1,721,072 research outputs found
Do determinants of eco-innovations vary? An investigation of innovative SMEs through a quantile regression approach
No full textEcological innovations (EIs) are believed to play a crucial role both for the future competitiveness of companies
and environmental protection. Thus, many researchers have investigated the determinants stimulating the
adoption of EIs, but they usually consider determinants as a static concept. In this paper, these determinants are
hypothesized to vary with companies’ propensity to adopt them, that is, the degree to which companies consider
relevant the choice to invest in EIs.
In this view, the paper investigated a sample of 222 innovative SMEs following a multi-step procedure. By
means of a composite indicator, firstly the SMEs’ propensity to adopt EIs was calculated. Secondly, in order to
identify the determinants that stimulate SMEs to invest in eco-innovation, the procedure of Principal Component
Analysis based on the ScotLass algorithm was applied. Thirdly, the determinants individuated as the principal
components extracted were investigated through OLS and quantile regression.
The results suggest that among the SMEs with a higher propensity to invest in EIs, the more evident determinants
are the ambition to reach better economic performance, the capacity to establish networking, and the
endogenous competencies of SMEs. Also, the variable structural nature concerning the firm’s size shows a high
relevance
“Design is one”, un canone grafico del progetto di social design; 10 anni di ricerca-azione
Full text linkRagioneremo attorno alla nostra esperienza progettuale, consapevoli che esiste un aspetto comunicativo in ogni progetto e concordi che indagare e interrogare questa dimensione permetta di comprendere e definire “meglio le funzioni e scoprire altri tipi di funzionalità [...] altrettanto essenziali che la pura considerazione funzionalistica impediva di scorgere”. Nel nostro lavoro di ricerca-azione partecipativa, infatti, funzione e comunicazione, prestazione e messaggio interagiscono nel corso di tutto il ciclo di vita del progetto
Supporting entrepreneurship policy: An overview of Italian start-up competitions
No full textInnovative start-ups are currently considered to be an important channel for industrial change and for the renewal of economic systems. Among the initiatives that have been implemented to promote their diffusion, start-up competitions (SUCs) have received much recognition from policy-makers, followers and participants. Although the number of SUCs has grown, there are no comprehensive or systematic overviews of SUCs in the literature. Hence, this paper presents a cross-sectional exploratory analysis of Italian SUCs to provide an overview of their core characteristics. This in-depth study will support the diffusion of SUCs and will provide a foundation for the creation of a suitable ecosystem to improve the processes of business start-ups. The results show that the diffusion of SUCs is accompanied by deep structural changes, which can be interpreted as a consequence of the growing involvement of private organisations in promoting SUCs. Nevertheless, wide-ranging public intervention appears to be necessary to increase the effectiveness of SUCs
Start-up competitions as learning environment to foster the entrepreneurial process
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to shed light on the increasing start-up competitions (SUCs) phenomenon; second, to provide an interpretive framework to understand whether the SUCs have the potential to be effective entrepreneurial learning environment; third, to analyse the different roles of public and private actors in organizing SUCs. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents a cross-section analysis of the Italian SUCs population. In total, 77 competitions are analysed on the basis of different criteria which should properly mirror their distinguishing structural features, helping understand the potential of SUCs as learning environments. Findings: The recent increase in the number of SUCs has been mainly fuelled by private actors. Moreover, Italian SUCs show some features that make them rich learning environments. Private and public actors play different roles, as confirmed by statistical tests performed. Privately organized SUCs follow mainly a market-oriented approach, while publicly organized ones are more education oriented. Research limitations/implications: The findings cannot be easily generalized mainly due to the peculiarities of the Italian context. Practical implications: Soft forms of regulation should be defined to strengthen those features which could potentially support the entrepreneurial learning processes. In this view, SUCs should be part of a start-up friendly ecosystem where actors (startuppers, incubators, venture capitalists) are effectively coordinated with each other. Originality/value: Despite the remarkable diffusion of SUCs, there are significant gaps in literature about this phenomenon. Given the lack of a systematic and comprehensive analysis of SUCs as effective entrepreneurial learning environments, the paper represents an important starting point
CAN UNIVERSITIES SUPPORT THE ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION? PUTTING ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION INTO PRACTICE
No full textWithin the context of university's third mission, the impact of entrepreneurial education (EE) on human capital and entrepreneurial intention (EI) has been extensively studied. However, the literature reveals that some research gaps exist. In this view, the paper investigates whether and how EE provided by a university business plan competition (BPC) affects the development of a definite set of knowledge and skills responsible for the emergence of EI among academics.
A theoretical model has been proposed to analyse the relationships among EE, entrepreneurship-related human capital (ErHC) and EI. Moreover, the effect of perception of the external environment has been considered. The model is tested by a structural equation modelling with empirical data from a population of academics of seven universities located in an Italian region.
Results reveal that EE influences both ErHC and EI. Moreover, a virtuous reinforcing circle between EI and ErHC exists which encourages individuals to make an entrepreneurial choice. Finally, a positive evaluation of the BPC context enhances the learning process and EI. Hence, entrepreneurial universities confirm to play a relevant role in the local economic development, even though the first mission of teaching remains crucial
Business orientation towards eco-innovations for the pursuit of corporate social responsibility
No full text
La gestione della variabile psicologica e cognitiva dell’intervento formativo
No full textNell'ambito dell'economia della conoscenza vengono analizzati i modelli che mettono al centro, nella formazione, la variabile psicologica delle risorse umane.As a part of knowledge economy, models are analyzed which as for training place at the center psychological variables of human resources
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