KNOWINNO

Making the most of knowledge

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

Improving the conditions for developing innovative economies is high on the agenda of both the OECD and the European Union. In 2005, the EC undertook a review of the Lisbon strategy. This led the Commission to propose a European Partnership for Growth and Jobs, with 'knowledge and innovation for growth' being one of its main pillars. In 2007, Ministers called upon the OECD to develop a strategy to strengthen the contribution of innovation to key economic and social objectives. Central to this is the concept that knowledge is the key prerequisite for progress and value creation. There are great opportunities for mutually beneficial co-operation between the OECD and the European Commission in developing emprical and policy analysis on the creation, circulation and returns from investing in knowledge. « Making the most of knowledge » (acronym KNOWINNO) proposes a co-operation on three distinct themes of mutual interest to the EC and the OECD: (1) services as a source of knowledge creation and growth ; (2) knowledge networks as a result of new collaborative practices, where knowledge sharing and exchange between firms, individuals and institutions have grown to facilitate knowledge creation and circulation ; (3) the career path and mobility of doctorate holders, a population specifically trained for scientific research. This cooperation will serve to strengthen the continued relevance of the Lisbon Strategy and the value added of the OECD Innovation Strategy beyond 2010.

Introduzione (Teaser)

Promoting the creation, diffusion and use of knowledge can bring about innovation and economic growth. To promote innovation in public policies, an understanding of the role of knowledge networks and markets (KNMs), and human capital, particularly doctorate holders, is critical.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The EU-funded 'Making the Most of Knowledge' (KNOWINNO) project aimed to obtain empirical data and identify the policy issues that affect knowledge creation, diffusion and productivity. This is in line with the mandates of the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to promote economic and social well-being.

Research focused on understanding the nature and extent of research and development (R & D). This included innovation in services, the use of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in the context of knowledge networks and markets (KNM), and the career paths pursued by doctorate holders. Policies related to these three topics were also investigated.

Services make a very significant contribution to the gross domestic product of a country and service-based innovation can underpin productivity growth across all sectors. Some manufacturing sectors are among the most likely to introduce new services. In order to analyse the specific nature, incidence and impact of R & D and innovation in services, data were gathered. It was analysed at the firm- , sector- and country-level and trends were identified.

IPR strategies and policies are critical for the success of knowledge exchange and collaborative approaches in KNMs. The project investigated new developments in the IP marketplace as well as government policies which have a direct impact on it, such as government-sponsored patent funds.

Highly skilled personnel such as doctorate holders are needed to bring about advances in science and drive innovation. However, determining the forces that encourage or hinder the effective use of their competences and their mobility is a complex endeavour. In this regard, data from Careers of Doctorate Holders (CDH) surveys were linked to related and complementary statistical data from additional countries. Analysis of CDH microdata from a range of countries has shown remarkable country differences in the extent to which doctorates pursue career paths in the private sector. It also showed the way their skills and experiences (such as international mobility) are rewarded by their employers. The findings from the CDH data have been disseminated to stakeholders and policymakers in OECD countries to increase awareness and enable evidence-based decision making.

KNOWINNO identified a number of good practices in terms of policies and strategies for collecting and reporting data on knowledge flows and their economic impacts. Project outcomes should help facilitate the design of growth oriented policies through the development of robust evidence-based tools to guide decision making.