D2.2. Methodological toolbox for analysis and...

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7-Regions-2008-1) under Grant Agreement N° 229747

D2.2.

Methodological toolbox for analysis and benchmarking

Deliverable D2.2

Originated from the Task 2.1, Work Package 2: METHODOLOGY

Dissemination level: <CO / RE / PU>

WP Leader: TUKE

The Cross Border Knowledge Bridge in the Renewable Energy Sources Cluster

in the East Slovakia and North Hungary

Grant agreement no.: 229747


Content

1. Introduction, aims of the report, structure of the report ..................................................... 4

2. Theoretical background of the clusters ............................................................................. 8

3. Methodological toolbox.................................................................................................... 10

3.1 SECONDARY DATA COLLECTION ............................................................................................................... 10

3.2 TOOLBOX FOR PRIMARY RESEARCH ......................................................................................................... 13

3.3 SAMPLE DESIGN ..................................................................................................................................... 27

3.4 STATISTICAL DATA TREATMENT................................................................................................................ 32

3.5 METHODS FOR COMPARISON OF TWO REGIONS ........................................................................................ 32

4. Guideline for D3.2. Report on RTD, RTD infrastructures, R&D institutions and business entities on regional level with direct impact on selected sector. ...................................... 34

4.1 RESEARCH DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................ 34

4.2 STATE OF THE ART IN KOŠICE REGION AND BAZ REGION .......................................................................... 39

4.3 COMPARISON OF TWO REGIONS............................................................................................................... 42

4.4 CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 42

4.5 USE OF THE REPORT .............................................................................................................................. 43

5. Guideline for D3.3. Report on technological development in RES sector........................ 44




5.4 CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 50

5.5 USE OF THE REPORT ............................................................................................................................... 50

6. Guideline for D3.4 Report on capacity for knowledge creation, transfer and use in RES. ................................................................................................. 52




6.4 CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 58

6.5 USE OF THE REPORT .............................................................................................................................. 59

7. Guideline for D8.5. Report on energy efficient technologies. .......................................... 60

7.1 REPORT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................ 60

7.2 AIMS OF THE REPORT .............................................................................................................................. 60

7.3 CONTENT OF THE REPORT ....................................................................................................................... 61

7.4 USE OF THE REPORT ............................................................................................................................... 61





8. Guideline for D8.6. Report on energy solution responding to SMEs specific energy demands in the region ..................................................................................................... 62




8.4 USE OF THE REPORT ............................................................................................................................... 63

9. Guideline for D8.8. Report on research in the area of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy technologies ....................................................................................... 64




9.4 USE OF THE REPORT ............................................................................................................................... 65

10. METHODOLOGY FOR BENCHAMARKING ................................................................... 66

10.1 BENCHMARKING METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................................. 66

10.2 STEP 1 GATHERING INFORMATION ........................................................................................................... 78

10.3 STEP 2 - COMPARING & UNDERSTANDING................................................................................................ 84

10.4 STEP 3 - ANALYSING THE INFORMATION ................................................................................................... 86

11. Guideline for D 4.2. – D 4.4 Reports on best practices and trends ................................. 88


11.2 BEST PRACTICES DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................... 88

11.3 TRENDS DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................ 89

11.4 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................... 90

11.5 USE OF THE REPORT ............................................................................................................................... 90

12. Methodology for D 4.5 SWOT analyse in RES sector ..................................................... 91

12.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 91

12.2 CONSTRUCTION OF THE SWOT PROFILE ................................................................................................. 92

12.3 GUIDE FOR D4.5 SWOT ANALYSE IN RES SECTOR PREPARATION ............................................................ 98

13. Glossary ........................................................................................................................ 101

14. Annexes ........................................................................................................................ 106




from106

1. Introduction, aims of the report, structure of the report

The main objective of the KNOWBRIDGE project is to increase the capacity and to strengthen the research potential of two cross border and convergence regions (Košice region in Slovakia and BAZ region in Hungary - also considered in the larger territorial perspective as a part of Eastern Slovakia and North-Eastern Hungary) by supporting the development of new innovative cross border research-driven cluster in the area of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and associating research entities, enterprises and regional authorities.

KNOWBRIDGE project specific objectives are:

to develop Join Action Plan (JAP) for cross border research driven cluster in order to increase regional economic competitiveness through research and technological development activities in the area of RES in cross border context;

to foster cross border cooperation and to increase the overall capacities of regional players in Northern Hungary and Eastern Slovakia by enhancing science and technology based development in cross border context;

to maximise the benefits of research infrastructures for cross border and regional economic development;

to improve links and enhance common partnership of regional authorities, research entities and business community in national and European initiatives in two cross border regions;

to promote development of specific goals for regional and cross border RTD policies;

to exploit synergy between regional, national and Community programmes for research and economic development in cross border environment and to maximise the potential for a successful involvement of regional actors in European research projects;

to enhance trans-national, including cross-border and inter-regional mutual learning of regional actors in developing research driven clusters;

to mentor regions with a less developed research profile by more experienced partners through mutual exchange of experience and best practices;

to promote reduction of CO2 emissions in two cross border regions.

In order to fulfil these aims a set of activities based on research and analyses have to be performed. The aim of WP2 Methodology is:

to provide overall methodological and reference frameworks and methodological tools;

to define common research framework;

to develop the approach to task solving;

to define and coordinate methodology for benchmarking and cross regional analysis;

to ensure acceptance of the methodology by all partners.




from106

The WP2 serves as a preparatory phase for the further work in following WPs:

WP3. Analysis and integration of research agendas of cross border cluster;

WP4. Benchmarking and best practices transfer;

WP5. Preparation of JAP for RES cross border cluster competitiveness enhancement;

WP6. Preparation of Business Plans for JAP for RES cross border cluster;

WP7. Mentoring and mutual learning;

WP8. Dissemination and awareness raising.

Within WP2 the methodological tools for the following analysis within WP3 are defined:

Analysis of RTD, R&D institutions and business entities on regional level with direct impact on selected sector;

Analysis of the technological development in selected sector in both region;

Analysis of the regional (partly national) capacity for knowledge creation, transfer and use in RES sector.

WP2 also provides the methodological framework for the preparation of:

Benchmarking (WP4);

Joint Action Plan (WP5);

Business Plan (WP6).

Two separate deliverables are prepared within WP2 Methodology:

D2.2. Methodological toolbox for analysis and benchmarking D2.3. Methodological toolbox for JAP and Business Plan preparation The aim of D2.2 Methodological toolbox for analyses and benchmarking is:

to provide methodological and reference frameworks and methodological tools for analyses;

to provide methodological and reference frameworks and methodological tools for benchmarking;

to provide methodological and reference frameworks and methodological tools;

to define common research framework;

to develop the approach to task solving;

to define and coordinate methodology for benchmarking and cross regional analysis;

to ensure acceptance of the methodology by all partners.

Essential factors regarding to project methodology are the cross-border aspects of the research and the international project consortium. These factors influence the methodology in several ways. All project activities (for example primary or secondary data collection) will be




from106

performed by different project partners in different regions. To be able to ensure data comparability for all analyses as well as the high quality outputs from all project tasks a common methodology for all project activities is developed. There must be recognition of the policy and strategy environment of the involved regions. That is why the methodology takes into account not only analysis in each involved region but also cross border aspect of analysis.

Methodology for analytical works (except methodology for benchmarking) is prepared and structured according to deliverables. The deliverable D2.2 presents concrete structure and content for each deliverable mentioned below and covers all needed areas. When taking into account the aims and structure of the deliverable there are three types of deliverable structure:

I. Research structured deliverables - methodology is prepared for the following deliverables:

D3.2. Report on RTD, RTD infrastructures, R&D institutions and business entities on regional level with direct impact on selected sector.

D3.3. Report on technological development in RES sector.

D3.4 Report on capacity for knowledge creation, transfer and use in RES sector. II. Guideline structure deliverable – contains step-by step guideline for using particular tools or methods.

D 4.5. SWOT analyse in RES sector. III. Content structured deliverables –provides recommended content of the deliverable.

D 4.2. –D 4.4 Reports on best practices and trends in the area of:

national and regional economic and technological development focused on RES sector

national and regional RTD support policies; financial tools and approaches for RTD funding

knowledge creation, transfer between business entities and research entities, in particular SMEs through networking

D8.5. Report on energy efficient technologies.

D8.6. Report on energy solution responding to SMEs specific energy demands in the region.

D8.8. Report on research in the area of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy technologies.

For deliverable containing research or data collecting activities (Research structured deliverables), methodology offers methodological toolbox of research tools which can be used for analysis as well as definition of data needed for research.

The structure of D2.2 Methodological toolbox for analyses and benchmarking is presented in Graph 1. In order to ensure the common understanding of terms the Glossary includes main term definition.




from106

Graph 1 Graphical presentation of D2.2 Methodological toolbox for analyses and benchmarking

D2.2. Methodological toolbox D2.3. Methodological toolbox

for JAP and Business Plan

preparation

Methodological toolbox for

analyses

Methodological toolbox for

benchmarking and SWOT analyses

- Methodology for analyses

- Guideline for D8.5



- Guideline for D4.2 - Guideline for D4.3 - Guideline for D4.4

- Guideline for D3.2 - Guideline for D3.3 - Guideline for D3.4

- Methodology for Benchmarking process

- Methodology for SWOT analyses - Guideline for D4.5

- Template for JAP

- Template for BP

Methodological guideline for JAP

Methodological guideline for BP

WP2 – METHODOLOGY




from106

2. Theoretical background of the clusters

The clusters, cluster initiatives and cluster policies have been the subjects of greater concern to professional public since 1990. Alfred Marschall, one of the most significant British economists, went into the merits of territorial concentration of industrial branches in 1890. In his book named “The Principles of Economics “stated that industrial branches are often concentrated in one place and thus gain several advantages such as savings from the extent. Concentration and interconnection of these enterprises bring savings from localization of great importance. Nevertheless, Marschall did not talk about cluster at that time but about so called industrial districts which resemble present clusters in many ways.

Yet, within the theory of clusters, the most important role played was probably the publication of Michael Porter’s book “Competitive Advantage of the Nations” (1990). Porter defined clusters as geographical concentrations of mutually interconnected organisations, specialised suppliers, service providers, companies in related industrial branches and interconnected institutions (such as universities or business unions) that compete in the same area as well as cooperate. Moreover, Porter updated this theory in Harvard Business Review magazine in article called “Clusters and New Economy of the Competition” published in 1998.

WHAT IS CLUSTER?

Clusters are local concentrations of mutually interconnected companies and institutions in specific business field. Clusters include the group of industrial branches and other subjects that are important for the economic competition. They may include the suppliers of specific outputs such as components, machines and services as well as providers of specialized infrastructure. Clusters are often expanding downwards to the sales channels and customers and sideways to the producers of complementary products and companies in industrial branches related in terms of abilities, technologies or common inputs. Clusters include governmental or other institutions such as universities, normative agencies, research teams or business associations offering specialized trainings, education, information, research and technical support.

WHAT IS CLUSTER POLICY?

The existence of growing number of evidence that clusters play an important role in explaining differences in living standards within the countries and regions have raised concern among politicians. Many of them look for the most appropriate ways to induce the situation that would lead to the creation of clusters or help develop and prosper already existing clusters via politics intervention. Economists look for the reasons of cluster formation as one of the tools of market failure prevention. The networking failure comes from the fact that individual subjects of cluster do not realize the so-called pouring of knowledge and information. Cluster policies may be used for overcoming the gaps between the




from106

private and public sector and the return of these activities into the portfolio of activities of such cluster. Actually, the information imbalance can rise even in the case when all the stimuli within the cluster actions are in harmony, because the information needed to maximise the cluster value is distracted between too many different cluster participants. Cluster policies can be used to get over such differences rising from the information imbalance through dialogue and communication support within the cluster.

Many economists mention a lot of reasons explaining the interest of public sector in cluster issue engagement. It is mainly the fact that the support of regional clusters is becoming an important and successful tool for support of regional economic development. Among other reasons mentioned are the importance of interconnection of small and middle businesses into a mutual cooperation and interconnection of local universities and research institutions together with the ability of small and middle businesses to engage in mutually prosperous cooperation with other subjects. In comparison to big companies, the small and middle businesses are more linked to a specific region and they are becoming more and more competitive on the worldwide scale.

The public sector may significantly support formation and development of clusters via politics and programmes, that promote the knowledge exchange, lower the information and coordination failure and reinforce the cooperation between the companies as well as between the companies and the research institutions. Another option of cluster support from the side of public sector is the creation of political tools for cluster formation and development such as partnership of public and private sector for research and development. Within the regional politics, the clusters are often used as tools for gathering and activation of key participants in region.




from106

3. Methodological toolbox

This Chapter includes the general methodology of the research. It includes:

The guideline for the secondary data collection;

The toolbox for primary research;

Sample design;

Statistical data treatment;

Methods for comparison of two regions.

In the KNOWBRIDGE project both primary and secondary researches are utilised. The distinction between primary and secondary data depends on the relationship between the person or research team who collected a data set and the person who is analysing it. This is an important concept because the same data set could be primary data in one analysis and secondary data in another.

If the data set in question was collected by the researcher (or a team of which the researcher is a part) for the specific purpose or analysis under consideration, it is primary data. If it was collected by someone else for some other purpose, it is secondary data.

The specific methodological guidelines for the KNOWBRIDGE project deliverables are described in the following chapters.

3.1 Secondary data collection

In broad terms, secondary data research involves an analysis of existing data that were collected during an unrelated primary research. Secondary data research should have the following characteristics:

no manipulation of the research sample;

no new data collection;

no identification of research participants.

The person performing the secondary analysis is not participating in either the research design or data collection process, and the data were not collected to answer specific research questions.

The methodology is dealing with secondary data in the sense of data sets that can be obtained and analysed in detail by the individual researcher. There is another type of secondary data, not mutually exclusive with the first, meaning statistical information about some geographic region or other entity. This type of information is often very useful to researchers. Many of the data sets described in this Methodology are accessible online.

Each examined secondary data has to be identified - why and how it was collected. This includes the original purpose for which the data were collected, the identification of what kind of data it is, and when and how the data were collected.




from106

Categories of secondary data research where no ethical approval is required include research:

involving data that are in the public domain, whether anonymised or not, such as newspaper articles, websites, blogs or television programmers;

involving data sets held in data archives that are available to the public;

where the scope of the consent provided by participants in the primary study included provision for the future use of the data for other research projects.

The secondary data needed for analyses realized within the KNOWBRIDGE project are described in the Error! Reference source not found.. For the purpose of further use of data ithin the individual deliverables see Chapters 4, 5. 6. All the listed secondary data will be collected preferably on the level of NUTS III. In the case they will be not available on this level, will be substituted and approximated by the secondary data on the closest higher level of NUTS (II or I). The secondary data will be collected preferably for the years 2000, 2005 and for the last year available in both regions concurrently.

For data collection use Matrix of secondary data for analyses (see Annex 7).

Table 1 Secondary data needed for analyses

Code Indicator Source Delive

rable

S1 Structure of research and development expenses – according to activities of research and development:

basic research

applied research

development

National statistics D3.2

S2 Structure of employees in research and development (in %)

by work specification (researchers, technicians, help personnel)

by qualification

by gender


S3 Share of companies with innovation activities from the total number of companies in the region (in %)


S4 Share of identified companies dealing with RES from the total number of companies in the region

Solar energy

Wind energy

Geothermal energy

Hydro energy

Biomass

Regional statistics

D3.2

S5 R&D expenditure by source of financing as a % of total (% of GDP)

Eurostat D3.2




from106


rable

S6 Expenditures on research and development by research field according to: location, research field, indicator type and year (Natural sciences, Technical sciences, Medical and pharmaceutical sciences)

Regional statistics

D3.2

S7 Employees in research and development (up to 31. 12.) according to: location, research and development employees, qualification structure and year.

