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Business innovation strategies
No full textEn l’entorn empresarial accelerat d’avui, la innovació és reconeguda com a essencial per mantenir un avantatge competitiu, però moltes organitzacions s'enfronten a grans reptes per incorporar-la als seus marcs estratègics. Aquest estudi explora els aspectes crítics de les ‘Estratègies d’Innovació Empresarial’ examinant tant les bases teòriques com els obstacles pràctics amb què es troben les grans organitzacions. Mitjançant una anàlisi qualitativa, entrevistes en profunditat i estudis de casos reals sobre la implementació de tecnologies disruptives com la Intel·ligència Artificial Generativa, els resultats revelen que, tot i que les empreses afirmen prioritzar la innovació, les seves aproximacions sovint es limiten a esforços tàctics a curt termini en lloc d’iniciatives estratègiques coherents a llarg termini. L’absència d’una definició universalment acceptada d’innovació desencadena una reacció en cadena, afectant tot, des de l’estructura organitzativa fins a la posició estratègica dels departaments d’innovació. Sense una comprensió clara i compartida, la innovació sovint és vista com un afegit centrat en la tecnologia, més que com un component integral de l’estratègia empresarial. Aquest estudi mostra que la mentalitat innovadora ha de formar part de l’estratègia de l’empresa i que, per augmentar-ne el valor, la innovació necessita la seva pròpia estratègia dedicada, guiada per una metodologia estructurada que s’alineï amb les etapes tradicionals de l’estratègia empresarial i estigui profundament integrada en tot el teixit organitzatiu. En una anàlisi exhaustiva de quatre etapes, aquesta recerca explora les dimensions de la innovació, les metodologies per estructurar els esforços innovadors, la transformació cultural i com les grans empreses adapten les seves estratègies per incorporar tecnologies disruptives. Les troballes clau subratllen la necessitat d’estratègies coherents i adaptades, recolzades per la col·laboració transversal i un fort alineament en el lideratge. L’estudi examina també els factors externs i interns que influeixen en les decisions estratègiques, destacant la importància d’un enfocament adaptable i metòdic de la innovació que s’integri de manera fluida amb els objectius empresarials centrals. En escurçar la distància entre teoria i pràctica, aquesta recerca contribueix amb un marc per al desenvolupament competitiu sostenible, oferint coneixements pràctics per a les empreses que busquen construir i mantenir ecosistemes d’innovació sòlids.In today’s fast-paced business environment, innovation is recognized as essential for sustaining competitive advantage, yet many organizations face significant challenges in embedding it into their strategic frameworks. This study explores the critical aspects of ‘Business Innovation Strategies’ by examining both the theoretical foundations and practical obstacles encountered by large organizations. Through qualitative analysis, in-depth interviews, and real-life case studies on the implementation of disruptive technologies like Generative AI, findings reveal that while companies claim to prioritize innovation, their approaches often default to tactical, short-term efforts rather than coherent, long-term strategic initiatives. The absence of a universally accepted definition of innovation sets off a chain reaction, affecting everything from organizational structure to the strategic positioning of innovation departments. Without a clear, shared understanding, innovation is often viewed as a technology-focused add-on rather than an integral component of business strategy. This study shows that the innovative mindset must be part of the business strategy and, to increase its value, innovation requires its own dedicated strategy, guided by a structured methodology that aligns with the traditional stages of business strategy and is deeply integrated into the entire organizational fabric. In a comprehensive four-stage analysis, this research delves into the dimensions of innovation, methodologies for structuring innovation efforts, cultural transformation, and how large companies adapt their strategies to incorporate disruptive technologies. Key findings underscore the need for tailored, coherent strategies supported by cross-functional collaboration and strong leadership alignment. The study further examines external and internal factors that shape strategic decisions, emphasizing the importance of an adaptable, methodical approach to innovation that integrates seamlessly with core business objectives. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this research contributes a framework for sustainable competitive development, offering actionable insights for companies aiming to build and sustain robust innovation ecosystems.Programa de Doctorat en Tecnologies de la Informació i les Comunicacion
Chromatin loops are an ancestral hallmark of the animal regulatory genome
