid-1960s, and that it had fallen by more than one-third by 1970. The slowdown ended in 1980, well before the advent of the information technology revolution, and is best seen as a sequential process unfolding in historical time, not one caused by an isolated event such as the oil price shock. These findings are at variance with propositions thought self-evident by many economists. This is important, since dating a phenomenon should be the first step in accounting for its causes.     

Improvisation for innovation: The contingent role of resource and structural factors in explaining innovation capability

This paper focuses on resource and structural factors to explore the relationship between organizational improvisation and innovation capability. Although the role of improvisation has attracted increasing academic attention in fast-changing environments, little is known about the conditions under which firms benefit from improvisation. This paper addresses this gap using an organizational learning perspective that explains the role of a firm's organizational structure and organizational resources for improvisation and innovation. A large-scale survey in China finds that firms vary in their levels of (I) centralization and formalization of decision making and (II) resource slack and investment irreversibility and that these factors moderate the relationship between improvisation and innovation capability in distinct ways. Consistent with our theorizing, improvisation enhances innovation capability when firms have a decentralized but formalized structure or pursue the dual goals of maximizing resource slack and minimizing investment irreversibility.     

强化财务预算管理与信息沟通的探讨

加强企业财务预算管理，是财政部和国资委的要求，目前，多数国有企业虽然加强了财务预算管理，但在信息沟通方面还存在较大的差距。因此，文中从加强企业财务预算内、外部沟通两个方面进行了详细论述，最后得出结论：国有企业要高度重视信息沟通和内、外部协调，把握市场信息，捕捉千变万化的有利时机，提高市场竞争力，从确保预算目标完成，为实现企业的长期战略目标走好每一步。     

An agent-based model of innovation diffusion: network structure and coexistence under different information regimes

The paper analyzes how the structure of social networks affects innovation diffusion and competition under different information regimes. Diffusion is modeled as the result of idiosyncratic adoption thresholds, local network effects and information diffusion (broadcasting and demonstration effect from previous adopters). A high social cohesion decreases the probability of one innovation cornering the market. Nonetheless, with imperfect information, in small-world networks the higher speed of diffusion produced by the low average distance increases this probability. A low social cohesion also increases the probability of falling into traps of under-adoption. However, such probability is significantly lower with imperfect information, because such regime is characterized by higher levels of market concentrations and this reduces the frictions due to the coexistence of non-compatible product innovations.     

Proposition of a structural model for business value creation based on circular business models,innovation, and resource recovery in the pet industry

Based on the assumptions of circular economy, resource recovery, and innovation, the aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between innovation constructs, resource recovery practices, Circular Economy Business Models (CEBMs), and value creation in a fast-growing emerging economy. A set of empirical data from 443 companies in the pet industry were used. In terms of methodology, the study was processed using the SPSS software, using Structural Equation Modeling, with manipulation of primary data. CEBMs demand greater engagement, internalization of initiatives, and synergy with the operating ecosystem of the pet industry. Innovation is present but has the potential for expansion through adherence to the innovation ecosystem and its technological package, partnerships, and relationships so that companies can scale up and create value with the support of resource recovery practices. The results of this study can be useful for companies in the pet industry, as it allows the identification of areas and practices that require their attention to improve organizational performance and create value for the business based on initiatives supported by the assumptions of circular economy and sustainability.     

Risk preventative innovation strategies for emerging technologies the cases of nano-textiles and smart textiles

Emerging technologies can result in unintended side effects that are detrimental on safeguard subjects, namely environment, health & safety and sustainability (EHS/S). Adverse impacts of technologies can result in enterprise risks for companies that develop their business strategies around technological innovation. The EHS/S risks should therefore be mitigated prior to the market proliferation of new technologies. Risk preventative innovation strategies enhance the competitiveness of those companies that create safe and socially acceptable products.     

Local structural quantile effects in a model with a nonseparable control variable

I consider a semiparametric version of the nonseparable triangular model of Chesher [Chesher, A., 2003. Identification in nonseparable models. Econometrica 71, 1405–1441]. The proposed model is linear in coefficients, where the coefficients are unknown functions of unobserved latent variables. Using a control variable idea and quantile regression methods, I propose a simple two-step estimator for the coefficients evaluated at particular values of the latent variables. Under the condition that the instruments are locally relevant (i.e. they affect a particular conditional quantile of interest of the endogenous variable) I establish consistency and asymptotic normality. Simulation experiments confirm the theoretical results.     

Accounting for heterogeneous technologies in the banking industry: a time-varying stochastic frontier model with threshold effects

This paper investigates the existence of heterogeneous technologies in the US commercial banking industry through the nondynamic panel threshold effects estimation technique proposed by Hansen (Econometrica 64:413–430, 1999, Econometrica 68:575–603, 2000a). We employ the total assets as a threshold variable, which is typically considered as a proxy for bank’s size in the banking literature. We modify the threshold effects model to allow for time-varying effects, wherein these are modeled by a time polynomial of degree two as in Cornwell et al. (J Econom 46:185–200, 1990) model. Threshold effects estimation allows us to sort banks into discrete groups based on their size in a structural and consistent manner. We determine seven such distinct technology-groups within which banks are allowed to share the same technology parameters. We provide estimates of individual and group efficiency scores, as well as of those of returns to scale and measures of technological change for each group. The presence of the threshold(s) is tested via bootstrap procedure outlined in Hansen (Econometrica 64:413–430, 1999) and the relationship between bank size and efficiency ratios is investigated.     