Regional statistics

D3.2

S8 Total intramural R&D expenditure by sectors of performance and region

Eurostat D3.2

S9 Total R&D personnel by sectors of performance (employment) and region

Eurostat D3.2

S10 Patent applications to the EPO by priority year at the regional level by IPC sections and classes

Eurostat D3.2

S11 Number of Business entities - firms engaged in renewable energy sources

Eurostat D3.2

S12 % Business entities - firms engaged in renewable energy sources to the total number of firms active in the area of Košice region, BAZ region

Eurostat D3.2

S13 % firms engaged also in research and development, whose main interest are renewable energy sources, to the total number of companies engaged in renewable energy sources

Eurostat D3.2

S14 Number of employees working in firms engaged in renewable energy sources to the total work force of employees (total employable population) in both regions

Eurostat D3.2

S15 Annual data on employment in the field of technologies and knowledge demanding services on regional level

Eurostat D3.2

S16 Annual data on Human Resources in Science and Technology

Eurostat D3.2

S17 Number of employees in research and development by sectors on regional level

Eurostat D3.2

S18 Patent applications to the EPO at the regional level Eurostat D3.2

S19 Number of statistical units by economic activity - regional data

Eurostat D3.2

S20 Number of employees by economic activity - regional data

Eurostat D3.2

S21 Energy consumption per inhabitant:

Gross inland consumption / capita

Final energy consumption / capita

Household consumption / capita

Final electricity consumption / capita

Eurostat D3.3




from106


rable

S22 Renewable energy sources:

Primary production

Inputs to electricity and heat production

Final consumption of RES (excl. electricity)

Electricity generation from RES

Electrical capacities of RES

Liquid bio fuels – production

Solar panel surface in m2

Eurostat D3.3

S23 Total European patent applications.

per EU, pre countries

Number of applications per million inhabitants

Eurostat D3.3

S24 Demographic indicators in regions (NUTS III level) Eurostat D3.4

S25 Regional employment data Eurostat D3.4

S26 The list of all institutions that create knowledge in the area of RES including the type of RES.

Eurostat D3.4

S27 The list of all educational institutions in the area of RES

Eurostat D3.4

S28 Human resources in the area of R&D Eurostat D3.4

S29 The expenditure on R&D in % of GDP Eurostat D3.4

S30 Participation in further education Eurostat D3.4

S31 Patents in RES sector Eurostat D3.4

S32 Expenditures on research and development financed from public sources in Košice region (% GDP)

Eurostat D3.2

S33 Expenditures on research and development financed from private sources in Košice region (% GDP)

Eurostat D3.2

S34 Total expenditures on research and development by sectors on the regional level

Eurostat D3.2

S35 Total production of primary energy Eurostat D3.3

S36 Primary production of renewable energy Eurostat D3.3

3.2 Toolbox for primary research

Primary data collection is necessary when a researcher cannot find the data needed in secondary sources. The scope of the KNOWBRIDGE project requires relatively wide degree of primary research. Within the scope of the project three forms of primary research will be realized:




from106

semi-structured interviews;

focus group interviews;

questionnaire survey.

The expert interviews and focus group interviews represent the qualitative research and questionnaires represent the quantitative part of the research.

For research sampling see Chapter 3.3.

For research questions identification see:

Annexes 1 -6 (questionnaires by target groups);

Chapters 4.-9. devoted to individual deliverables.

The primary data collection will be done separately in both SK and HU regions by responsible partners, with the cooperation of all KNOWBRIDGE project partners.

3.2.1 Questionnaire survey

The basic tool used for the questionnaire survey will be the online form available at the Google site. This will ensure the compatibility of software used by each respondent.

The questionnaire survey will be done in the SK and HU region in the national language. Each responsible partner will translate the questionnaires included in this methodology in the national language. The translated questionnaire will be transformed to the online electronic form and distributed to the respondents based on research sampling.

Each question has its own code. It is necessary to use these codes during the whole analysis as well as in the translated version of the questionnaire. In every mention of the surveyed question there has to be clear which one is it. This utilization of codes will allow to every person who will work with the analysis results to clearly identify the relevant question, without the necessity of translate it back to English or to the national language.

The pilot testing of the questionnaires for each target group were done by the TUKE. The results, findings and recommendations were implemented to the final versions of questionnaires for each target group (see Annexes 1-6).

How to proceed?

1. Translate the questionnaires for group 1 to 6 (see Annexes 1-6), research introductory letter (see Annex 13) and confidentiality statement (see Annex 14) into national language. Be sure that national specifics are implemented into questionnaire survey and letter. Use the same code for each question as in English version.

2. Prepare both, the printed paper version and online version of the questionnaire. The online version of questionnaire will consist of three separated questionnaires for each target group (because of technical issues).

3. Prepare the list of respondents (institutions) in your region. See Chapter 3.3. Sample design for information regarding target groups and sample size.




from106

4. Contact respondents by regular mail. The regular mail will contain introductory letter and links to the questionnaire. The electronic address for online questionnaire will be announced in both – letter and questionnaire paper version.

5. Contact respondents by telephone. Ask them about their ability to fill in the questionnaire online. Agree on the date when questionnaire will be filled in. If respondent needs support, agree on date when you will provide support either by phone or during the personal visit.

6. Check whether questionnaire has been provided in agreed time. If not contact the respondent again.

7. In case of filling in questionnaire in printed paper version transfer it to the electronic form.

8. Check the list of respondents (institutions) in your region and identified those of them which answered questionnaires. Send list of the respondents to WP2 leader (TUKE).

9. TUKE will be responsible for the electronic data treatment and will provide outputs in form of tables and graphs. For description of these outputs regional partners will be responsible.

Table 2 List of all questions in questionnaires

Code Question Target groups

Deliverables

Part 1: Technology and Innovations in RES

Q1 Mark the field of interest of your institution in RES. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2. D3.3.

Q2 Mark technologies, your institution is already using-missing in research & development.

1, 4 D3.2. D3.3.

Q3 Mark the technologies you are using-missing in the energy production or RES products or services.

1, 2, 4, 5, 6

D3.2. D3.3.

Q4 Mark technologies you are using-missing at the side of renewable energy consumption.

1, 2, 4, 5, 6

D3.2. D3.3.

Q5 Have you implemented a technological innovation in the field of RES In the last 5 years?

1, 2, 4, 5, 6

D3.2. D3.3.

Q6 Is your institution engaged in projects (national, EU, etc.) in the field of RES?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2. D3.4.

Part 2: Position and orientation of your institution

Q7 Do you intend to implement in your institution any new technological innovation in the field of RES in the near future?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2. D3.3.

Q8 Self-evaluate the research & development level of your institution in the field of RES in comparison to level of your region / country / cross-border region / EU / world.

1, 4 D3.2.

Q9 Self-evaluate the level of technologies and technical equipment in the field of RES of your institution in comparison to level of your region / country / cross-border region / EU / world.

1, 2, 4, 5, 6

D3.2. D3.3.




from106


Deliverables

Q10 Describe the field of your research & development in RES. 1, 4 D3.2. D3.3.

Q11 Self-evaluate the level of technologies and technical equipment in research & development in RES of your institution in comparison to level of your region / country / cross-border region / EU / world.

1, 4 D3.2. D3.3.

Q12 Describe the financing structure of funding of a typical research project in your institution in RES.

1, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.

Q13 Evaluate, how does a particular service provided by the support organization in your region support you.

1, 2 D4.2-4.

Q14 Describe the structure of your research team according to employee background.

1, 4 D3.2.

Q15 What are the main barriers of research & development in your institution? 1, 4 D3.2.

Q16 Name the main customers for the outputs of your research & development.

1, 4 D3.2.

Q17 Are there any new companies established in the last 5 years based on the results of your research & development? If yes, state the number of these companies and try to estimate their total annual turnover.

1, 4 D3.2.

Q18 Estimate how many new jobs have been created (directly or indirectly) in association to your research & development results in the sector of RES in the last 5 years.

1, 4 D3.2.

Q19 How many new patents and other registered intellectual property did your institution registered based on your research in the last 5 years?

1, 4 D3.2. D3.3.

Q20 Mark your annual turnover and the share of RES on the turnover. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.

Part 3: Regional cooperation in RES

Q21 Name the leaders in research & development in RES according to territory in your opinion.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.

Q22 State which type of institutions you cooperate with and characterize in a few words your cooperation experience.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2. D3.4.

Part 4: Regional knowledge creation and learning

Q23 Is your company a producer of new, knowledge - experience in RES (patents, primary outputs of research, development and experimenting, technical improvements, data, innovation and products, modifications and new brands obtained by own research & development )?

1, 2, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q24 If you create primary - own knowledge, in which field of RES? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q25 How do you evaluate in general existing supply and quality of regional educational institutions (secondary, universities, training, lifelong)?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.




from106


Deliverables

Q26 How do you evaluate the existing:

A. supply and quality of regional educational institutions in RES ? B. supply and quality of human capital in RES ?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q27 Which supply of education in the region is not sufficient? You may mark more answers.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q28 Where do you acquire knowledge in the field of RES? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q29 Which of the following knowledge sources in the field of RES do you recommend for your employees?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q30 Evaluate the importance of education and/or learning for your employees in the field of RES.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Part 5: Regional technology transfer and sharing

Q31 How would you evaluate the transfer of knowledge between the following institutions?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q32 Does sharing of knowledge and experience between your institution and other institutions in the field of RES in the region exist?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q33 If yes, do you share: (Human resources –experts, Experience, Information and news, Professional literature, Equipment, machinery, technique, Technology, Small services, Other).

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q34 Are present possibilities of financing RES (regional, national, international sources) shifted more towards use or creation of knowledge?

1, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q35 A. How does your institution use the existing knowledge in the field of RES?

B. What are the costs in obtaining them?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Part 6: RES in the regional economy

Q36 How do you evaluate the importance of RES for the regional economy in terms of job creation, economic growth and added value?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.3.

Q37 In what relation is the economic and environmental viewpoint of RES? Which viewpoint predominates in the public view?

1, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.3.

Part 7: RES and the regional policy

Q38 What is the support of RES on the EU, national and regional level?

What are the differences from the political, economic, financial, information and regulatory view?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.3.

Q39 State, on which strategy/document you build your activities focused on RES.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.3.

Part 8: Financing RES activities of the institution

Q40 How do you evaluate the existing offer of financial sources for activities of your company in RES?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.




from106


Deliverables

Q41 What financial resources do you use in financing your activities in the field of RES?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.

Q42 Mark the percentage of total invested costs of your company. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.

Q43 When applying for a non-recurring financial grant, does your company apply by itself or as a part of a partnership/consortium?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2. D3.4.

Q44 Indicate the share of your budget dedicated to support of SME´s operating in RES according to following group of services offered by your organization.

3, 4, 5, 6

D4.2-4.

Q45 How financially demanding is research & development according to particular fields of RES?

1, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.

Part 9: Regional social capital - cooperation and trust

Q46 How would you evaluate the cooperation of institutions in RES in the region?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q47 When cooperation in the field of RES exists, evaluate its quality. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q48 What is your trust in the following institutions? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q49 Do you think that the network formation is significantly influenced by political attitudes (affiliation)?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q50 What is your trust in institutions from the view of territorial location? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Part 10: Regional partnership and networks

Q51 Are you a part of a partnership in the region, leading to joint activities? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q52 Evaluate the following statements on partnership in general according to importance.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q53 If you are a part of a partnership, what kind of other institutions creates that network or partnership? State the number according to the type of institution.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q54 In how many partnerships or networks are you active? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q55 Your partnerships/networks are (state a number according to the type of partnership).

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q56 What was a basis for your partnership/network formation? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q57 Within your partnership, the following joint activities are held: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.




from106


Deliverables

Q58 Within the partnership, you share: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4

Q59 Evaluate your existing partnerships. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Part 11: Interest in RES cluster formation

Q60 Are you interested in a cluster formation in the field of RES, or are you already a member of such cluster?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q61 If yes, in what field of RES? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q62 If yes, what type of institutions as cluster members would you be interested in?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q63 If possible, specify names of institutions that you would be interested in cooperating with.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q64 Would you be interested in the formation of a cluster in the field of RES with institutions from BAZ region / Košice region?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q65 If possible, specify names of institutions from BAZ region / Košice region that you would be interested in cooperating with.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q66 Are you actively taking part in the creation of policy in the field of RES in your region/country? How?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2. D3.3. D3.4.

Q67 State the key institutions in the field of RES in the region. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

Q68 State the key persons in the field of RES in the region. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

3.2.2 Focus groups

For the qualitative primary research the focus groups will be utilised.

What is focus group?

The focus group is a type of group interview. It is a group of people who have been brought together to discuss a specific topic semi-structured. They are extremely useful for evaluating services or for testing new ideas. Basically focus groups are interviews, but of 5-12 people at the same time. Focus groups are a very useful tool for collecting relevant and informative data. They allow you to investigate complex behaviour such as what different groups think about a subject and why they hold such views and can also help to identify changes in behaviour. Focus groups are particularly useful in investigating the use, effectiveness and usefulness of a service or a product as they allow gathering detailed information and probe people’s views.




from106

Focus groups can be difficult to control and manage, but it can also be difficult to get people to take part as some people may find the focus group situation intimidating or off-putting. It is important to remember that focus groups are not suitable for every occasion and will only be useful where the topic being discussed is of sufficient substance to merit vigorous debate.

Each focus group has its moderator and moderator assistant (preferably from the KNOWBRIDGE project team members). In some cases the moderator should be accompanied by an expert in the investigated area.

The focus groups organised in SK and HU regions will reach the same topics. The data collection in the focus group has to be guided on the basis of questions stated below. These questions will be divided into different packets for each focus group, in according to the target groups of questions (for questions divided in respect to the target groups see Annexes 8 and 9).

The focus group survey will be done in the SK and HU region in the national language. Each responsible partner will translate the research topics and questions - included in this methodology - into the national language. All the answers, results and findings related to the prearranged questions will be associated with the relevant question by its code. Each question has its own code (see Error! Reference source not found.). This utilisation of odes will allow to every person who will work with the analysis results to clearly identify the relevant question, without the necessity of translate it back to English or to the national language.

How to proceed?

1. Translate the Focus Group I and II. questions (see Annexes 8 and 9) into national language. Be sure that national specifics are implemented into the questions. Use the same code for each question as in English version.

2. Identify and define the topic for discussion. Write down the key areas that you want to explore. For focus group questions see also Methodology for D 3.2, D3.3 and D3.4 of this guide.

3. Prepare the list of focus group members. See Chapter 3.3. Sample design for information regarding target groups and sample size.

4. Invite the participants. Contact them by telephone or personal visit. Ask them about their ability to take a part on the focus group. Agree on the date and place where the focus group will be held. Inform them about the focus group topic and explain them its meaning. Allow yourself enough time to recruit your members as it can be more difficult than you think.

5. Always follow up your initial contact with a formal invitation and contact them a few days before the focus group meets to remind them.

6. Allow 1.5 – 2 hours for the session. Try and provide refreshments as this acts as an ice-breaker and allows people to chat. Hold sessions in as good accommodation as possible. Make sure everyone can see one another and provide name tags for everyone. Sit people round a round table if possible.

7. Try and keep the discussions flowing when the focus groups begin. Make sure everyone gets a chance to contribute. Keep everyone focussed – do NOT let people go off on a tangent that is not relevant. Try NOT to allow any one person to dominate the discussion – especially YOU. Always start your next question with a different




from106

person than previously and alternate which way you go round the table. Try and get a conclusion to the debate and if necessary summarise what has been said.

8. Have a clear agenda in mind which should include the following:

welcome

introductions

agenda

aim of the focus group meeting

ground rules

questions and answers

9. Record the session both electronically as well as taking notes. If possible make the video record. It is very difficult to transcribe the sessions if you do not use both methods as it can very difficult recall exactly what took place.