No full textIn bilaterian animals, gene regulation is shaped by a combination of linear and spatial regulatory information. Regulatory elements along the genome are integrated into gene regulatory landscapes through chromatin compartmentalization1,2, insulation of neighbouring genomic regions3,4 and chromatin looping that brings together distal cis-regulatory sequences5. However, the evolution of these regulatory features is unknown because the three-dimensional genome architecture of most animal lineages remains unexplored6,7. To trace the evolutionary origins of animal genome regulation, here we characterized the physical organization of the genome in non-bilaterian animals (sponges, ctenophores, placozoans and cnidarians)8,9 and their closest unicellular relatives (ichthyosporeans, filastereans and choanoflagellates)10 by combining high-resolution chromosome conformation capture11,12 with epigenomic marks and gene expression data. Our comparative analysis showed that chromatin looping is a conserved feature of genome architecture in ctenophores, placozoans and cnidarians. These sequence-determined distal contacts involve both promoter-enhancer and promoter-promoter interactions. By contrast, chromatin loops are absent in the unicellular relatives of animals. Our findings indicate that spatial genome regulation emerged early in animal evolution. This evolutionary innovation introduced regulatory complexity, ultimately facilitating the diversification of animal developmental programmes and cell type repertoires.We thank I. Maeso and M. Irimia for critical comments on the manuscript. We thank A. Hino and S. Denbo for greatly helping us to re-sequence and annotate the Capsaspora genome de novo. We are very grateful to S. B. Johnson, S. Haddock, MBARI and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation for sending us H. californensis samples. Research in A.S-P.’s group was supported by the European Research Council (grant no. ERC-StG 851647) and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (grant no. PID2021-124757NB-I00). I.V.K. was supported by a Juan de la Cierva postdoctoral fellowship (grant no. FJC2020-043131-I) from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. X.G.-B. is supported by the European Union’s H2020 research and innovation programme under Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement no. 101031767. A.E. and C.N. are supported by FPI PhD fellowships from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. S.A.M. is supported by the EMBO postdoctoral fellowship grant no. ALTF 066-2022. H.S. acknowledges the financing support from MEXT/JSPS KAKENHI grant no. JP22K06343 and PUH Research Grant Programmes in 2015 and 2016. S.P.L. was supported by NSERC Discovery grant (no. 2016-15446). J.J.S.-A. and P.B. were supported by the Michael Sars Centre core budget from the University of Bergen. A.d.M. is supported by the European Research Council (grant no. ERC-StG 950230). M.A.M.-R. acknowledges support by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (grant no. PID2020-115696RB-I00)
The UN’s sustainable development goal 17 in Canada: foreign aid drivers, policies, and impact
No full textBachelor's degree in Global Studies. Curs 2024-2025Tutora: Mireia Trenchs PareraThis thesis examines Canada’s foreign aid policies and their role in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17), "Partnerships for the Goals." It provides a comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding foreign aid, exploring the history of the term, concept, history, evolution, measurement, and current trends. Despite the global consensus on aid's importance, as demonstrated by the UN's target of 0.7% of GNI for Official Development Assistance (ODA), Canada consistently falls short, contributing 0.38% of its GNI in 2023. The thesis traces the evolution of Canada's foreign aid approach, from the establishment of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to its transition within Global Affairs Canada (GAC). It evaluates the significant shift towards Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), untied aid, and focus on Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Moreover, it assesses the nation’s foreign aid drivers through political, geo-strategic, and philanthropic lenses. Furthermore, the thesis explores the future trajectory of Canada’s foreign aid policy, considering the impact of geopolitical shifts and the role of upcoming elections. Finally, practical recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of Canada’s foreign aid are presented, including restructuring GAC, improving accountability, increasing transparency, leveraging private sector engagement, adopting rigorous evaluation methods, prioritizing grants over loans, supporting small and medium organizations, and fostering innovation and global coordination. These strategies are aimed at maximizing the impact of Canada’s foreign aid and contributing more to SDG 17
Las Campañas de comunicación online contrra al abuso sexual infantil (ASI): análisis, caracterización, propuestas y mejoras
No full textThis research examines the communication strategies used in campaigns against Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), selecting as case studies the "#NoMeCallo" campaign by Save the Children and "Predestinados" by the Vicki Bernadet Foundation. Using a mixed-method approach, including a systematic review, content analysis, interviews, and focus groups, the study evaluates the campaigns' effectiveness through the Communicative Thresholds Model and specific analysis modules. The results indicate that while these campaigns increase awareness of CSA, their overall success depends on various factors, such as message clarity, audience interaction, and the ability to maintain engagement over time. The research highlights the importance of ethical, socially responsible digital communication. It also stresses the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation to ensure that future campaigns can maximize their impact. Ultimately, the study proposes improvements to enhance public engagement and contribute more effectively to the prevention and awareness of CSA.Esta investigación analiza las estrategias de comunicación empleadas en campañas contra el Abuso Sexual Infantil (ASI), tomando como caso de estudio las campañas "#NoMeCallo" de Save the Children y "Predestinados" de la Fundación Vicki Bernadet. Utilizando una metodología mixta que incluye revisión sistemática, análisis de contenido, entrevistas y grupos focales, se evalúa la eficacia comunicativa de las campañas mediante el Modelo de Umbrales Comunicativos y módulos específicos de análisis. Los resultados revelan que, aunque las campañas logran aumentar la visibilidad del ASI, su efectividad depende de la claridad del mensaje y la interacción del público. La investigación subraya la importancia de una comunicación digital ética y socialmente responsable, y propone mejoras para fomentar una mayor participación activa de la audiencia. Este estudio concluye que es necesario optimizar las estrategias comunicativas para mejorar la prevención y sensibilización en torno al ASI.Programa de Doctorat en Comunicaci
