Naslov
Knowledge Transfer, Institutions and Innovation in Croatia and Slovenia

Autori
Bartlett, Will ; Čučković, Nevenka

Izvornik
Društvena istraživanja (1330-0288) 15 (2006), 83; 371-399

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
knowledge transfer; innovation; networks; clusters; market failure

Sažetak
The paper investigates the institutional framework to support knowledge transfer in Slovenia and Croatia. In advanced market economies, competition between large oligopolistic firms can drive the process of knowledge transfer within the business community. In transition economies however, knowledge transfer is subject to several sources of market failure which provides a justification for more active government role. The success of these policies also depends upon the ability of academic institutions and the business sector to collaborate in technology networks, innovation clusters and the mobility of researchers between the two sectors. The paper first surveys the innovation capacity of the two countries and concludes that although the overall level of innovative activity is above that of the new EU member states (and for Slovenia equal to the EU average), it is highly skewed in both countries towards the public sector in research institutes and universities. This highlights the importance of knowledge transfer between academic community and the industrial sector. The paper goes on the review the knowledge transfer policies, institutional framework, and policy outcomes in the two countries. The paper concludes, firstly, that policies to support technology parks and business incubators have failed to generate much spin-off activity in either country. This suggests that market failures in knowledge transfer have a significant negative impact on the policy outcomes. This is line with the prediction by Arrow that the lack of appropriability of knowledge will lead to under-investment in knowledge transfer activities. Secondly, Slovenia has been relatively more successful in its policies to develop technology networks, innovation clusters than similar policies in Croatia. This suggests that the gradual development of social capital and trust between the actors within clusters and networks is an important factor in overcoming the market failures associated with knowledge transfer. In emulating these elements of the Slovenian science and technology policies, Croatian science and technology policy is moving in the right direction.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Ekonomija

POVEZANOST RADA