10. Transcribe the sessions as soon as possible so that your findings are as accurate as possible. Each transcript must be archived (see Annex 11. Focus group evaluation Form)

11. Include the main findings into corresponding deliverables in English language (see Table 3).

Table 3 List of all questions in Focus Groups I and II.

Code Question Focus Group

session

Deliverables

FG1 Which technologies in the field of RES are used the most, and which are missing, in Slovakia/ Hungary?

I. D3.2 D3.3.

FG2 Which technologies in the field of RES are used the most in EU and in the world?

I. D3.2 D3.3.

FG3 What are the future trends in using technologies in the field of RES in Slovakia/Hungary/EU/world?

I. D3.2 D3.3.

FG4 Which technologies can be considered to be energy-efficient and economically interesting and based on which criteria can they be considered so?

I. D3.2 D3.3.

FG5 To what extent are the energy-efficient technologies used in the field of RES (in Slovakia/Hungary, EU, world)?

I. D3.3.

FG6 Do you consider your region to be less technologically developed (mainly in the field of RES) in comparison to the EU and world? Justification.

I. D3.3.




from106

Code Question Focus Group

session

Deliverables

FG7 Are the institutions in your region able to develop/implement new technologies in the field of RES?

What are their limitations?

What are the conditions for the successful implementation of these technologies?

What are the main barriers of implementation of new technologies and realization of new projects in the field of RES?

I. D3.2 D3.3.

FG8 On what knowledge basis is RES built in the region, how is the past and present of heavy industry reflected in RES?

How did the past effect the present, firms, universities, people, research, attitudes?

What knowledge basis was important for RES in the past?

II. D3.3.

FG9 What kind of inter-sectoral cooperation is the most important for RES? (waste treatment and recycling, engineering, mining, agriculture...).

In what way and why? (technological proximity, use, knowledge, people and their contacts, universities, .. ).

Is interdisciplinarity a problem or an advantage for the cooperation and development of RES?

II. D3.3.

FG10 What institutions support RES in the region the most? In what way?

What institutions restrain the development of RES? In what way?

II. D3.3.

FG11 In what way is SR/HU different/similar to other regions of EU, SR, HU?

What is typical for both the regions, in what way do they differ from each other?

What is their position within the country?

What people say about themselves in the region?

What is the opinion on the region of people from outside the region?

II. D3.3.

3.2.3 Semi-structured interview

Other tool that will be used for the qualitative primary research is the semi-structured interview.

What is semi-structured interview?

Semi-structured interviews are one of the most common qualitative methods. One reason for their popularity is that they are very effective in giving a human face to research problems. In addition, conducting and participating in interviews can be a rewarding experience for participants and interviewers alike. For participants interviews offer the opportunity to express themselves in a way ordinary life rarely affords them. The semi-structured interview is a technique




from106

designed to elicit a vivid picture of the participant’s perspective on the research topic. During semi-structured interviews, the person being interviewed is considered the expert and the interviewer is considered the student. The researcher’s interviewing techniques are motivated by the desire to learn everything the participant can share about the research topic. Researchers engage with participants by posing questions in a neutral manner, listening attentively to participants’ responses, and asking follow-up questions and probes based on those responses.

Semi-structured interviews are particularly useful for getting the story behind a respondent’s experiences. The interviewer can pursue in-depth information around the topic. Semi-structured interviews are useful as follow-up to certain respondents to questionnaires, e.g., to further investigate their responses. Semi-structured interviews are a far more personal form of research than questionnaires. This is why the semi-structured interviews are held after the questionnaires survey is done.

All semi-structured interviews should be done on the personal base. In the personal semi-structured interview, the interviewer works directly with the respondent. The interviewer is considered as a part of the measurement instrument and has to be well trained in how to respond to any contingency. Semi-structured interviews will be completed by the interviewer based on what the respondent says.

This methodology gives a standardized, open-ended interview guide approach – the same open-ended questions will be asked to all interviewees. It is intended to ensure that the same areas of information will be collected from each interviewee. This approach facilitates faster interviews that can be more easily analysed and compared.

As well as in the case of focus groups, in the interviews each responsible partner will translate the research topics and questions - included in this methodology - into the national language. All the answers, results and findings related to the prearranged questions will be associated with the relevant question by its code (see Error! Reference source not ound.). Each question has its own code. This utilization of codes will allow to every person who will work with the analysis results to clearly identify the relevant question, without the necessity of translate it back to English or to the national language.

The list of questions investigated in the semi-structured interviews includes the target group division (see Annex 10).

How to proceed?

1. Translate the semi-structured interviews questions (see Annex 10) into national language. Be sure that national specifics are implemented into the questions. Use the same code for each question as in English version.

2. Prepare the list of semi-structured interview participants. See Chapter 3.3. Sample design for information regarding target groups and sample size.

3. Select the questions for relevant target group participant (see Table 4).

4. Contact the respondents. Contact them by telephone or personal visit. Ask them about their ability to take a part on the semi-structured interview. Agree on the date and place




from106

where the semi-structured interview will be held. Inform the respondents about the semi-structured interview topic and explain them its meaning.

5. Be reliable. To get participants to take the interview seriously, you need to demonstrate your own commitment. Arrive on time, equipped with the recording equipment, interview guide, and notebooks. Be both mentally and psychologically prepared to conduct the interview. Keep all promises you make to participants.

6. During the semi-structured interview address all relevant questions stated in methodology (including follow-up questions). During the semi-structured interview:

choose a setting with the least distraction,

explain the purpose of the interview,

explain the format of the interview,

indicate how long the interview usually takes,

provide contact information of the interviewer,

allow interviewee to clarify any doubts about the interview.

7. Record the semi-structured interview at least by taking notes (it´s recommended to record it electronically). Observe and document participants’ behaviours and contextual aspects of the interview as part of your field notes.

8. Transcribe the semi-structured interview as soon as possible so that your findings are as accurate as possible. Each transcript must be archived. Use semi-structured interview evaluation form (Annex 12).

9. Write the report in English. Do not forget take into account the anonymity of respondents.

Table 4 List of all questions in interviews


Deliverables

I1 How is your research in the field of RES oriented? 1, 4 D3.2.

I2 Do you offer to other institutions (within the region/country/cross-border region/other countries) a possibility to use your technical equipment or technologies in the field of RES?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.

I3 Do you use regularly/occasionally the technical equipment or technologies in the field of RES offered by other institutions (within the region/country/cross-border region/other countries)?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.

I4 How do you evaluate the sharing of RDI infrastructure? (within the region/country/cross-border region/other countries)

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.

I5 What research/development do you realize or plan to realize in the field of RES in the near future?

1, 4 D3.2.

I6 Have you ever cooperated, or are you cooperating at the time, in the implementation of an innovation with an external RDI institution (within the region/country/cross-border region/other countries)?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.

I7 What are the main barriers of research realization in the field of RES? 1, 4, 5, D3.2.,




from106


Deliverables

6 D3.3.

I8 What are the main barriers of implementation of new technologies and realization of new projects in the field of RES?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2., D3.3.

I9 Company biography. Describe the process and motives of the establishment of your institution.

1, 4 D3.2.

I10 Describe the main results of your research activities in the field of RES. 1, 4 D3.2., D3.3.

I11 Describe the ideas, activities, programs or projects related to the RES sector you would like to participate on in the future.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2., D3.3., D3.4.

I12 What are your most common outputs, results of your activity in the field of RES?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2., D3.3.

I13 Do you have sufficient information about institutions dealing with research and technological development in Slovakia/Hungary in the sector of RES, or do you use their services?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2., D3.3., D3.4.

I14 How do you evaluate the present state in the sector of RES from the view of your institution and where do you see opportunities to improve its state in the future?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.

I15 Is your company, operating in the field of RES, active in development and creation of new knowledge, or is it rather using existing and known knowledge in its activities?

Do you have new ideas, which need a time to mature first?

Do you rather imitate and enhance, or do you begin with an idea and direct towards realization?

1, 4, 5, 6

D3.2., D3.4.

I16 Describe in detail what kind of knowledge in RES you create. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

I17 Can you describe the informal exchange of knowledge and experiences with other companies or institutions within the region? Do you have often, close and stabile interactions with other institutions in the region?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

I18 Do you cooperate formally or informally with centers of excellence in the region (universities, research institutions), and can you state examples of such cooperation? What are your experiences with this type of cooperation?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

I19 What kind of knowledge in RES are you missing in the region? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

I20 Describe in detail the process of obtaining and using knowledge in the field of RES.

3 D3.4.

I21 Where do you see opportunities and problems of RES in comparison to conventional energetic sectors?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.3.

I22 Do you know how the RES is supported in the neighbouring SR/HU 1, 2, 3, D3.3.




from106


Deliverables

region? What are the similarities and differences? 4, 5, 6

I23 (Public institutions supporting RES) What are the interests of regional and municipal government in the field of RES?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2., D3.4.

I24 (Universities and RES) What are the interests of universities and research institutions in RES?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2., D3.4.

I25 (Private firms and RES) What are the interests, motivations and goals of private firms in RES?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2., D3.4.

I26 (Triple helix support) Which institutions support the cooperation among public administration, educational and research institutions and firms the most?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2., D3.4.

I27 (Rivalry and cooperation) Does cooperation of RES within the region exist?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2., D3.4.

I28 Leaders, brokers and inhibitors:

What institutions are the most influential in RES in the region?

What is the position and approach of the government, ministries, regional government, municipal government?

Who is the drafter leader of RES development in the region?

Who are natural or potential facilitators, brokers, who else is important?

Who restrains the development of RES the most?

Are any specific persons important? If yes, who are they?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2., D3.4.

I29 Vertical policy coordination:

How do you evaluate the policy coordination in favor of RES?

Coordination EU – state - region – town is….

Where exactly lays the problem in the coordination?

What changes over the time?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

I30 (Knowledge and impulses)

How is knowledge and information shared among institutions in RES?

Where do the impulses come from, who plays the most important part in obtaining and sharing of information?

What barriers exist to share knowledge and know-how among institutions?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

I31 (Information sources)

Do you turn for help with information, resources and finances on regional, national or transnational level?

To whom do you turn and why?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.

I32 Do you have enough information about where you can obtain financial resources for support of RES in your company? What are the sources of

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.




from106


Deliverables

this kind of information?

I33 In case you realize research & development in the field of RES, do you have enough possibilities to obtain financial resources for this demanding process? If yes, mainly from what sources?

1, 4, 5, 6

D3.2.

I34 For cluster members:

Are you a member of a cluster or an existing partnership in the field of RES?

Describe the existing partnership, or cluster.

How would you evaluate the particular partnership, or cluster?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

I35 In your opinion, what is the cooperation in the field of RES in the region like?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

I36 Cluster formation:

Do you think that the region has potential for the establishment of a cluster in the field of RES?

What do you think should be done for the support of development in this field?

What problems do you expect?

What advantages can the cluster bring, and for whom?

How do you see the possibility of a cross-border cluster?

What is the potential of research for a research driven cluster?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

D3.4.

3.3 Sample design

What is sampling?

Sampling is the process of selecting units (e.g., people, organizations) from a population of interest so that by studying the sample it´s possible to fairly generalize the results back to the population from which they were chosen. Sampling is that part of statistical practice concerned with the selection of individual observations intended to yield some knowledge about a population of concern, especially for the purposes of statistical inference.

Researchers are surveying the sample instead of the entire population for two reasons: 1. the cost is too high,

2. the population is dynamic, i.e., the component of population could change over time.




from106

The main advantages of sampling are that the cost is lower, the data collection is faster, and it is possible to ensure homogeneity and to improve the accuracy and quality of the data because the data set is smaller.

In most applied research, the researchers are interested in generalizing to specific groups. The group they wish to generalize to is often called the population of the study. This is the group they would like to sample from because this is the group they are interested in generalizing to.

The purpose of sampling is to reduce the cost of collecting data about a population by gathering information from a subset instead of the entire population.

Stratifying a sample allows the researcher to increase precision by grouping categories within the sample into more homogeneous sets. Standardised definitions of categories are important regarding generalisability and comparability of results.

All the subjects analyzed within the KNOWBRIDGE primary research are divided into six basic groups. Each group has its specifications and there are differences in questions that will be asked them (see Error! Reference source not found. and Error! Reference source t found.).

What is the difference between the first and second group? In both there are included companies dealing with RES. The main principle is that if a company fulfils the conditions for being included in the first group it cannot be included in the second group. In the first group has to be included also each company that is doing R&D in the area of RES (e.g. it has a R&D division).

In global no institution in the research can be included in more than one group.

It is important for local researchers to have a clear understanding of the categorisations for each level of stratification. In the following tables (Error! Reference source not found. and REF _Ref251137880 \h \* MERGEFORMAT Error! Reference source not found.) all six target groups for both, the SK and HU, regions are described.

Table 5 Institutions dealing with RES in SK divided to target groups

Target group

No.

Type of institution Description of institution Estimated number of participating institutions

1 Companies dealing with RES on the supply side

Small, medium and large enterprises - companies dealing with RES engaged in development, production, processing or distribution of renewable energy sources – e.g. Tepláreň Košice, a. s. and Východoslovenská energetika a.s.

Estimated number of participating companies - 12




from106

Target group

No.


2 Companies dealing with RES on the demand side

Small, medium and large enterprises - companies dealing with RES engaged in use and consumption of various forms of renewable energy


3 Regional and local governments

Košice Self-governing Region, 17 cities in the region, advanced municipalities (e.g. Kechnec)

Estimated number of participating institutions - 20

4 Universities, R&D institutions and Institutes of Slovak Academy of Sciences

Universities, R & D institutions and Institutes of Slovak Academy of Sciences


5 Regional Advisory Centres Regional Advisory Centres, that coming into contact with renewable energy companies - Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (Branch Košice), Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency (Branch Košice), Slovak Environmental Agency, (Branch Košice), Regional Advisory and Information Centres, Business&Innovation Centres, Agencies for support of the regional development in the Košice Self-governing Region.


6 Non-profit sector (public associations, non-investment funds, foundations, non-profit organizations, international organizations, associations of legal entities)

- NGO SOSNA – Centre for Sustainable Alternatives

- Friends of the Earth - NGO People and Water


Summary Estimated number of participating institutions – 80




from106

Table 6 Institutions dealing with RES in HU divided to target groups

Target group

No.


1. Companies dealing with renewable energy sources on the supply side

1. Small, medium and large enterprises - Companies dealing with renewable energy sources engaged in development, production, processing or distribution of renewable energy sources


2. Companies dealing with renewable energy sources on the demand side

Small, medium and large enterprises -

Companies dealing with renewable energy sources engaged in use and consumption of various forms of renewable energy


3. Regional and local governments

Northern Hungary Region, 27 bigger cities in the region, advanced municipalites


4. Universities, R&Dinstitutions

Universities, R & D institutions and Institutes


5. Regional Advisory Centres

Regional Advisory Centres, that coming into contact with renewable energy companies


6. Non-profit sector (public associations, non-investment funds, foundations, non-profit organizations, international organizations, associations of legal entities)

MSZET (Hungarian Windenergy Association)

INNOCENTER

Energia-Központ


Summary

Estimated number of participating institutions – 63

3.3.1 Questionnaire sampling

The questionnaire survey will be realised before the focus groups and semi-structured interviews. During the questionnaire survey all six target groups will be examined, each entity of the population – it means, by the questionnaire 100% of population of the study will be requested. In order to ensure the research significance the expected response rate of questionnaires is:

Target groups 1., 2., 3., 6. – 60%

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Hungary

http://szotar.sztaki.hu/dict_search.php?M=1&O=HUN&E=1&C=1&A=1&S=H&T=1&D=0&G=0&P=0&F=0&MR=100&orig_lang=HUN%3AENG%3AEngHunDict&orig_mode=1&orig_word=t%C3%A1rsas%C3%A1g&popup_partner=www.sztaki.hu&sid=f673c8322a2be3b3d8e99be9bdc4d5fc&L=ENG%3AHUN%3AEngHunDict&W=association




from106

Target groups 4., 5. – 90%

Position of the required respondent within each target group will be described in questionnaire.

