Description
Book SynopsisResearch suggests that innovation and technological change are crucial for the economic recovery of the former centrally planned countries in Central and Eastern Europe. This book analyses the development of innovation systems and technology policy in this region from various perspectives, demonstrating not only its importance but also its complexity.
Included in the book are discussions on:
- the process of transforming the innovation systems in Central and Eastern Europe
- a comparison of R&D between 'East' and 'West'
- gradualism versus 'Big Bang' as the preferable strategy for reform
- innovation at the firm level
- productivity and competitiveness
- the ability to identify and exploit external knowledge in adopting up-to-date technology
The authors conclude that rebuilding innovation systems in Central and Eastern Europe will require considerable time, and that there is no 'best practice' or ideal strategy which can be clearly recommended.
This book will be warmly welcomed by scholars working in the fields of transition studies, innovation and technology, as well as policy makers involved in designing technology policy in transition economies.
Table of ContentsContents: 1. Innovation and Transformation in Post-Socialist Eastern Europe 2. Innovation Systems in Transition 3. Divergence or Convergence in Research and Development and Innovation Between ‘East’ and ‘West’? 4. The Big Bang as a Motivating Device 5. Innovation as a Means of Market Entry and Survival for Firms from Former Socialist Countries 6. Innovation and Transformation 7. The Inherited and Emerging Absorptive Capacities of Firms – Results of a Business Survey in the Estonian Electronics Industry 8. Export Reorientation and Transfer of Know-How and Technology – The Case of Hungarian Manufactured Exports 9. Human Capital and Innovation in Eastern and Western Germany 10. Innovation in Manufacturing Industry – An East West Comparison Index
