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Evaluation of networking and innovation diffusion as mechanisms for sustainable production

Objectif

Problems to be solved
The failure to widely diffuse the concept of sustainable production - particularly to SMEs - is in spite of a large number and range of instruments and initiatives by both the Commission and the various Member States. That such a widespread diffusion is necessary is beyond doubt. The failure may be due to a lack of a systematic analysis and a systemic approach. Such approaches have been developed for innovation diffusion and adoption. If sustainable production is considered like any other innovation, then similar approaches are valid. Scientific objectives and approach The project seeks to address the deficiencies of the European cleaner production dissemination process by application of innovation diffusion and network theory.
The project will have two phases:
(i) a deductive phase, whereby literature analysis, regional reviews, and development of an analytical framework will be used to find optimum solutions and combinations;
(ii) an experimental phase, wherein the establishment of ground rules and systematic principles for a networking process will be tested by regional network orientation/ moderation/formation. The overall objectives of the project are: to apply innovation diffusion and networking theory to the application of preventive environmental approaches as a means of furthering sustainable development; to map weaknesses/strengths and similarities/dissimilarities of different concepts relating to sustainable production and innovation diffusion in the context of the socio- economic background; to deduce optimal strategies and tools and to develop a systemic model for regional sustainable development networks; to test the model and hypothesis against existing mature, emerging, and new networks / sub-networks in six European countries (Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic)
Expected impacts
This project aims to advance the state of the art by providing:
a. An analytical framework for the placement of cleaner production/cleaner technology activities within the context of innovation diffusion theory and innovation network models.
b. An experimental regime for the stimulation of existing networks and emerging networks towards sustainable development activities.
c. A set of tools and instruments which can be used by authorities and change agents to increase the efficacy of the propagation of cleaner production, sustainable production, etc. This significantly differs from simple dissemination.
d. A unified theory and policy implications for sustainable development innovation diffusion.
At an early stage in the programme it was realised (through the intervention of the Czech partners) that a vital element had been omitted. It became apparent that the whole cycle of Innovation Diffusion, networking, and Sustainable production was complex and that "learning" was an essential part of this process. Thus a review of Learning Theory (L) was undertaken and the findings incorporated into the model development. A linear model was clearly inadequate, although it served as a first approximation. To illustrate the importance of learning a Learning Application model (LAM) was introduced. From the theories and practices reviewed a set of almost 60 rules were evolved. Since each partner (six partners) had selected two networks this combination seemed too unwieldy for systematic analysis (12 networks x 60 rules), The rules were thus distilled into 24 core rules – 6 each from the fields of Innovation Diffusion, Regional Networks, learning, and Sustainable production. The 12 networks were subjected to intense analysis using several tools. Perhaps the most striking of these was the Four Colour Matrix, which classified the network’s position regarding each of the core rules in terms of a colour scheme – the colours being based on a scoring system along agreed criteria. This Four Colour Matrix showed at a glance strong and weak points in all the networks. Additionally, the networks and their members were analysed using spider-webs with nodes representing important criteria, and by traditional SWOT analysis. The objective of all of these techniques was to try to pinpoint potential areas for intervention with the networks during the experimental phase. What was not obvious, however, was whether to concentrate on strengthening weak points or to reinforce strong points.

A mixture of tools were used in these interventions, which facilitated a better understanding as the practical work progressed. A second point of interest was where to concentrate (e.g. improving the network, ) in order to raise the degree of sustainable production being practiced. The project team therefore decided to alter the project’s original schedule. This had envisaged (after network selection and initial model and toolkit development) an experimental phase, followed by a model refinement phase, followed by a further experimental phase based on the new model. However, the situation was so complex and fluid that it was decided to rune the experimental phases as on continuous phas, with concomitant continual refinement. This led to a much more dynamic output, and the team believes that it has also greatly increased the success of the project.

The major outcomes of the project, therefore, are;
- The development of a set of tools.
These can be divided into "analytical" tools and "intervention" tools.
- Analytical tools include: Good Network Selection Tool, Network Analysis Tool, 4 colour matrix, SWOT and Spider-web tools, as well as a variety of templates for ensuring comparability of results and descriptions.
- Intervention tools include issues, such as roundtable moderation, benchmarking, power-structure analysis, and many others (more than 40 in all were used in the project – from simple to complex).
A further analysis tool was developed to classify the intervention tools – and so form an initial roadmap.
- The selection and detailed description and analysis of 12 networks using common selection criteria and template.
- The use of intervention techniques to assist these networks.
- The re-evaluation of the networks and a subsequent classification of tools and changes.
- The development of a final model and toolkit

Appel à propositions

Data not available

Régime de financement

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinateur

CORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Contribution de l’UE
Aucune donnée
Adresse
Rossa avenue, bishopstown
Cork
Irlande

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Coût total
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Participants (5)