For questionnaires for each target group separately see Annex 1-6. As each entity is included just in one of the six target groups, the double query answering is avoided. The final list of surveyed institutions has to be prepared after the questionnaire survey was done.

3.3.2 Focus groups sampling

Focus group should consist of 7-12 participants. The length of the focus group will be as necessary (normally 1,5 to 2 hours). The participants of each focus group will be selected, only invited people can take a part.

Within KNOWBRIDGE project two focus groups will be organised:

Focus Group I. Technology development

Focus Group II. Economic development and networking

The selection of invited participants should be done on the base of their expertise. In each focus group at least one representative of each target group and at least one expert in the researched topic should take part. It is strongly recommended to invite also experts outside investigated regions (Kosice region and BAZ region).

The focus group participants will be selected on the basis of:

responses in questionnaires and semi-structured interviews,

expertise and experience,

geographical location.

As focus groups will help to identify possible RES cluster members at least 14 institutions (participants) should take part in two focus group sessions.

3.3.3 Semi -structured interview sampling

Semi-structured interviews are time consuming and they are resource intensive. This is why the interviews will follow after the questionnaire survey. The interviewed subjects will be identified on the basis of questionnaires. The selection of participants should be done on the base of their expertise.

At least 25% organisations from organisations which returned questionnaires (response rate for target groups 1., 2., 3., 6. Is at least 60%, for target groups 4., 5. is at least 90%) will take part in semi-structured interviews. The division of semi-structured interviews based on target groups:

Target groups 1, 2, 3, and 6. – 15% of total population in these target groups

Target groups 4, 5. – 22,5 % of total population in these target groups

As semi-structured interviews will help to identify possible RES cluster members at least 15 institutions (participants) should be interviewed.




from106

3.4 Statistical data treatment

As the semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews will represent the qualitative research and questionnaires will represent the quantitative part of the research there is necessary to use different approaches also during the statistical data treatment.

3.4.1 Questionnaire data treatment

The questionnaire survey will be realised by the use of online form available at the Google site. This form of asking provides the possibility to automatic transformation of data obtained from questionnaires into different formats. The Excel format will be used to the quick and exact data transformation. The MS Excel program will allow the customisation and adaption of the reached data and the further treatment. The specialised programs, as it is e.g. SPSS for Windows will be used for the statistical data treatment as well. The statistical data treatment will be done by TUKE. The interpretation of statistical data will be done by each responsible partner in HU and SK.

3.4.2 Focus groups data treatment

The qualitative data reached from the focus groups will be collected, summarised and evaluated in the corresponding reports (see Chapters 4, 5, 6.). The reports will be in English language which will enable further work on project deliverables. For focus group data treatment the Focus group evaluation forms will be used (see Annex 11).

3.4.3 Semi-structured interview data treatment

The qualitative data reached from the semi-structured interviews will be collected, summarised and evaluated in the corresponding reports (see Chapters 4., 5., 6.). The reports will be in English language which will enable further work on project deliverables. For semi-structured interview data treatment the Semi-structured interview evaluation forms will be used (see Annex 12).

3.5 Methods for comparison of two regions

First of all, a cross-comparative research project has to ensure comparability through the definition of common research objects, common classification, and common scales of evaluation.

This methodology provides detailed description of data that have to be obtained in both regions and also describes the forms how to get this data. The common approach to the analyses is also described. All of this gives a good presumption of highly comparable results of research.

Continuous communication during the analyses realization is necessary between the researchers of two regions. This will ensure the equal perception of the common methodology.

The comparability of research samples is guaranteed by the common definition of six basic target groups. Each group has its specifications and there are differences in questions that will be asked them. The content of each target group is defined and the list of institutions




from106

included in each target group was created with the cooperation between the Slovak and Hungarian partners. This ensures the common definition of research samples in both regions.

Common secondary data were designed. This will ensure the fully comparable information reached from them.

The questions in the questionnaires are the same in both regions. This methodology provides exact questionnaires for each target group, and also specifies the method of their collection. There is defined also the method of interpretation of results. Each question has its own code. It is necessary to use these codes during the whole analysis as well as in the translated version of the questionnaire. In every mention of the surveyed question there has to be clear which one is it. This utilisation of codes will allow each person who will work with the analysis results to clearly identify the relevant question, without the necessity of translate it back to English or to the national language. Each question will have the same form in both national languages and also in English. It includes in each question the same selection possibilities and in the scaled questions the same scales (the basic is the scale of 5, where “1” meaning “strongly disagree” and “5” meaning “strongly agree”).

The questions to investigate are also common for both regions in semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The target groups they are designed for are defined.




from106

4. Guideline for D3.2. Report on RTD, RTD infrastructures, R&D institutions and business entities on regional level with direct impact on selected sector.

4.1 Research description

D 3.2 Report on RTD, RTD infrastructures, R&D institutions and business entities on regional level with direct impact on RES sector will help to find opportunities for improving current situation in RES sector in KNOWBRIDGE partner regions. The research relating economic development, their evolution and impact will be carried out in project partner countries. The aim is to describe existing RTD support framework in less developed countries and regions (Slovakia, Hungary). Report will be focused also on demand of institutions for new technologies and human resources which would noticeably increase theirs research capacity. The analyses of the regional business side will be taken up, while the analysis of business need is the crucial in the definition of the future JAP. The report will also describe the available financial sources both public and private, which can be used for funding the RTD activities within the partner regions.

In order to better understand the guideline for D3.2 preparation the important terms are explained below:

What is Research and Development (R&D)?

Research and development (R&D) comprise creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. The term R&D covers three activities: basic research, applied research and experimental development. Basic research is experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundation of phenomena and observable facts, without any particular application or use in view. Applied research is also original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective. Experimental development is systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience, which is directed to producing new materials, products or devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, or to improving substantially those already produced or installed. R&D covers both formal R&D in R&D units and informal or occasional R&D in other units (OECD,2002).

What is Research and Technological Development (RTD)?

Research and technological development (RTD) is the main driver of scientific and technological progress and innovation and, as such, is an important contributor to improvements in living standards. Public intervention in RTD is generally justified as a corrective to so-called "market failures", with public support reducing uncertainty, providing investment where research is a public




from106

good or where there are significant externalities (Official Journal of the European Union,2008).

What are Research Infrastructures?

Research infrastructures are facilities, resources or services of a unique nature that have been identified by research communities to conduct top-level activities in all fields. This definition of research infrastructures, including the associated human resources, covers major equipment or sets of instruments, in addition to knowledge-containing resources such as collections, archives and data banks. Research infrastructures may be “single-sited”, “distributed”, or “virtual” (the service being provided electronically). They often require structured information systems related to data management, enabling information and communication (European Communities, 2008).

The D3.2 Report on RTD, RTD infrastructures, R&D institutions and business entities on regional level with direct impact on selected sector will be the output of the several analyses carried out in WP3 Analyses and Integration of Research Agenda of Cross Border Cluster. It will be built mainly on:

1. Analyses of RTD and RTD infrastructures in the RES sector.

2. Analyses of R&D institutions in the RES sector.

3. Analyses of business entities in the RES sector.

The research will be undertaken in two regions on NUTS III level:

Košice region

BAZ region

The research will be divided into three main parts:

Part I: Research on RTD and RTD infrastructures Part II: Research on R&D institutions Part III: Research on business entities Part I: Research on RTD and RTD infrastructures The aim of the research is:

to analyse the structure of technologies used by R&D institutions and business entities in the RES sector in the SK and HU region;

to analyse the research cooperation between R&D institutions in the region and the technology sharing between entities;

to analyse the research potential and the ability of implementing new technologies / innovation - in R&D institutions and business entities.




from106

The following hypotheses were selected and will be tested: Hypothesis 1. Technical infrastructure is insufficient for research-oriented potential cluster, there is lack of world class research infrastructure.

Hypothesis 2. R&D institutions at the universities and Academy of Sciences are oriented on the basic research and do not share their infrastructure in the region.

Hypothesis 3. The cooperation between SK and HU is undeveloped, there is lack of information about partners and predominantly academic cooperation – conferences.

Hypothesis 4. Several institutions are involved in EU research, including funding from EU sources.

Hypothesis 5. There is lack of knowledge database and access to information on trends, patents and publications is limited.

Part II: Research on R&D institutions The aim of the research is:

to analyse quantity and structure of the R&D institutions in RES sector in selected regions;

to analyse quality of performance of the R&D institutions in RES sector in selected regions;

to analyse process of formation of R&D institutions in RES sector;

to analyse the current level of cooperation between R&D institution in RES sector in Košice and BAZ region.

The following hypotheses were selected and will be tested: Hypothesis 6. There is a low number of R&D institutions in RES sector in Košice and BAZ regions comparing to regions with a well developed and innovative RES sector.

Hypothesis 7. The operation areas of R&D institutions in RES sector in Košice and BAZ regions do not fully fit into the needs of the firms in RES sector within these regions.

Hypothesis 8. The R&D institutions in RES sector in Košice and BAZ regions are under-equipped (funding, humans, technical equipment, skills, knowledge etc.) comparing to R&D institutions in regions with a well developed and innovative RES sector.

Hypothesis 9. There is lack of cooperation of R&D institutions in RES sector in Košice and BAZ regions within each other as well as with private sector, comparing to R&D institutions in regions with well developed and innovative RES sector.

Hypothesis 10. R&D institutions in RES sector in Košice and BAZ regions based their research on knowledge from EU but the results of their research is mainly used within the region or country.




from106

Part III: Research on business entities The aim of the research is:

to analyse the current status of the RES sector in terms of business entities and to refer to expected trends in the RES sector,

to analyse the industry competitive structure (concentrated or fragmented industry),

to analyse knowledge-based territorial dynamics. To examine whether businesses entities focus on the creation of new knowledge or on the use of existing knowledge,

to analyse programs, projects and activities related to the RES sector, to which are the business entities in the RES sector mostly interested in,

to analyse the current status of the cooperation between the business entities and business entities and other institutions in the RES sector.

The following hypotheses were selected and will be tested: Hypothesis 11. The RES sector has a nature of a fragmented industry in researched regions. The number of small and medium-sized businesses entities perform there and neither of them has a dominant market position.

Hypothesis 12. The business entities in the RES sector do not create new knowledge, they are mostly concentrated on the use of existing knowledge.

Hypothesis 13. The current development programs prepared by national and international institutions poorly reflect the needs and requirements of businesses entities that operate in the cross-border environment.

Hypothesis 14. The level of cooperation between the business entities in the RES sector as well as between business entities and other institutions is insufficient. The business entities do not show the willingness to cooperate and the atmosphere of distrust predominates.

The research will include:

a) secondary data

b) primary data

The following secondary data will be analysed:

S1 - Structure of research and development expenses – according to activities of research and development:

basic research

applied research

development

S2 - Structure of employees in research and development (in %)

by work specification (researchers, technicians, help personnel)

by qualification

by gender




from106

S3 – Share of companies with innovation activities from the total number of companies in the region (in %)

S4 – Share of identified companies dealing with RES from the total number of companies in the region

Solar energy

Wind energy

Geothermal energy

Hydro energy

Biomass

S5 - R&D expenditure by source of financing as a % of total (% of GDP),

S6 – Expenditures on research and development by research field according to: location, research field, indicator type and year (Natural sciences, Technical sciences, Medical and pharmaceutical sciences)

S7 - Employees in research and development (up to 31.12.) according to: location, research and development employees, qualification structure and year.

S8 - Total intramural R&D expenditure by sectors of performance and region,

S9 - Total R&D personnel by sectors of performance (employment) and region,

S10 - Patent applications to the EPO by priority year at the regional level by IPC sections and classes.

S11 – Number of Business entities - firms engaged in renewable energy sources

S12 - % Business entities - firms engaged in renewable energy sources to the total number of firms active in the area of Košice region, BAZ region

S13 – % firms engaged also in research and development, whose main interest are renewable energy sources, to the total number of companies engaged in renewable energy sources

S14 - Number of employees working in firms engaged in renewable energy sources to the total work force of employees (total employable population) in both regions

S15 - Annual data on employment in technology and knowledge-intensive sectors at the regional level,

S16 - Annual data on Human Resources in Science and Technology,

S17 - Number of employees in research and development by sectors on regional level

S18 - Patent applications to the EPO at the regional level,

S19 - Number of statistical units by economic activity - regional data,

S20 - Number of employees by economic activity - regional data,

S32 – Expenditures on research and development financed from public sources in Košice region (% GDP)

S33 – Expenditures on research and development financed from private sources in Košice region (% GDP)

S34 - Total expenditures on research and development by sectors on the regional level




from106

For the structure and detailed description of secondary data see Chapter 3.1 of this Methodological guide. The data will be collected within WP3 and some of them will be included in D 4.1. List of benchmarking indicators.

The primary data will be gained through: a) qualitative research; b) quantitative research.

The quantitative research will include the Questionnaire (see Annex 1-6). For sampling and target groups see Chapter 3.3 of this Methodological guide.

The qualitative research will include semi-structured interviews and also Focus Groups. For sampling and target groups see Chapter 3.3 of this Methodological guide.

4.2 State of the Art in Košice region and BAZ region

This chapter should provide the answers to the series of questions for two researched regions and it is divided into two subchapters: Chapter 4.2.1 State of the Art in Košice region Chapter 4.2.2 State of the Art in BAZ region Each subchapter will consist of four parts:

Part I. Characteristics of the researched regions (Košice region or BAZ region).

Part II. Analysis of RTD and RTD infrastructures in the RES sector.

Part III. Analysis of R&D in the RES sector.

Part IV. Analyses of business entities in the RES sector. Please take into account the following comments:

All questions are focused on RES sector needs.

The codes of questions from Questionnaire (see part 3.2.1 of this Methodological guide) are indicated below each question.

Some questions will request additional secondary research.

Always provide the source of the data.

How to proceed? Part I. Characteristics of the researched regions (Košice region or BAZ region) Characterise the situation in the region based on secondary data. Describe the current status of RTD infrastructure, amount and quality of RTD infrastructure and business entities, that dedicate their activities to RES and R&D. In this part, there will also be a brief description of




from106

current status in the use of different types of the RES, including most frequently used technologies and inovations in the RES sector.

