The quality function deployment (QFD) theory focuses on customer needs and expectations and methodically deploys them through product design, parts selection, process planning and production planning, leading to shorter design times and more customer‐oriented products. It is demonstrated that...

This paper uses data for 255 NUTS-2 European regions over the period 1995-2003 to test the relative explanatory performance of two important rival theories seeking to explain variations in the level of economic development across regions, namely the neoclassical model originating from the work...

Using a spherically symmetric mean-field α<Superscript>2</Superscript>-dynamomodel for Earth’s magnetic field reversals, we show thecoexistence of the noise-induced phenomena coherence resonance and stochastic resonance. Stochastic resonance was recentlyinvoked to explain the 100 kyr periodicity in the distribution...</superscript>

The contributions in this volume explore the relationship between processes of technological innovation, their network characteristics and their local and regional development impacts. Case studies, empirical evidence and conceptual perspectives provide insights on the local effects of...

The book reconsiders the issue of regional development from a European perspective in light of transition of society towards a knowledge-driven economy. It integrates research findings from a broad area including: economics, transportation, geography and regional science. In particular, it...

Although it is agreed that the dual development of monetary integration and territorial enlargement are likely to generate profound effects on European spatial structure, in both West and East, much uncertainty centres around the question of what changes will be brought about. This book furthers...

What are the most favourable conditions for the generation of innovative ideas and forms of enterprise? Can they be stimulated by intervention policies? To what extent does the injection of new technology stimulate local economic development? Do Science Parks really work? It is increasingly...

In recent years, spatial analysis has become an increasingly active field, as evidenced by the establishment of educational and research programs at many universities. Its popularity is due mainly to new technologies and the development of spatial data infrastructures. This book illustrates some...