Pragmatic strategies in the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classroom: exploring speech act production in digitally mediated communication
No full textAquesta tesi investiga el desenvolupament de la competència pragmàtica d’estudiants de primer curs d’anglès com a llengua estrangera (EFL) en la comunicació mediada digitalment (DMC), amb un enfocament en la producció de peticions i rebuigs. S’analitzen els actes de parla en diferents graus de distància social, poder i imposició, així com en correus electrònics i missatges de WhatsApp en un context acadèmic. A més, l’estudi examina els efectes de l’exposició a la L2 i de l’actitud lingüística en el desenvolupament de la competència pragmàtica dels estudiants de L2. Les dades es van recollir mitjançant un qüestionari en línia amb l’administració d’una prova posterior al cap de cinc mesos. L’anàlisi va seguir un enfocament de mètodes mixtos. Els resultats van revelar que la producció d’actes de parla dels participants era significativament més apropiada en situacions de baixa imposició i de relacions simètriques pel que fa a la distància social i la igualtat de poder. A més, amb el temps, els estudiants van desenvolupar de manera significativa la seva competència pragmàtica. L’anàlisi estadística va confirmar que la participació en xarxes socials i videojocs, així com una actitud lingüística positiva, van contribuir de manera significativa a les millores pragmàtiques. En definitiva, aquest estudi posa en relleu la importància de fomentar la competència pragmàtica dels estudiants d’anglès com a llengua estrangera en contextos de comunicació digitalment mediada i ofereix informació valuosa per als agents educatius.Esta tesis investiga el desarrollo de la competencia pragmática de estudiantes de primer curso de inglés como lengua extranjera (EFL) en la comunicación mediada digitalmente (DMC), centrándose en la producción de peticiones y rechazos. Se analizan los actos de habla en distintos grados de distancia social, poder, imposición en correos electrónicos y mensajes de WhatsApp en un contexto académico. Además, el estudio examina los efectos de la exposición a la L2 y la actitud lingüística en el desarrollo de la competencia pragmática de los estudiantes de L2. Los datos se recogieron a través de un cuestionario en línea con la administración de una prueba posterior al cabo de cinco meses. El análisis siguió un enfoque de métodos mixtos. Los resultados revelaron que la producción de actos de habla de los participantes era significativamente más apropiada en las situaciones de baja imposición, distancia social simétrica e igualdad de poder. Además, con el tiempo, los alumnos desarrollaron significativamente su competencia pragmática. El análisis estadístico confirmó que la participación en redes sociales y videojuegos, junto con una actitud lingüística positiva, habían contribuido significativamente a las ganancias pragmáticas. En definitiva, este estudio pone de relieve la importancia de fomentar la competencia pragmática de los alumnos de inglés como lengua extranjera en el DMC y ofrece información valiosa para las partes interesadas en la educación.This dissertation investigates the development of pragmatic competence of first-year English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in digitally mediated communication (DMC), with a focus on the production of requests and refusals. It analyses speech acts across varying degrees of social distance, power, imposition and in emails and WhatsApp messages in an academic context. Additionally, the study examines the effects of L2 exposure and language attitude on the development of L2 learners’ pragmatic competence. Data were collected via an online questionnaire with the post-test administration after five months and analysed following a mixed-methods approach. Findings revealed that the participants’ production of speech acts was significantly more appropriate in situations of low imposition, symmetrical social distance and equal power. Furthermore, the learners, over time, significantly developed their L2 pragmatic competence, and such development was influenced by engagement with social networks and video games, along with positive language attitudes. All in all, this study highlights the importance of fostering EFL pragmatic competence in DMC and offers valuable insights for educational stakeholders.Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Doctorat en Traducció i Ciències del Llenguatg
Invisible signals: detecting potential selection bias in AI-based resume screening
No full textTreball fi de màster de: Master in Intelligent Interactive SystemsSupervisor: Carlos CastilloAutomated resume screening tools are now widely used in hiring processes, offering the promise of efficiency and fairness by reducing human bias. Yet recent studies have shown that these systems can still behave unfairly by picking up on subtle linguistic clues that reveal sensitive personal information. This thesis explores whether transformer-based models can infer protected attributes (gender, perceived origin,