Part II. Analysis of RTD and RTD infrastructures in the RES sector

Provide answers to the questions below. Please use both written descriptions and graphs and tables in order to demonstrate the results better. QUESTION 1: Which technologies in the RES are developed at the present time? (in the area of solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, hydropower, biomass) Question Codes: Q2, Q7, I5, FG3, FG4

QUESTION 2: Which technologies in the RES are mostly used at the present time? (in the area of solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, hydropower, biomass) Question Codes: Q3,Q4, I3, FG1, FG2

QUESTION 3: Which technologies (inovations) mostly affected the RES in the last 5 years? Question Codes: Q5, Q7, Q10, Q17, Q19

QUESTION 4: Do you make use of equipment or technology in the field of RES offered by other institutions, or do you offer the possibility of using your equipment to other institutions (if appropriate)? Question Codes: I2, I3, I4, I6 QUESTION 5: What is the current status of available and planned RTD infrastructure, technology and equipment? Question Codes: Q8, Q9, Q11 QUESTION 6: What equipment, tools and devices are you currently most lacking in the RTD infrastructure in the RES sector? Question Codes: Q15, I7, I8, FG7 Part III: Analysis of R&D in the RES sector Provide answers to the questions below. Please use both written descriptions and graphs and tables in order to demonstrate the results better. QUESTION 1: What is the level of quality and what is the main activity of R&D institutions dealing with RES? Question Codes: Q8, Q9, Q10, Q11, Q19, I9, I10

QUESTION 2: What is the level of knowledge and major research focus of the staff of R&D institutions dealing with RES? Question Codes: Q8, Q9, Q10, Q11, Q14, I1

QUESTION 3: What are the possibilities for the R&D institutions active in the RES to obtain funding for basic and applied R&D? Question Codes: Q12, Q40, Q41, I32, I33




from106

QUESTION 4: What are the biggest and most common barriers to R&D that face the R&D institutions in the RES sector? Question Codes: Q15, I7, I8, FG7

QUESTION 5: What are the most used operating procedures and processes for the R&D institutions in the RES sector? Question Codes: Q5, I3, I10, I15

QUESTION 6: What products are developed by the R&D institutions in the RES sector? Question Codes: I5, I10, I12

Part IV. Analyses of business entities in the RES sector

Provide answers to the questions below. Please use both written descriptions and graphs and tables in order to demonstrate the results better. QUESTION 1: What is the level of quality and what is the main activity of business entities dealing with RES? Question Codes: Q8, Q9, I9, I11, I12

QUESTION 2: What is the level of quality and what is the main activity of the business entities in the RES sector, that also deal with R&D? Question Codes: Q8, Q9, I9, I10, I11, I12

QUESTION 3: What is the level of cooperation between business entities dealing with RES and business entities in SK, HU or in the world? Question Codes: Q22, I13, I25, I26, I27

QUESTION 4: What is the level of cooperation between business entities dealing with RES and R&D institutions and universities in SK, HU or in the world? Question Codes: Q22, I13, I24, I26

QUESTION 5: What are the possibilities for the business entities in the RES sector to obtain funding? Question Codes: Q12, Q40, Q41, I33

QUESTION 6: What are the possibilities for the business entities in the RES sector to obtain funding for R&D? Question Codes: Q12, Q40, Q41, I33

QUESTION 7: What are the biggest and most common barriers to R&D that face the business entities in the RES sector? Question Codes: Q15, I7, I8, FG7

QUESTION 8: What are the most used operating procedures and processes for the business entities in the RES sector? Question Codes: I3, I13, I15

QUESTION 9: What products are developed by the business entities in the RES sector? Question Codes: I5, I10, I11, I12




from106

4.3 Comparison of two regions

This Chapter will enable to identify the common features of both researched regions as well as main differences between them. Chapter 4.3 will consists of four main subchapters:

Part I. The comparison of main characteristics of Košice region and BAZ region.

Part II. The comparison of RTD and RTD infrastructures in the RES sector of Košice region and BAZ region.

Part III. The comparison of R&D institutions in the RES sector of Košice region and BAZ region.

Part IV. The comparison of business entities in the RES sector of Košice region and BAZ region.

Please take into account the following comments:

All questions are focused on the RES sector.

Compare all available data from Chapter 4.2.

Do not evaluate, evaluation is part of Chapter 4.4 Conclusions.

How to proceed?

Part I. The comparison of main characteristics of Košice region and BAZ region and RES sector.

Based on Chapter 4.2. 1 (Part I.) and Chapter 4.2.2 (Part I.) compare the main characteristic of both examined regions. Use the Tables and Graphs to facilitate easier understanding of research findings. Include the comparison of RES sector.

Part II. The comparison of RTD and RTD infrastructures in the RES sector of Košice region and BAZ region, Part III. The comparison of R&D institutions in the RES sector of Košice region and BAZ region and Part IV. The comparison of business entities in the RES sector of Košice region and BAZ region: compare the answers from both examined regions. Please use both written descriptions and graphs and tables in order to better demonstrate the results.

4.4 Conclusions

This Chapter is aimed:

to evaluate results provided in Chapter 4.2 and Chapter 4.3

to accept or reject Hypotheses 1 -14 stated in Chapter 4.1.

to provide cross regional view on RTD, RTD infrastructures, R&D institutions and business entities in examined regions.

to offer recommendations for further work in KNOWBRIDGE project aims fulfilment.




from106

How to proceed? Answer the following questions: QUESTION 1. How the results from Chapters 4.2 and 4.3 can be interpreted?

QUESTION 2. How the results from Chapters 4.2 and 4.3 can be evaluated?

QUESTION 3. What are the major similarities of both regions?

QUESTION 4. What are the major differences of both regions?

QUESTION 5. Does the research confirm the hypothesis? Evaluate each hypothesis separately. Firstly, provide testing for each region separately. Provide the facts for hypothesis acceptation or rejection. Then interpret results from cross regional point of view.

QUESTION 6. What are the most important findings? Highlight them from cross regional perspective.

QUESTION 7. What are the most important recommendations for the further work within KNOWBRIDGE project? Put all results into KNOWBRIDGE project perspective. How can the obtained results help to fulfil KNOWBRIDGE project objectives?


Always focus on topic of research (RTD, RTD infrastructures, R&D institutions and business entities)

Focus on cross regional aspect (Košice region and BAZ region)

Put your evaluation into historical context of both examined regions

Put your evaluation into political context of both examined regions

Do not describe (description was undertaken in Chapter. 4.2 and 4.3) but evaluate

Explain why the common features as well as differences occur, consider the reasons

Use all tools that will help to better understand the finding, include e.g. graphs, tables.

4.5 Use of the Report

How to proceed? Answer the following questions: QUESTION 1. Who are the target groups of this Report? Define them.

QUESTION 2. How the Report addresses the needs of each target group?

QUESTION 3. How the Report can be useful for each target group defined?

QUESTION 4. What are the limitations of the Report?

QUESTION 5. What more could be done in the researched area? Give recommendation for further research.




from106

5. Guideline for D3.3. Report on technological development in RES sector


D3.3. Report on technological development in RES sector will describe the technological development in partner regions and compare it with the technological development in the EU and the world. It will also help to describe and compare the economic development policies in partner regions. Analyses integrated in the report will be focused also on research in the area of energy-efficient technologies.


Technology and technology development

Is the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science.

Souder and Sherman (2004) say that technology is a key resource of profound importance for corporate profitability and growth. It also has enormous significance for the well-being of national economies as well as international competitiveness.

Technology is the state of knowledge concerning ways of converting resources into outputs (OECD).

Technology has been described as “the currently known ways of converting resources into outputs desired by the economy” (Griliches, 1987)

Economic development

Heinz Wolfgang Arndt (1989) defined the economic development as „a rise in the levels of living of the common people“ and measured by growth of per capita income. He also added some statements that describes this term. He said that the economic development means: higher living standards, a rising capita income, increase in productive capacity, mastery over nature, freedom through control of man´s environment, economic growth, elimination of poverty, basic needs satisfaction.

Economic development refers to economic growth accompanied by changes in output distribution and economic structure. These changes may include an improvement in material well-being of the poorer half of the population, a decline in agriculture´s share of GNP and a corresponding increase in GNP share of industry and services, an increase in education and skills on labour force, and substantial technical advances originating within the country (Nafziger 2006).




from106

The D3.3 Report on technological development in RES sector will be the output of the several analyses carried out in WP3 Analyses and Integration of Research Agenda of Cross Border Cluster. It will be built mainly on:

1. Analyses of the technology development in the area of RES

2. Analyses of the situation in the area of economic development policies in RES


1. Košice region

2. BAZ region

The research will be divided into two main parts:

Part I: Research on technology development

The aim of the research is:

to identify the technologies utilized in the RES sector at the present time

to analyze the utilization of energy efficient technologies at the present time

to identify the technologies that are missing in HU, SR in comparison with the EU and world trends

to evaluate the ability of implementing new technologies / innovation ability

The following hypotheses were selected and will be tested:

Hypothesis 1. Both regions has similar structure of used technologies in the RES sector

Hypothesis 2. Both regions has similar level of usage of energy efficient technologies

Hypothesis 3. In both regions there is free space to implement new technologies and innovation possibility

Hypothesis 4. The level of the technology development in the partner regions is lower than the EU average

Part II: Research on economic development policies


to analyze the tools used to support the economic development in the area of RES - national and regional level

to compare the economic development policy between SK and HU


Hypothesis 5. The tools used to support the economic development of the region in the RES sector are in the SK, HU regions similar - in the national as like as in the regional level

Hypothesis 6. There are differences in the economic development policy in the area of RES




from106

The research will include

a) secondary data

b) primary data


S35 - Total production of primary energy

S36 - Primary production of renewable energy

S21 - Energy consumption per inhabitant:

Gross inland consumption / capita

Final energy consumption / capita

Household consumption / capita

Final electricity consumption / capita

S22 - Renewable energy sources:

Primary production

Inputs to electricity and heat production

Final consumption of RES (excl. electricity)

Electricity generation from RES

Electrical capacities of RES

Liquid bio fuels - production

Solar panel surface in m2

S23 - Total European patent applications:

per EU, per countries

Number of applications per million inhabitants

For the structure and detailed description of secondary data see Chapter 3.1 of this Methodological guide. The data will be collected within WP3 and some of them will be included in D 4.1. List of benchmarking indicators.

The primary data will be gained through

a) qualitative research;

b) quantitative research.

The quantitative research will include the Questionnaire (see Annex 1-6). For sampling and target groups see Chapter 3.3 of this Methodological guide.

The qualitative research will include semi-structured interviews and also Focus Groups. For sampling and target groups see Chapter 3.3 of this Methodological guide.




from106

5.2 State of the art in Košice region and BAZ region

This chapter should provide the answers to the series of questions for two researched regions and is divided into two subchapters:

State of the Art in Košice region

State of the Art in BAZ region

Each subchapter will consist of three parts:

Part I. Characteristics based on secondary data (Slovakia or Hungary)

Part II. Analyses of the technology development in the area of RES

Part III. Analyses of the situation in the area of economic development policies in RES



The codes of questions from Questionnaire

Error! Reference source not found. and Error! Reference source not found. of this thodological guide) are indicated below each question.



How to proceed?

Part I. Characteristics based on secondary data (Slovakia or Hungary)

Characterise the situation in the region based on secondary data. Describe the indicators of renewable energy production in comparison with the total energy production, the energy consumption indicators, the RES indicators (primary production, inputs to electricity and heat production, final consumption of RES excl. electricity, electricity generation from RES, electrical capacities of RES, liquid bio fuels production, solar panel surface in m2, ...), indicate the situation in the area of patent applications, etc.

Part II. Analyses of the technology development in the area of RES

Provide the answers to the questions below. Please use both written descriptions and graphs and tables in order to better demonstrate the results.

QUESTION 1. What technologies are utilised in the RES sector at the present time? Describe the technologies in areas:

research and development




from106

energy production / for the manufacture of machinery and equipment for energy production

energy consumption

Question Codes: Q2, Q3, Q4, FG1

Prepare the list of technologies (divided by RES sector: solar energy, wind, geothermal energy, hydroenergy, biomass)

RES sector Technology Name of institution

The level of importance of the technology

for the institution

Address and contact

QUESTION 2. What are the missing technologies? Describe the technologies in each area:

research and development

energy production / for the manufacture of machinery and equipment for energy production

energy consumption

Question Codes: Q2, Q3, Q4, FG1, FG2, FG3

QUESTION 3. What energy efficient technologies are utilized at the present time, and what is the level of this utilization? Question Codes: Q2, Q3, Q4, FG1, FG4, FG5

QUESTION 4. Are the institutions able to develop and implement new technologies? What is the level of technology innovation at the present time? Question Codes: Q5, Q7, Q19, I10, I11, I12, FG7

QUESTION 5. What is the attitude of institutions in the RES sector to the technological development? Question Codes: Q1, Q7, Q10, I10, I13, FG7

QUESTION 6. What are the barriers of technology development? Question Codes: I7, I8, I13, FG1, FG7, FG10

QUESTION 7. How the analysed entities see the situation in their region in comparison with the EU and the world (from the point of view of utilization of RES technologies)? Question Codes: Q9, Q11, FG3, FG6, FG11




from106

Part III. Analyses of the situation in the area of economic development policies in RES


QUESTION 1. What was the development of RES in the region? Give a short introduction to the development of RES in the region. Question Codes: FG8, FG10, Q39

QUESTION 2. What is the perception of economic development policy in the region? Question Codes: Q36, Q37, I21, Q66

QUESTION 3. What tools are used on different levels of government to support the RES sector? Question Codes: I21, Q39, I22

QUESTION 4. What is the cooperation of RES sector with related and other sectors? Question Codes: Q38, FG9


This Chapter will enable to identify the common features of both researched regions as well as main differences between them.

Chapter 5.3 will consists of three main subchapters:

Part I. The comparison of main characteristics based on secondary data.

Part II. The comparison of technology development in the area of RES in Košice region and BAZ region.

Part III. The comparison of the situation in the area of economic development policies in RES in Košice region and BAZ region.


All questions are focused on RES sector.



How to proceed?

Part I. The comparison of main characteristics based on secondary data.

Based on Chapter 5.2.1 (Part I.) and Chapter 5.2.2 (Part I.) compare the main characteristic of both examined regions. Use the Tables and Graphs to facilitate the easier understanding of research finding.

Part II. The comparison of technology development in the area of RES in Košice region and BAZ region and Part III. The comparison of the situation in the area of economic development policies in RES in Košice region and BAZ region.




from106

Compare the answers from both examined regions. Please use both written descriptions and graphs and tables in order to better demonstrate the results.

5.4 Conclusions


To evaluate results provided in Chapter 5.2 and Chapter 5.3

To accept or reject Hypotheses 1-6 stated in Chapter 5.1.

To provide cross regional view on technology development in examined regions.

To offer recommendations for further work in KNOWBRIDGE project aims fulfilment.

How to proceed? Answer the following questions:

QUESTION 1. How the results from Chapters 5.2 and 5.3 can be interpreted?




QUESTION 5. Does the research confirm the Hypothesis? Evaluate each hypothesis separately. Firstly provide testing for each region separately. Provide the facts for hypothesis acceptation or rejection. Then interpret results from cross regional point of view.


QUESTION 7. What are the most important recommendations for the further work within KNOWBRIDGE project? Put all results into KNOWBRIDGE project perspective. How can obtained results help to fulfil KNOWBRIDGE project objectives?


Always focus on topic of research (technology development, economic development policies in connection with RES sector)




Do not describe (description was undertaken in Chapter 5.2 and 5.3) but evaluate



5.5 Use of the report

How to proceed?

Answer the following questions:




from106

QUESTION 1. Who are the target groups of this Report? Define them.








from106

6. Guideline for D3.4 Report on capacity for knowledge creation, transfer and use in RES.


D3.4 Report on capacity for knowledge creation, transfer and use in RES sector will help to discover strengths and weaknesses in human resources and knowledge transfer and usage in Kosice region and BAZ region. The Report will include state of the art of the regional social capital in partnership regions as well as cross-border (SK-HU) focused on existing partnerships for enhancing research driven economic development. The aim is to discover links and existing relationships between main actors in RTD in both regions. Report will discover and describe existing cooperation between companies, support institutions, regional authorities and R&D institutions within both regions as well as cross border cooperation.


What is Knowledge?

Zack (1999) defined data as observation or facts, information as data in a meaningful context, and knowledge as meaningfully- organized accumulation of information. Tobin (1996) added the level of wisdom over knowledge and defined knowledge as information + application. Finally, Beckman (1997) proposed a five- level knowledge hierarchy. He added two levels over knowledge and called them expertise and capability. In his model, knowledge is the result of adding reasoning, abstraction, relationship and application to information.

Knowledge is a fluid mix of framed experience, values, contextual information, and expert insight that provides a framework for evaluating and incorporating new experiences and information. It originates and is applied in the minds of knowers (Davenport and Prusak, 2000).

What is Knowledge Transfer?

Knowledge transfer is nominally concerned with the process of moving useful information from one individual to another person. Notably, in order for this transferred information to have utility, it must be critical to the success of the organization (Davenport & Prusak, 2000). When organizations use knowledge resources, these assets tend to increase in that both the giver and receiver are enriched as a result of the transaction (Davenport & Prusak, 2000). For example, more than one individual can use knowledge at the same time, and shared knowledge stimulates the creation of new knowledge. More importantly, this process appears to reduce costs and significantly contribute to overall organizational success by preventing individuals from repeating the mistakes of other individuals (Baum & Ingram, 1998; Gruenfeld, Martorana, & Fan, 2000).




from106

What is Human Capital?