Mediating and catalysing innovation: A framework for anticipating the standardisation needs of emerging technologies

The development of technology strategies are often supported by strategic frameworks. Although standards can be critical in fostering technological innovation, particularly by supporting knowledge diffusion, their importance is often neglected by commonly used strategic frameworks. This paper presents a framework which uses the knowledge that needs to transition between key anticipated innovation activities to anticipate potential standardisation needs for emerging technologies. The framework draws attention to strategic considerations and dimensions that might otherwise be overlooked, including different types of standards; standardisation stakeholders; the alignment, coordination, and sequencing of standards; and how these all change over time. A technology roadmapping based framework was used because it explicitly characterises the alignment, coordination, and sequencing of innovation activities (over time) and can be configured to draw out information against the other above strategic considerations and dimensions. The principles and utility of the framework are demonstrated in three contrasting case studies: synthetic biology, additive manufacturing, and smart grid. These show how standards mediate between innovation actors by codifying and diffusing knowledge and can enhance and catalyse innovation. The proposed framework can be used to reveal where standards might be used to support innovation, better characterise the types of standards needed, identify the stakeholders needed to develop them, and highlight any potential alignment, coordination, and sequencing issues related to standardisation activities.     

A proposal for a product innovation method through fusion strategy in the intelligent computer aided management (ICAM) age

A product innovation method on the basis of the seeds and needs fusion strategy is proposed. The proposed method is costructed of the present status analyzing module, the seeds and needs forecasting module, seeds and needs fusion module and the determination of selling point module. Some cases are presented.     

A two-region model with two types of manufacturing technologies and agglomeration

A two-region model is proposed in this paper. Manufactured goods can be produced with cottage technology under constant returns to scale or with modern technology using differentiated intermediate goods, which are produced with increasing returns to scale technology. In the model, there may be multiple equilibria, and, in such cases, the initial conditions determine the equilibrium that the economy reaches. It is shown that strong increasing returns due to specialization and low transportation costs bring about industrialization with agglomeration. This framework explains the mechanism behind the different industrialization process in Japan and in less developed countries.     

Dynamics and equilibrium in a structural model of wide‐body commercial aircraft markets

This paper develops and estimates a dynamic equilibrium model of the market for new and used commercial aircraft. The model is estimated by maximum simulated likelihood using data on wide‐body aircraft owners and prices for transactions occurring 1978‐1997. The importance of explicitly modeling dynamics and equilibrium in new and used markets for durable goods is illustrated in two counterfactual experiments. Estimates of the structural model are used to show that implementing an investment tax credit not only increases demand for new wide‐body aircraft by the airlines that receive the tax credit, but also increases the number of new wide‐body aircraft owned by airlines not directly affected by the policy. Further, the model indicates that a policy which improves the efficiency of secondary markets for used wide‐body aircraft will also stimulate demand for new wide‐body aircraft. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Examining the relations between open innovation climate and job satisfaction with a PLS path model

The paper studies the relations between open innovation climate and job satisfaction, in particular the causal effects of the various dimensions of open innovation climate on different facets of job satisfaction. We assume firms which pursuing open innovation climate will result in higher level of employee job satisfaction. Both open innovation climate and job satisfaction are assumed to be multidimensional constructs (second-order model). Meanwhile the difference caused by employees’ organizational level was also investigated. A partial least squares path model was developed, in which significant effects were discovered. This study provides valuable materials for hoteliers who want to promote open innovation climate in their organizations.     

Absorptive capacity, its determinants, and influence on innovation output: Cross-cultural validation of the structural model

The main purpose of this study is to provide stronger quantitative evidence in the field of organizational absorptive capacity research by using a more direct measure of absorptive capacity and a wide range of variables in a cross-nationally tested structural model. The results show that there exist two kinds of absorptive capacity: demand-pull and science-push. Their most important determinants proved to be internal R&D, training of personnel, innovation co-operation and attitude toward change. Both kinds of absorptive capacity are positively related to product and process innovation output. Therefore, absorptive capacity is to be given more attention in the future research and innovation policy considerations.     

加强科技情报研究 推动企业技术创新

文章阐述了科技情报研究提升技术创新能力的作用,对理顺情报研究体制的思路和创建情报研究的激励机制进行研究,提出了在科技情报研究机构与企业之间建立情报产品价值的评价体系和议价模式。     

How to measure polyarchy with Freedom House: a proposal for revision

In studies on democracy and democratization, the Freedom House Index (FHI) is frequently used to measure the concept of polyarchy. This approach creates an often noticed discrepancy between the conceptual and measurement levels. The concept of polyarchy is regarded as a minimalist definition of democracy, which mainly refers to the procedural aspects of political systems, while FHI indicates a maximalist definition of democracy. This article presents a proposal to improve the conceptual validity when FHI is used to measure the concept of polyarchy. The proposal suggests that the FHI is adjusted in two aspects. First, some sub-categories within the FHI are excluded based on their lack of relevance for the concept of polyarchy. Second, the principle of aggregation is changed from simple arithmetic addition to multiplication, which corresponds to the idea that all democratic institutions, according to the concept of polyarchy, are necessary for the democratic system. These two suggestions create a revisited index that is based on the FHI. As illustrated with empirical analyses, the revisited index provides a quite different view of democratization at the global and state levels.     

The American for-profit university: a model for the information economy

Within the context of 'the engine of globalisation,' Sperling explores the rigidities and inefficiencies in 'traditional' American higher education institutions. He points to the ways in which the for-profit university can overcome these problems, while at the same time being a net contributor to the tax system. In particular, he suggests that it is the profit motive that makes the University of Phoenix responsive to its its customers, and technologically innovative.