religion, or sexual orientation) from resume text, even when this information isn’t stated directly. To investigate this, the study analyzes a real-world dataset of over 900 resumes. Each document was cleaned and its words categorized into semantic groups, such as occupation-related words, location-related, skill-related, and proper nouns. The main method used is a series of lexical ablation experiments: for each demographic attribute, twelve experiments were run by including or excluding different word categories. These were combined with a lexical shift analysis using Shifterator to identify which specific words most influenced the model’s predictions. The results show that models can reliably infer gender and perceived origin. Occupation related terms were mainly predictive of gender, while geographic references were
almost direct cues in identifying perceived origin. However, attempts to predict religion and sexual orientation failed, likely due to limited language cues or imbalanced data. Interestingly, even individual words like gendered job titles (e.g., “waitress”) or places names were enough to act as unintended signals. These findings raise important concerns about fairness in algorithmic hiring. The fact that AI models can detect protected attributes even in anonymized resumes suggests that bias may persist through indirect linguistic patterns. This highlights the need for stronger audits, more transparent systems, and proactive strategies to reduce bias, such as masking certain word types or using debiasing techniques during training. It also calls for caution when relying on AI-driven tools in hiring. Overall, this thesis adds to the field of algorithmic fairness by presenting a practical framework to identify and understand hidden bias in resume screening. It shows that removing obvious identifiers is not enough; fairness also depends on understanding how language itself can reveal sensitive information
The absorption dilemma: an analysis of the national determinants affecting the absorption capacity of EU funds
No full textThe paper investigates the domestic determinants influencing the absorption capacity of European Union (EU) Cohesion Policy funds among Member States (MS). The multilevel governance at which it operates together with the redistributive character aiming at socioeconomic cohesion, give to Cohesion Policy a pivotal role in European integration. Despite its significance, the efficiency of fund absorption differs by MS, posing a serious obstacle to intergovernmental negotiations in the field. Using data from the 2007-13 and 2014-20 programming periods, this study investigates the effect of governance quality, decentralisation, and the share of Cohesion funds in national public investment on the absorption capacity. Based on Europeanization, multilevel governance, and agency theories, the study takes a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative elite interviews with quantitative multivariate regression analysis. By integrating academic and practical perspectives, the paper identifies the key variables influencing the effective utilization of EU Cohesion funds, providing valuable insights for policy implementation and regional development
Regularization, sparse recovery, and median-of-means tournaments
No full textWe introduce a regularized risk minimization procedure for regression function estimation. The procedure is based on median-of-means tournaments, introduced by the authors in Lugosi and Mendelson (2018) and achieves near optimal accuracy and confidence under general conditions, including heavy-tailed predictor and response variables. It outperforms standard regularized empirical risk minimization procedures such as LASSO or SLOPE in heavy-tailed problems.Gábor Lugosi was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Grant MTM2015-67304-P and FEDER, EU; "High-dimensional problems in structured probabilistic models" -- Ayudas Fundacion BBVA a Equipos de Investigación Científica 2017; and Google Focused Award "Algorithms and Learning for AI". Shahar Mendelson was supported in part by the Israel Science Foundation
COVID-19 pandemic impact on sickness absences among healthcare workers: A cohort study in a spanish hospital (2018-2023)
No full textBackground: Like other European systems, the Spanish national health system (NHS) is reaching a critical point. This article analyses sickness absence (SA) trends, as a direct indicator of this crisis, among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Spain, comparing the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. Methods: This study was based on a retrospective cohort of HCWs (n=7.918) hired at Hospital del Mar in Barcelona for at least three months during 2018-2023. The primary outcome was incident SA episodes. Incidence rates (IR) per 1,000 persons-day and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated by sex, period, and occupational variables. Longitudinal entropy regression models were estimated to identify the factors influencing the frequency of transitions between the different HCWs' employment states (active or on SA). Results: Increasing trends in IR (95%CI) were observed, rising from 1.77 (1.71; 1.83) episodes of SA per 1,000 workers-day during the pre-pandemic period to 5.04 (4.93; 5.15) during the post-pandemic among women, and from 1.23 (1.14; 1.31) to 3.79 (3.64; 3.95), respectively, among men. Nurses, nurse aides, orderlies/technicians, workers under 30, and those in intensive care units and emergency rooms showed the highest IR during and after the pandemic, with longitudinal entropy analysis revealing increased state changes, primarily affecting these groups. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a significant rise in SA incidence among HCWs during and after the pandemic and identifies vulnerable groups with higher incidence. Several hypotheses, such as poor working conditions, burnout, and patient complexity, have been suggested to explain these results. Urgent interventions are needed to safeguard HCWs' health, thus maintaining the sustainability and safety of the NHS