Human capital represents the people an organization employs, and their skills, knowledge, and experience. "Human capital is productive wealth embodied in labour, skills and knowledge" (United Nations).

“A marketable commodity possessed by individuals; can take the form of education, skills, or talent” (CFED).

What is Social Capital?

“Social capital can be defined simply as the existence of a certain set of informal values or norms shared among members of a group that permit cooperation among them” (Fukuyama, 1997).

“Features of social organization such as networks, norms, and social trust that facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit” (Putnam, 1995).

“Social capital is defined by its function. It is not a single entity, but a variety of different entities having two characteristics in common: They all consist of some aspect of social structure, and they facilitate certain actions of individuals who are within the structure: (Coleman, 1990).

The D3.4 Report on capacity for knowledge creation, transfer and use in RES will be the output of the several analyses carried out in WP3 Analyses and Integration of Research Agenda of Cross Border Cluster. It will be built mainly on:

1. Analyses of the regional capacity for knowledge creation, transfer and use in RES

sector;

2. Analyses of the level of social capital and networking in RES sector.


Kosice region

BAZ region

The research will be divided into two main parts:

Part I: Research on knowledge creation, transfer and use


to analyse the knowledge creation, use and transfer in selected regions with focus on RES sector;

to analyse Human Resources (HR) and Human Resource Development (HRD) in selected regions with focus on RES sector;

to analyse the regional needs in the area of knowledge creation, transfer and use and education for the RES sectors enhancement (firms, public sector, NGOs…).


Hypothesis 1. The existing structure of educational institutions in region is sufficient for RES sectors needs.




from106

Hypothesis 2. The existing offer of education in region provides the relevant knowledge for RES sectors needs.

Hypothesis 3. The knowledge transfer between R&D institutions in regions to firms does not exist or is unsatisfactory.

Hypothesis 4. The knowledge in the area of RES is predominately gained outside of the selected regions.

Part II: Research on social capital and networking


to analyse the structure, types and principles of existing partnerships and networks in the area of RES in SK-HU selected regions;

to analyse the effects and influence of partnerships and networks for regional development in RES sector in SK-HU selected regions;

to analyse the barrier and obstacles for partnerships and networks in RES sector enhancement;

to analyse the possibilities for further clustering in RES sector.


Hypothesis 5. The existing networks are adapted to the earlier economic structures and do not necessarily support the restructuring of the economy and the emergence of the new actors.

Hypothesis 6. The new actors need to build new, competing networks that distribute and reproduce norms, values and behaviour in conformity with the new economics actors demand it means that the “old” networks are obstruct of the cooperation –there is a need for “a creative destruction” of obsolete ”old” social capital in order to facilitate creation of the new social capital.

The research will include: a) secondary data

b) primary data


Demographical indicators in regions (NUTS III level)

Regional employment data

The list of all institutions that create knowledge in the area of RES including the type of RES

The list of all educational institutions in the area of RES

Human resources in the area of R&D

The expenditure on R&D in % of GDP

The participation in further education




from106

Patents in RES sector

For the structure and detailed description of secondary data see part 3.1 Secondary data collection of this Methodological guide. The data will be collected within WP3 and will be included in D 4.1. List of benchmarking indicators.

The primary data will be gained through a) qualitative research;

b) quantitative research.

The quantitative research will include the Questionnaire (see Annex 1-6). For sampling and target groups see part 3.3 of this Methodological guide.

The qualitative research will include semi-structured interviews. For sampling and target groups see part 3.3 of this Methodological guide.

6.2 State of the art in Košice region and BAZ region

This chapter should provide the answers to the series of questions for two researched regions and is divided into two subchapters:

Chapter 6.2.1 State of the Art in Košice region

Chapter 6.2.2 State of the Art in BAZ region

Each subchapter will consist of three parts:

Part I. Characteristic of the researched region and RES sector (Košice region or BAZ region)

Part II. The analysis of capacity for knowledge creation, transfer and use in RES sector in region

Part III. The analysis of the level of social capital in RES sector in region



The codes of questions from Questionnaire (see part 3.2.1 of this Methodological guide) are indicated below each question.



How to proceed?

Part I. Characteristic of the researched region and RES sector (Košice or BAZ region)

Characterise the situation in the region based on secondary data. Describe demographical indicators, regional employment data, institutions that create knowledge, educational institutions, human resources in the area of R&D, the expenditure on R&D, the participation in further education, patents in RES sector, etc. Provide all data that should help to better understand human capital, social capital and knowledge creation, transfer and use in




from106

examined region outside the primary research within KNOWBRIDGE project. Include the basic description of RES sector.

Part II. The analysis of capacity for knowledge creation, transfer and use in RES sector in region


QUESTION 1. WHERE the Knowledge is created? Question Codes: Q23

Prepare the list of institutions (educational institutions, R&D institutions, companies, supporting institutions, other…)

Name of institution

Type of institutions

Main area of activity

Area of RES Address and contact

QUESTION 2. WHAT knowledge is created? (patents, original R&D outputs, experiments, technical and technological improvement, data, information, innovation, the new products based on own research...) Question Codes: Q23, Q24

Prepare the list of all kind of knowledge focused on RES sector

Area of RES Kind of knowledge Institution Address and contact

QUESTION 3. WHERE the knowledge can be gained? A) formal education (A level - leaving exam, BSc., MSc, PhD)

B) non formal education

i. Accredited

ii. Non accredited

Prepare the list of institutions on regional level including study programs, courses, etc.

Name of institution

Type of institutions

Type of education

Educational offer

Address and contact




from106

QUESTION 4. Are the existing structures of educational institutions in general and educational institutions in the area of RES and in the region satisfactory and do they reflect the RES sectors needs? Identify the gap in education offer in the area of RES in the region. Question Codes: Q24, Q25, Q26, Q27

QUESTION 5. WHO enables to gain the knowledge and WHERE the respondents gain the knowledge in the area of RES? Do they have information about possibilities for knowledge gaining? Question Codes: Q35, Q28, Q29

QUESTION 6. Does the transfer and sharing of the knowledge exist? Question Codes: Q31, Q32, Q33, Q34

QUESTION 7. HOW the institutions USE the knowledge? Question Codes: Q35

Part III. The analysis of the level of social capital in RES sector in region


QUESTION 1. WHAT is the attitude of the respondents towards partnership, networking and mutual cooperation? Describe and evaluate the existing partnerships. Include the activities, programmes or projects were the respondents are involved. Evaluate the interests of target groups. Question Codes: Q46, Q47, Q48, Q49, Q51-59

QUESTION 2. Do the institutions TRUST to each other? Question Codes: Q48, Q49, Q50

QUESTION 3. Is the interest in CLUSTER creation? Describe attitudes and expectations of respondents. Include the opinions of respondents who are already cluster members. Question Codes: Q60-66

QUESTION 4.WHO are the key RES leaders and supporters? Question Codes: Q67-68


This Chapter will enable to identify the common features of both researched regions as well as main differences between them.

Chapter 6.3 will consists of three main subchapters:


Part II. The comparison of capacity for knowledge creation, transfer and use in RES sector in Košice region and BAZ region.

Part III. The comparison of the level of social capital in RES sector in Košice region and BAZ region.


All questions are focused on RES sector.




from106



How to proceed?


Based on Chapter 6.2. 1 (Part I.) and Chapter 6.2.2 (Part I.) compare the main characteristic of both examined regions. Use the Tables and Graphs to facilitate the easier understanding of research finding. Include the comparison of RES sector.

Part II. The comparison of capacity for knowledge creation, transfer and use in RES sector in Košice region and BAZ region.

and

Part III. The comparison of the level of social capital in RES sector in Košice region and BAZ region.

Compare the answers from both examined regions. Please use both written descriptions and graphs and tables in order to better demonstrate the results.

6.4 Conclusions


To evaluate results provided in Chapter 6.2 and Chapter 6.3

To accept or reject Hypotheses 1 -6 stated in Chapter 6.1.

To provide cross regional view on human and social capital and knowledge creation, transfer and use in examined regions.

To offer recommendations for further work in KNOWBRIDGE project aims fulfilment.


QUESTION 1. How the results from Chapters 6.2 and 6.3 can be interpreted?




QUESTION 5. Does the research confirm the Hypothesis? Evaluate each hypothesis separately. Firstly provide testing for each region separately. Provide the facts for hypothesis acceptation or rejection. Then interpret results from cross regional point of view.


QUESTION 7. What are the most important recommendations for the further work within KNOWBRIDGE project? Put all results into KNOWBRIDGE project perspective. How can the obtained results help to fulfil KNOWBRIDGE project objectives?




from106


Always focus on topic of research (knowledge creation, transfer and use, social capital, networking in connection with RES sector)




Do not describe (description was undertaken in Chapter 6.2 and 6.3) but evaluate



6.5 Use of the Report










from106

7. Guideline for D8.5. Report on energy efficient technologies.

7.1 Report description

Report will be prepared partially based also on the analyses carried out in WP3 and will include main findings regarding energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy technologies suitable for both partner regions and also will inform about those of them that are available in partner regions and that should be utilised in SK and HU enterprises. Report will be widely distributed to business entities in SK and HU and will aim to decreasing of energy requirements of the regional actors in the most efficient ways.

The D8.5 Report on energy efficient technologies will be partially the output of the several analyses carried out in WP3 Analyses and Integration of Research Agenda of Cross Border Cluster. It will be built mainly on:

1. Analyses of RTD infrastructure and sharing;

2. Analyses of technology development in the area of RES.

The D8.5 Report on energy efficient technologies has to take into account also the results and findings gained within the WP7 Mentoring and mutual learning.

The D8.5 Report on energy efficient technologies will need also a secondary research. This secondary research should provide global, complementary and extension data.

The other data outside of research mentioned in Methodological guide should be included as well.

7.2 Aims of the report

The aim of the report is:

to identify the criteria of energy efficient technologies;

to detect the energy efficient technologies in both regions;

to identify the energy efficient technologies that are missing in both regions.


The project is focused on RES sector.



Always focus on topic of report (energy efficient technologies)






from106

7.3 Content of the report

While preparing the report provide the answers to the questions below:

QUESTION 1. What are the global criteria to consider a technology as energy efficient? Is it possible to consider any technology in the RES sector (solar energy, wind, geothermal energy, hydroenergy, biomass) as energy efficient? Based on what criteria?

QUESTION 2. Which technologies are energy efficient? Prepare the list of energy efficient technologies in both (SK and HU) regions.

Field of industry Energy efficient technology

Technology description

Name of institution Address and contact

QUESTION 3. Which main energy efficient technologies are missing in the partner regions (SK and HU)?










from106

8. Guideline for D8.6. Report on energy solution responding to SMEs specific energy demands in the region


Report will include the best practices and future trends in the area of possible energy solutions suitable for SMEs that will be based on real regional needs and requirements. Report will be widely distributed to SMEs in SK and HU.

The D8.6. Report on energy solution responding to SMEs specific energy demands in the region will build on the results of the WP4 Benchmarking and Good Practices Transfer and will be the output of the several analyses carried out in WP3 Analyses and Integration of Research Agenda of Cross Border Cluster.

The D8.6. Report on energy solution responding to SMEs specific energy demands in the region has to take into account also the results and findings gained within the WP7 Mentoring and mutual learning.

The D8.6. Report on energy solution responding to SMEs specific energy demands in the region will need also a secondary research. This secondary research will provide global, complementary and extension data.




to identify the best practices in the use of RES;

to detect the trends in the area of possible energy solutions;

to identify the needs and requirements of the regions and of SMEs;

to find the suitable energy solutions for SMEs in the area of RES.





Always focus on topic of report (energy solution responding to SMEs specific energy demands in the region).

Focus on cross regional aspect (Košice region and BAZ region).





from106



QUESTION 1. What are the best practices in the use of RES? Identify the best practices in both (SK and HU) regions as well as in the EU and world?

QUESTION 2. What are the trends in the area of possible energy solutions? Identify the trends in both (SK and HU) regions as well as in the EU and world.

QUESTION 3. What are the basic needs and requirements of the SMEs in both (SK and HU) regions? What are the basic needs and requirements of both (SK and HU) regions?

QUESTION 3. How can meet the best practices and trends in energy solutions with:

the needs and requirements of the regions

the needs and requirements of SMEs?










from106

9. Guideline for D8.8. Report on research in the area of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy technologies


Report will be prepared based on the analyses carried out in WP3 and will include information about all research institutions and technology centres that undertake research in the area of energy efficient technologies and renewable energy technologies including the main expertise provided by those institutions in two cross border regions. Report will be widely distributed to business entities in Slovakia and Hungary and will enable them to find the most suitable research institutions and expertise during its energy saving problem solution.

The D8.8 Report on research in the area of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy technologies will be the output of the several analyses carried out in WP3 Analyses and Integration of Research Agenda of Cross Border Cluster. It will be built mainly on:

1. Analyses of RTD infrastructure and sharing;

2. Analyses R&D institution.

The D8.8 Report on research in the area of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy technologies has to take into account also the results and findings gained within the WP7 Mentoring and mutual learning.

The D8.4 Report on energy efficient technologies will need also a secondary research. This secondary research will provide global, complementary and extension data.




to state the situation with research institutions and technology centres in both (SK and HU) regions;

to identify institutions that undertake research in the area of energy efficient technologies and renewable energy technologies;

to identify the GAP in the research in the area of RES in both regions.





Always focus on topic of report (research in the area of energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy technologies).




from106

Focus on cross regional aspect (Košice region and BAZ region).




QUESTION 1. What is the situation with research institutions and technology centres in both (SK and HU) regions? Describe their availability, financial background, expertise level, research orientation, etc.

QUESTION 2. Which institutions undertake research in the area of energy efficient technologies and renewable energy technologies? Prepare the list of research institutions and technology centres in both (SK and HU) regions.

Research institutions in the area of renewable energy technologies:

Name of institution

Research in the RES sector (solar, wind,

geothermal, hydroenergy, biomass)

Research orientation in this

sector

Expertise level Address and contact

Institutions in the area of energy efficient technologies:

Name of institution

Research sector (field of industry)

Research orientation in this

sector

Expertise level Address and contact

QUESTION 3. What type of research is missing in the partner regions (SK and HU)?










from106

10. METHODOLOGY FOR BENCHAMARKING

WHAT IS BENCHMARKING?

Benchmarking is a powerful technique that provides practical learning through comparing measurements, policies or outcomes, across industries, sectors, policies, products or services. The essence of benchmarking is the process of identifying the highest standards of excellence for products, services or processes and then making the improvements necessary to reach those standards. There are four basic steps of the benchmarking process:

Step 1. Gathering Information

The first step is defining and collecting indicators from official sources. In the case that data are not available some ad hoc surveys could be designed. The process is facilitated by past experiences at international level.

Step 2. Comparing & Understanding

The data are stored in a database, which immediately generates a Benchmark Index Report. The report provides comprehensive and quantifiable performance indicators, highlighting the country’s strengths and weaknesses against those of the comparison group chosen.

Step 3 - Analysing the Information

A preliminary analysis is carried out in order to start the process of identifying the key improvement areas on which action should be focused on.

