Karin Grasenick, Gabriel Wagner and Kristina Zumbusch
Especially at the regional level co‐operation is seen as a prerequisite for innovation and competitiveness. Hence, political interest in fostering knowledge intensive networks is…
Abstract
Purpose
Especially at the regional level co‐operation is seen as a prerequisite for innovation and competitiveness. Hence, political interest in fostering knowledge intensive networks is high. New forms of governance and additional strategic intelligence for decision makers are requested. Thus potential of the social network analysis (SNA) is discussed as methodology providing the information needed for strategic management of innovation networks. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact as a regional governance tool.
Design/methodology/approach
First, benefits and risks of innovation networks are discussed based on literature review. Second, the potentials of the SNA for their systematic monitoring are examined. Herewith specific attention was paid to the manageability and reduction of complexity to demonstrate SNA applicability for network governance. Analysis was based on automated data retrieval of electronic documents available, e.g. at governmental institutions, research databases, and the internet. Results are exemplified by studying knowledge intensive networks in Styria.
Findings
The applied set of IT based tools and visualisation of regional co‐operations based on SNA provides a comprehensive view of the interdependencies and the embeddedness of different institutions as well as actors of the region. Based on this visualisation conclusions are drawn concerning network management by analysing specific attributes of interest, concerning partners, cooperative behaviour, balance of power, openness and embeddedness of the network.
Originality/value
Network benefits success may not be achieved automatically. Strategic management is crucial for success. The paper demonstrates how social network analysis may be applied on automatic retrieved data on involved organisations and key players to strengthening the strategic intelligence of (regional) decision makers and help them meet the governance challenges of the network economy.
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Karin Grasenick and Jonathan Low
The necessity and importance of measuring intangibles has become increasingly accepted in the business, financial and academic communities as a means for a better understanding of…
Abstract
The necessity and importance of measuring intangibles has become increasingly accepted in the business, financial and academic communities as a means for a better understanding of the value creation processes in private, public and not‐for‐profit enterprises. Intangible indicators are seen as idiosyncratic, unique to each enterprise and not standardised. Interpretation, dissemination and further research suffer from the lack of definition and measurement standards. This paper examines guidelines and suggestions for measurement instruments and discusses their limits. A framework for classifying intangibles and indicators through the utilisation of evaluation experience is derived in order to support the movement towards global agreement on terms, definitions, standards and measures. Further research is discussed concerning quality standards for measurement systems.
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This introductory editorial to the special issue “IC at the crossroads: theory and research” explains the rationale and background to the studies. In addition it outlines reasons…
Abstract
This introductory editorial to the special issue “IC at the crossroads: theory and research” explains the rationale and background to the studies. In addition it outlines reasons why the field of intellectual (IC) capital is at the crossroads. It seems that awareness of the importance of IC has been created. It is now the role of researchers as well as practitioners to move to the next level. This next level involves issues around taxonomies as well as research methodologies. In order to move on, precise definitions of concepts such as IC, better justifications of why organizations need to measure and manage IC, and increased clarity about terms such as measurement, assessment, or valuation are needed. In addition, more rigorous research methods are needed in order to test and validate existing theories in the field.
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Presents a number of papers from the Performance Measurement Association conference held in July 2002. Reveals that all the papers investigate developments in the field of…
Abstract
Presents a number of papers from the Performance Measurement Association conference held in July 2002. Reveals that all the papers investigate developments in the field of performance measurement and management since the Kaplan and Norton Balanced Scorecard was first introduced.