Information and knowledge are important prerequisites for innovation activity in firms. One important means of acquiring coplementary knowledge are innovation networks. Depending on their absortive capacity and knowledge base, firms develop different abilities to access and utilise external...

In 2008, the European Commission published the communication: "Towards world-class clusters in the European Union: Implementing the broad-based innovation strategy". This document is a commonly accepted vision towards developing and promoting clusters in Europe. The document defines clusters as...

Manufacturing is among the key driving forces of the European economy. It provides about 20% of all jobs in Europe (above 30 million) and generates a turnover of about €7 000 billion in 25 industrial sectors and over 2 million companies, dominated by SMEs. In a comprehensive manner, therefore,...

China's technological capabilities are emerging rapidly and the country will become a major challenger to established nations in terms of R&D and innovation in the near future. For the moment, however, contradictory signals emerge from the Chinese economy leaving experts pondering about the...