10.1 Benchmarking methodology

KNOWBRIDGE project benchmarking methodology takes into consideration the results of the previous EC funded projects focused on benchmarking of innovation, research policies etc. The results of the following projects1 have been investigated during the KNOWBRIDGE benchmarking methodology preparation:

ARISE – Accelerating Regional Innovation Strategy Exchanges (5 regions)

http://www.arise-project.com (web side not accessible for the moment)

EMERIPA- European Methodology for Regional Innovation Policy Impact Assessment and Benchmarking (8 regions)

http://www.emeripa.net

EUROCOOP – Regional Innovation Policy Impact Assessment and Benchmarking Process: Cooperation for Sustainable Regional Innovation (8 regions)

http://www.iccr-international.org/eurocoop

1 Regional Innovation Policy Impact Assessment & Benchmarking - Guidebook - http://www.innovating-

regions.org/download/IABBrochure_final_layout.pdf

http://www.arise-project.com/

http://www.emeripa.net/

http://www.iccr-international.org/eurocoop

http://www.innovating-regions.org/download/IABBrochure_final_layout.pdf

http://www.innovating-regions.org/download/IABBrochure_final_layout.pdf




from106

IASMINE – Impact Assessment Systems & Methodology for Innovation Excellence (5 regions)

http://www.iasmine.net

IMPACTSCAN – Innovation policy impact assessment at regional level: benchmarking for dissemination of differing performances to raise awareness of policy makers, to stimulate successful measures and good practice (7 regions)

http://www.impactscan.net

INNOWATCH – Application of Technology Watch Methodology for Assessment of Regional-Innovation policy impact on SMEs (4 regions)

http://www.idetra.com/innowatch

MERIPA - Methodology for European Regional Innovation Policy Assessment (5 regions)

http://www.meripa.org

OMEN – Optimal Practices, Development Policies and Predictive Models for Regions in an enlarged EU (6 regions)

http://www.omen-project.org

The benchmarking will be executed in the following areas: 1. national and regional economic development policies;

2. national and regional RTD support policies;

3. technological development in RES sector;

4. knowledge creation, transfer and use;

5. financial tools and approaches for RTD funding;

6. RTD infrastructure improvement and sharing;

7. transfer between business entities and research entities, in particular SMEs through

networking.

There are two separate groups which are important from the benchmarking point of view:

1. benchmarking of policies,

2. benchmarking of areas relevant to project goals and outputs (context dada).

There are several methodological approaches to benchmarking. The most common used methodology for benchmarking of policies is based on different matrix models. The main advantage of this approach is that matrix allows not only to benchmark (comparison of the policies tools or approaches) but also to realize the policy impact assessment.

The second approach (context data) is based mainly on comparisons and finding of differences between prescribed indicators. In order to ensure the comparability of different indicators the common system for data comparison has to be defined.

http://www.iasmine.net/

http://www.impactscan.net/

http://www.idetra.com/innowatch

http://www.meripa.org/

http://www.omen-project.org/




from106

The aim of the context data comparison is to identify the main differences areas relevant to project aims.

As regards “geographical” areas Kosice region on NUTS III level (or Eastern Slovakia on NUTS II level where appropriate) and Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén region on NUTS III (or North Hungary on NUTS II level where appropriate) as innovation lagging regions to project partners regions in Spain and UK as well developed innovation regions will be benchmarked.

In all benchmarking indicators where it will be possible (except policy benchmarking) also EU average will be considered as the benchmark. This is needed because of the low number of regions included in to benchmarking process.

10.1.1 Policy benchmarking methodology – the matrix

Usually the matrix models for policy benchmarking and impact assessment are based on different matrixes evaluating relationships between policy objectives and intermediaries of the policy tools, intermediaries and services they are offering and impact of services on support receives (entrepreneurs).

KNOWBRIDGE project is focused on one economic sector – the RES sector. Not only regional policies but also the national policies will be benchmarked. According to results of KNOWBRIDGE methodology meetings matrix model was adapted according to data availability in project partner regions and countries.

The Table 7 describes the general philosophy of adapted KNOWBRIDGE matrix model

Table 7 Matrix model of the Knowbridge project

National Economic development policy Policy focus table

Regional Economic development policy Policy focus table M1

National RTD support policy Policy focus table

Regional RTD support policy Policy focus table M1

Policy focus tables – Policy measures according to policy intermediaries

As can be seen from the table above four policies focus table are needed for benchmarking for each country (SK, HU, E, UK).

Policy focus table describes the existence of particular policy measures and identify the way of policy measures implementation through the different responsible bodies (intermediaries).

In the vertical axis, responsible public bodies and cooperating players2 (actors) that are in charge of implementing public policies that affect to companies of the Sector of Renewable

2 Private and public organizations but basically publicly finance and in charge of implementing public R&D and innovation

policies.




from106

Energy Sources (RES Sector). These actors can be of regional or national nature. To be able to compare and benchmark data for all project partners countries and regions organisation responsible for implementation of particular policy measures are grouped in to four basic groups (Intermediary types).

Intermediary types definition:

Administration

Those are departments of the own regional Administration offering specific services to innovation and general economic development. They often fund intermediaries and infrastructures or deliver direct funding to firms. Both groups “Economic development organisations” and “Administration” work usually very close together under common regional directives.

RTD Institutions

RTD institutions are structures having research as their primary mission; however they can have offices (technology transfer services, liaison offices, etc.) created in order to disseminate or economically exploit the result of their research. By definition, their activities are mostly focussed on applied research and predominantly on RES sector. They mainly offer information services, support in R&D and expert or specialised training. Like almost all R&D activities, most of these structures are either public, or publicly financed, however they might collect private R&D funds. Target clients of this type of structure are large companies, institutions and innovation-driven SMEs.

Support institutions

In this category several types of service centres can be included (specialised service centres, technology transfer centres, innovation centres, technology brokers, etc.). The Service Centres category also includes the service agencies of Chambers of Commerce/Industry or other supporting organisations.

In this category also “association” and economic development organisation operating in RES should be included

Non government organizations (NGO)

In this category all NGO´s (according to the national law and principles of particular country) dealing with renewable energy sector and implementing policy goals should be included.

In the horizontal axis measures (actions or policies) that can affect companies of the RES Sector. Some of these measures perhaps are not oriented to the RES Sector but can be used by companies of this sector. Following text list the policy measures for RTD support policies and economic development policies:

The list of RTD policy measures:

Formation in R&D&I activities and management

Contracting of researchers or technologist by companies

Supporting R&D&I projects




from106

Cooperation on R&D&I (clusters)

Internatio-nalization of R&D&I activities

Commercia-lisation of innovations within the country and abroad

Financing of SME or start-up

Creation of new Enterprise

Formation in Renewable energy and Energy Efficiency

Supporting Energy Efficiency project

Supporting Renew-able Energy projects

Skills – recruiting/retaining high quality candidates to the sector

The list of economic development policy measures:

Support of foreign direct investments (FDI)

Support of FDI – focused on research development and innovation

Support of hard infrastructure development (high-ways etc.)

Support of hard infrastructure development (infrastructure in R&D)

Support of employment

Support of employment in R&D

Commercialisation of innovations within the country and abroad

Direct or indirect support of SME or start-up trough

Direct or indirect support of environmental projects

Direct or indirect support of Renew-able Energy projects

The aim of the benchmarking is to benchmark two basic types of the policies (Economic development policy and RTD support policy). For each policy type separate matrix will have to be prepared on national and regional level.

Definition of economic development policy – economic policy

According to aim of this project – to maximise the benefits of research infrastructures for cross border and regional economic development – this type of the research should include all policies on national and regional level that are supporting the economic growth and development.

For this purpose the best solution is the economic policy – with the primary aim to maintain economic growth and taxes revenues.

Definition of RTD support policy

RTD support policy can involve several types of policies focused on research, development and innovation. According to focus of our survey – to cover all possible RTD support tools at




from106

national and regional level all policies dealing with support of technology transfer, research, development and innovation should be included. From theoretical point of view the best solution will be to investigate Innovation policy. Innovation policy is combination of the research, technology and industrial policy. Innovation policy can be characterized as the most general (Kuhlman & Edler, 2003). Innovation policy often includes also environmental policy, social policy or labour policy.

Graph 2 Innovation policy

Following tables gives an example for matrix 1 (M1) for economic development policies and for RTD support policies.




from106

Table 8 Policy focus table for Economic development policies

M1 Regional level National level

Economic development policy

Administration

R&D institutions


NGO´s Administrati

on R&D

institutions Support

institutions NGO´s

Support of FDI X X

X


X X

X


X X

X


X X

X

Support of employment X

X X


X

X X


X

Direct or indirect support of SME or start-up

X


X





from106

Table 9 Policy focus table for RTD support policies


RTD support policy

Administration R&D


institutions NGO´s Administration

R&D institutions


NGO´s


X X

X


X X

X

Supporting R&D&I projects X X

X

Cooperation R&D&I (clusters)

X X

X

Internationalization of R&D&I activities

X


X

Financing of SME or start-up Creation of new Enterprise Formation in Renewable energy and Energy Efficiency

X


X



X




from106

The policy focus table is fulfilled with ticks according following: if a particular intermediary type (responsible public bodies and cooperating players) is doing or has done a particular measure.

Matrix 1– Assessment matrix

When policy matrix is filled the matrix 1 – assessment matrix can be developed. This matrix is providing information about the degree of satisfaction or utility of these measures to beneficiaries (companies). The sample of companies should be decided by each partner in accordance to their experience and possibilities, but under the supervision of the leader of the WP4. The sample should be representative of the regional companies in the RES Sector.

Each interviewed company should fulfil a questionnaire that will be in the form of a matrix:

If the cells in the policy focus table had a tick, the cell in matrix 1 should be answered choosing one option of the Table 4. The interviewed companies has to assess a specific measure to support its activity provide by a specific responsible actor.

Table 10 Possible answer to asses a measure

Answer Code

Don’t know = DN

Known but never used = NU

Very bad opinion = 1

Bad opinion = 2

Good opinion = 3

Very good opinion = 4

If the cell in policy focus table is blanked, no information is required.

Following tables presents the assessment matrixes for Economic development policies and

RTD support policies.




from106

Table 11 Matrix 1 for Economic development policies - for firms


Economic development policy Administration R&D institutions

Support institutions NGO´s Administration

R&D institutions

Support institutions NGO´s

Support of FDI %DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD


%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD


%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD


%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

Support of employment

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD


%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD


%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

Direct or indirect support of SME or start-up

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD


%DN, %NU PR





from106

Table 12 – Matrix 1 for RTD support policies - for firms


RTD support policy Administration R&D


institutions NGO´s Administration

R&D institutions


NGO´s


%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD


%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

Supporting R&D&I projects %DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

Cooperation R&D&I (clusters) %DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

Internationalization of R&D&I activities

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD


%DN, %NU PR, M, SD

Financing of SME or start-up

Creation of new Enterprise

Formation in Renewable energy and Energy Efficiency

%DN, %NU PR, M, SD


%DN, %NU PR, M, SD



%DN, %NU PR, M, SD




from106

10.1.2 Context data

Context data describe the situation in RES sector in areas relevant to the project aims. Comparison of the context data will allow the identification of differences project relevant areas. Context data can be summarised as follows:

General information about the regions – Size and density

General position of the region in knowledge economy - Policy context

Regional innovation policy governance

RES sector position within the regional economy

Technological development in RES sector:

Is there any agreed agenda (regional plan or similar) on energy sector? (YES / NO)

Is there any agreed agenda (regional plan or similar) on RES sector? (YES / NO)

Is there any forecast study on RES sector technologies? (YES / NO)

Knowledge creation, transfer and use:

Number of private technology centres with R&D and innovation activities in the RES field? (NUMBER)

Number of university departments (research teams) with R&D activities in the RES field? (NUMBER)

Number of public research bodies with R&D activities in the RES field? (NUMBER)

financial tools and approaches for RTD funding:

Are there private venture capital firms located in the region? YES/NO

Are there public venture capital institutions in the region? YES/NO

Venture capital/GDP? NUMBER (we are not sure if this figure is available, but probably yes)

RDT infrastructure improvement and sharing:

Number of technology incubators in the region? NUMBER

Number of technology parks in the region? NUMBER

Is there an innovation relay centre in the region? YES/NO

Transfer between business entities and research entities, in particular SMEs through networking:

Are there specific interface institutions to transfer knowledge from universities to the companies? (YES / NO)

Are there specific interface institutions to transfer knowledge from public research bodies to the companies? (YES / NO)

Is there any Master focused on RES technologies in the region? (YES / NO)

Is there any Master focused on RES sector management in the region? (YES / NO)




from106

10.2 Step 1 Gathering Information

Information gathering will be based on the list of benchmarking indicators. The list of benchmarking indicators will consist of two separate lists. The first one will provide information from adapted matrix model and the second one for context data.

Benchmarking data have to be collected for all 4 regions:

Region 1 – BAZ region – North Hungary

Region 2 – Košice region – East Slovakia

Region 3 – UK region

Region 4 – Spanish region

10.2.1 Information gathering for matrix model

Policy focus tables

The data for policy focus tables are secondary data from different sources on national and regional level.

Data gathering on national level

Data gathering for development policy focus tables follow these steps:

STEP 1 – List the main economic development policies on national and regional level

First step is simple list of all economic development policies in all project partner countries and regions. For identification of the economic development policy use the definition from chapter 11.1.1

STEP 2 – Identification of the measures of the economic development policies and organization which implement these measures.

The aim of this step is to develop policy focus table 8. If particular intermediary type implements the policy measure a tick should be marked in the cell of the table. This will be done by the secondary research of the responsible project partner. If necessary the information can be confirmed by the responsible organization.

Data gathering for RTD support policy focus tables follow these steps:

First step is simple list of all RTD support policies in all project partner countries and regions. Use For identification of the economic development policy use the definition from chapter 10.1.1

STEP 2 – Identification of the measures of the economic development policies and organization which implement these measures.

The aim of this step is to develop policy focus table 9. If particular intermediary type implements the policy measure a tick should be marked in the cell of the table. This will be done by the secondary research of the responsible project partner. If necessary the information can be confirmed by the responsible organization.




from106

Matrix 1

Matrix 1 – is the assessment matrix. Matrix 1 – will come out from the policy focus table. The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy measures by the beneficiaries (companies)

The firms will be asked to assess a specific policy measure to support their activities provided by the specific intermediary type. The possible answers are as follows:

Table 13 Possible answer to asses a measure

Answer Code

Don’t know = DN

Known but never used = NU

Very bad opinion = 1

Bad opinion = 2

Good opinion = 3

Very good opinion = 4

Firms will be asked only cells which were marked with ticks in policy focus table. (See tables 8 and 9).

Firms will have to fill two matrixes (table 11 and 12) as described chapter 10.1.1.

To obtain the information for developing the Matrix and interview with the firms must be done. The sample of the firms should representative to regional companies in RES sector. The minimum response rate is 15% of total population of the RES sector firms in the region.

10.2.2 Information gathering for benchmarking (Context data)

These are the data from list of benchmarking indicators. Table 13 presents the proposed basic structure for list of the benchmarking indicators. Empty cells are to be discussed on benchmarking team meeting.

Table presents also area of data collection. According to the project proposal data for 4 regions must be collected.

Region 1 – BAZ region – North Hungary

Region 2 – Košice region – East Slovakia

Region 3 – UK region

Region 4 – Spanish region

Where it will be possible also data for EU mean must be collected.

IMP Median – is the median of all 4 regions data.

IMP Max – is the maximal value of all 4 regions data

IMP Min – is the minimum value of all 4 regions data




from106

Table 14 List of the benchmarking indicators proposal

Variable Source

Re

gio

n 1

Re

gio

n 2

Re

gio

n 3

Re

gio

n 4

EU

me

an

IMP

Me

dia

n

IMP

Ma

x

IMP

Min

Region size and density

Size (population) Eurostat

Density of population Eurostat

Share of the region in national GDP Eurostat

Policy context (general position of region in knowledge economy)

GDP per capita Eurostat

Growth rate of GDP per capita Eurostat

Revealed Regional Summary Innovation Index EU Regional Scoreboard

Total R&D expenditures on GDP Eurostat

Share of the region in national R&D expenditures Eurostat

Public R&D expenditures on GDP (GERD - BERD) Eurostat

EPO patents per million population RIS 2006 other

Population with a tertiary education (% of 25-64 years age classes)

Eurostat - RIS 2003/ 2006 -

Human resources in S&T - core (% of active population)

Eurostat RIS 2006

Participation in life-long learning (% of 25-64 years age classes)

Eurostat RIS 2006

Regional Innovation policy governance

Degree of autonomy of the region in RDTI matters

Context setting – secondary sources

Existence of coordination platform/management infrastructure for innovation policy (steering committee)

Context setting




from106

Existence of holistic regional innovation strategy + existence of a regional plan/document stipulating the regional innovation support strategy and infrastructure (objectives, instruments, intermediaries, activities)

Context setting

Strength of monitoring and evaluation efforts for innovation policy

Context setting

Perspectives and plans for reinforcement of innovation policy

Context setting

RES sector position within the regional economy

Patent applications to the EPO by priority year at the regional level by IPC sections and classes (to choose RES sector classes)

Eurostat

Share of the business entities operation in RES to all business entities within the region

Eurostat

Number of Business entities making research and development in RES sector to all companies operating in RES sector in the region.

Eurostat

Energy consumption per inhabitant: - Gross inland consumption / capita - Final energy consumption / capita - Household consumption / capita - Final electricity consumption / capita

Eurostat

Renewable energy sources: - Primary production - Inputs to electricity and heat production - Final consumption of RES (excl. electricity) - Electricity generation from RES - Electrical capacities of RES - Liquid biofuels - production - Solar panel surface in m2

Eurostat

Knowledge creation transfer and use

Number of private technology centres with R&D and innovation activities in the RES field? NUMBER

Secondary research

Number of university departments (research teams) with R&D activities in the RES field? NUMBER

Secondary research

Number of public research bodies with R&D activities in the RES field? NUMBER

Secondary research

Are there specific interface institutions to transfer knowledge from universities to the companies? YES/ NO. Further information if YES: In case of YES it would be possible to try to find the number, but the figure is not always relevant and available. The important thing is the existence of this kind of

Secondary research




from106

institutions. As long as you do not know the size of the institutions the number is not so relevant.

Is there any Master focused on RES technologies in the region? YES/NO

Secondary research

Is there any Master focused on RES sector management in the region? YES/NO

Secondary research

Publications in Journal Citation Report in the region/ million of inhabitants? NUMBER. If possible focus only in publications related to RES technologies.

Secondary research

Financial tools and approaches for RTD funding

Are there private venture capital firms located in the region? YES/NO

Secondary research

Are there public venture capital institutions in the region? YES/NO

Secondary research

Venture capital/GDP? NUMBER (we are not sure if this figure is available, but probably yes)

Secondary research

RTD infrastructure improvement and sharing

Number of technology incubators in the region? NUMBER

Secondary research

Number of technology parks in the region? NUMBER

Secondary research

Is there an innovation relay centre in the region? YES/NO

Secondary research

Transfer between business entities and research entities, in particular SMEs through networking.

Are there specific interface institutions to transfer knowledge from universities to the companies? (YES / NO)

Secondary research

Are there specific interface institutions to transfer knowledge from public research bodies to the companies? (YES / NO)

Secondary research

Is there any Master focused on RES sector management in the region? (YES / NO)

Secondary research

Is there any Master focused on RES technologies in the region? (YES / NO)

Secondary research




from106

10.2.3 Description of indicators for benchmarking

In order to perform benchmarking process, each benchmarking indicators has to be described (see Table 14) For better understanding see examples below (Table 15 for quantitative indicators and Table 16 for qualitative indicators.)

Table 15 Table for indicators description

Number of the indicator Name of the indicator Indicator description

Source Eurostat

Measurement Quantitative

Metric 0= min.

5 = regions mean

10= max.

Table 16 Example of quantitative indicator

Number of the indicator

Name of the indicator Business Expenditure on R&D (BERD) (% GDP)

Indicator description

This indicator measures the R&D expenditure (from all sources of funding) of the business sector (manufacturing and services) as a percentage of GDP. The indicator captures the formal creation of new knowledge within firms. It is particularly important in the science-based sectors (pharmaceuticals, chemicals and some areas of electronics) where most new knowledge is created in or near R&D laboratories.

Source Eurostat (2007)

Measurement Quantitative

Metric 0= min.

5 = regions mean

10= max.




from106

Table 17 Example of qualitative indicator

Number of the indicator Name of the indicator Quality of innovation culture and attitude towards risk

Indicator description

“Innovation culture” includes notably the following elements:

Firms (and society as such) openness towards risks and

entrepreneurship, which includes “behaviour ” and “leadership management”: tolerance to failure, freedom for and stimulation of initiative-taking, fostering of employees’ empowerment and self learning, idea generating promotion, team oriented leadership, …

Willingness to collaborate with external partners (confidentiality issues), including foreign partners,

Attention for innovation and R&D opportunities

Willingness to think over organisation and decision-making process to stimulate idea generation and innovation project management...

This indicator can also be backed up with reference to figures like: share of small companies introducing improved product, new product, new processes, and share of SMEs innovating in collaboration.

Source Questionnaire

Measurement Qualitative

Metric

0=

weak innovation culture – lots of barriers exist in the society and within the traditional business sphere – few innovative SMEs

5 = some sectors are concerned but low participation of SMEs or some main sectors in this culture

10=

innovation culture is strong and firms’ practices are evolving in many sectors, innovative SMES are developing in all main sectors of the region.

10.3 Step 2 - Comparing & Understanding

Once all benchmarking matrixes and all benchmarking indicators are collected the comparing and understanding process can begin. For the comparison and understanding the indicators an excel tools can be use.

There are three important outputs of the benchmarking process in KNOWBRIDGE project:

SWOT analyses

Best practices

Trends identification

For this purpose benchmarking process has to be focused on the following areas:

Regional self-assessment – Košice region




from106

Regional self-assessment – BAZ region

Inter-regional comparisons - Košice region – to all regions – in case of policy also benchmark to country is possible

Inter-regional comparisons – BAZ region – to all regions in case of policy also benchmark to country is possible

For comparison and understanding of collected data spider graphs and histograms are very useful tools.

For understanding the final results of the assessment matrix following calculation should be done:

a) % of answers “Don’t know it”.

b) % of answers “Never used”.

c) % of answers “Very bad opinion” or “Bad opinion” or “Good opinion “ or “Very good opinion”. (the sum of these three percentages is 100%). This would be a kind of indicator of the penetration rate of the measure.

d) Average score for opinion.

e) Standard deviation for opinion.

Graph 3 Spider graph example

0.1 inhab0.2 inhab/sqkm

0.3 GDP R/N

1.01 GDP/inhab

1.02 Gr. GDP/inhab

1.03 RRSII

1.04 1-unempl

1.05 R&D/GDP

1.06 R&D R/N

1.07 PublicR&D/GDP

1.08 EPO pat / m inhab

1.09 %pop 3rd ed

1.10 %ed Sc&Tech

1.11 %lifelong learning

1.12 Brain-drain/gain2.1 Autonomy2.2 Rbgt inno/capita

2.3 RInno/Rbudget

2.4 Rinno/GDP

2.5 Rinno/Tinno

2.6 Coord mgt. Platform

2.7 RIS holistic

2.8 Monitoring innopol

2.9 Reinf.innopol

3.1 Support infr.

3.2 Comm platf. firms

3.3 Network culture

4.1 Firms RD exp

4.2 Empl.HTech mfgt.

4.3 Empl.HTech serv.4.4 Innov. Culture

Region 2

Region 1

Region 4

Region 3

IMP_Max

IMP_Mean

IMP_Min




from106

Graph 4 Histogram example

10.4 Step 3 - Analysing the Information

In case of the KNOWBRIDGE project analysing of the benchmarking information will be focused directly on outputs of the benchmarking process.

10.4.1 Inputs for SWOT analyses

Benchmarking is very good tool for identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the region. Regional self assessment will be used for this purpose.

Regional self-assessment – Košice and BAZ regions

This part should provide inputs for SWOT analyses; therefore analyses of the benchmarking data should answer the following questions:

What are the main strengths and weaknesses of Košice and BAZ region in following fields?:

RTD and economic development policies and RDT funding possibilities for RES sector;

technology utilization in RES sector;

knowledge creation, transfer and use for RES sector.

What are the main strengths and weaknesses of Košice and BAZ region in regional innovation policy governance?

0

10 000 000

20 000 000

30 000 000

40 000 000

50 000 000

60 000 000

a Enhancement of the firms innovation capacity

c Increase in availability of technology

e Creation of new technology-based firms

Services vs Policy objectives

IMP_Max

IMP_Mean

IMP_Min

MAX

MEAN

MIN

Region 1

Region 2

Region 3

Region 4




from106

What is the position of RES sector within the economy of the region comparing to EU average and benchmarked regions?

Which intermediaries are responsible for the implementation of key policy priorities? Can we assign certain policy objectives to specialised Intermediaries?

What is the degree of acknowledge of a measure among companies

What is the degree of using of a measure among companies

What is the average score of a measure among companies

For those measures and institutions that better results have been obtained a in-depth case study could be done if it is considered interesting.

10.4.2 Inputs for best practices and trends identification

For this purpose the following comparison analyses are needed:

Inter-regional comparisons - Košice region – to all regions – in case of policy also benchmark to country is possible

Inter-regional comparisons – BAZ region – to all regions in case of policy also benchmark to country is possible

From inter-regional comparison – main differences in each area should be identifies – than best practices from secondary sources such as policy tool financial tools etc. should be described.

The best practices will be used as inputs for the following deliverables:

D 4.2. Report on best practices and trends in the area of national and regional economic and technological development focused on RES sector

D 4.3. Report on best practices and trends in the area of national and regional RTD support policies; financial tools and approaches for RTD funding

D 4.4. Report on best practices and trends in the area of knowledge creation, transfer between business entities and research entities, in particular SMEs through networking




from106

11. Guideline for D 4.2. – D 4.4 Reports on best practices and trends

This guide is common for following deliverables:

D 4.2. Report on best practices and trends in the area of national and regional economic and technological development focused on RES sector

D 4.3. Report on best practices and trends in the area of national and regional RTD support policies; financial tools and approaches for RTD funding

D 4.4. Report on best practices and trends in the area of knowledge creation, transfer between business entities and research entities, in particular SMEs through networking


The aim of these deliverables is to describe the best practices and trends in reported areas. The one of the differences between deliverables prepared within WP3 and WP4 is in the geographical scope. Deliverables prepared within WP3 are mainly focused on regional and national analyses of Košice and BAZ regions. Deliverables 4.2 - 4.4 are focused on global trends (EU, world) and best practices identification from UK and Spain with aim to find possible solutions for regional problem of Košice and BAZ region identified within WP3.

Research in D4.2-D4.4 is mainly based on secondary sources (studies, research articles etc.) and on outputs from the benchmarking process.

The structure of deliverable D4.2, D4.3 and D4.4:

I. Best practices in the investigated area description

II. Trends in the investigated area description

III. Conclusion and recommendations

IV. Use of the report

11.2 Best practices description

What is Best practice?

Best Practice is a superior method or innovative practice that contributes to the improved performance of an organization, usually recognized as "best" by other peer organizations. It implies accumulating and applying knowledge about what is working and not working in different situations and contexts.

This part of the report should be focused on identification and description of the differences identified within the benchmarking process. Benchmarking process will clearly identify the




from106

main differences within each reported area. Based on these differences, this part of the report will identify and describe the best practices for each area.

Best practices will be identified and described on basis of secondary information. For example benchmarking process will identify the main differences in approaches of the RES sector funding between Košice and BAZ region (as lagging regions) and regions in UK and Spain (as well developed regions). Best practice identification process will then describe the concrete tools used for RES sector funding within regions in Spain and UK in details. Picture 3 describes the best practices identification process and shows the differences between identified differences and best practices.

Graph 5 Process of the best practices identification.

11.3 Trends description

What is trend?

… a general direction in which something tends to move

How to proceed?

List main studies and articles describing trends and analysis in following areas:

national and regional economic and technological development

national and regional RTD support policies; financial tools and approaches for RTD funding

Data collection

Economic and technology development

Support policy and financial tools in RES sector

Knowledge creation transfer and use -

networking

Differences identification

Which areas are economic policy and technology

development focused on ?

Which areas are support policy focused on and what are the main differences in

RES secor funding ?

What are the main differences in these areas ?

Best practices identification

What tools and aproaches are used in these areas ?

What tools are used in support policy and RES

funding ?

What are the bes practices in these areas?




from106

knowledge creation, transfer between business entities and research entities, in particular SMEs through networking


What are the main trends in these fields?

How these trends can influence the situation in RES in Košice region?

How these trends can influence the situation in RES BAZ region?

How these trends can influence the cooperation of Košice and BAZ regions in RES sector?

11.4 Conclusion and recommendations

How to proceed?

List main best practices and trends identified.

Describe possibility of their implementation in Košice and BAZ region.

List opportunities and threads for Košice and BAZ region.











from106

12. Methodology for D 4.5 SWOT analyse in RES sector

12.1 Introduction

SWOT analyses in KNOWBRIDGE project aims to identify the position of RES sector in Košice and BAZ regions and also to identify the prospective strengths and opportunities of cross-border cluster and areas that need further development. SWOT analyses will support JAP preparation.

WHAT IS SWOT ANALYSES?

SWOT analysis is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It is very useful tool for the strategic planning and evaluation of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of analysed object.

Strengths are positive tangible and intangible attributes, internal to the region and within the control of the regional authorities.

Weaknesses are the internal factors within the control of the regional authorities that detract from the region’s ability to attain the desired goals.

Opportunities are the external attractive factors that represent the ways – opportunities for region to develop.

Threats are the external factors beyond the regional authorities’ control which could place the regions mission, goals or operation at risk.

It is very important to define the objects and fields of SWOT analyses during the SWOT

analyses preparation. This will ensure that all teams responsible for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats identification will work on the same basis.

There are two main objects of KNOWBRIDGE project SWOT analyses:

Košice region as a geographical area with its main regional authorities

BAZ region as a geographical area with its main regional authorities

There are three main fields of KNOWBRIDGE project SWOT analyses:

RTD and economic development policies and RDT funding possibilities for RES sector;

technology utilization in RES sector;

knowledge creation, transfer and use for RES sector.

Three types of SWOT analyses will be prepared:

Košice region;

BAZ region;

common - cross regional (Kosice and BAZ region).




from106

SWOT analysis is a process which consists of several steps:

Step 1. Internal and external analyses and SWOT profile construction

In step 1, two types of analyses have to be carried out. First, internal analysis is a comprehensive evaluation of internal environment strengths and weaknesses. External analysis is identification of opportunities and threads in the external environment that can influence (in positive or negative way) the situation of the region. The Picture 4 describes the SWOT analysis process.

Graph 6 SWOT analysis process

Step 2. Relationship matrix development

In order to increase the objectivity of the identified Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats relationship matrix has to be constructed. The main aim of the matrix is to put internal abilities of the region to relation with the changes in external environment.

Step 3. Selection of actions for JAP´s

On basis of the relationship matrix a basic development strategy for JAP´s creation can be developed.

12.2 Construction of the SWOT profile

12.2.1 STEP 1 – SWOT Internal and external analyses

Internal analysis

For identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the region following steps have to be completed:

SWOT profile

Strengths

External Analysis Internal Analysis

Weaknesses Opportunities Threads




from106

Key regional players and KNOWBRIDGE project consortium members will use brainstorming method for identification of the regions strengths and weaknesses.

Outputs of the benchmarking process should be analysed and regions strengths and weaknesses should be identified.

Results should be written down as follows:

Object / field of SWOT analyses

Strengths Weaknesses

Košice region

BAZ region

Cross regional

Košice region

BAZ region

Cross regional

RTD and economic development policies and RDT funding possibilities for RES sector

technology utilization in RES sector

knowledge creation, transfer and use for RES sector

External analysis

For identification of the opportunities and threads of the region following steps have to be completed:

Key regional players and KNOWBRIDGE project consortium member will use brainstorming method for identification of the regions opportunities and threads.

Outputs of the benchmarking process should be analysed and regions opportunities and threads should be identified.

Outputs from Deliverables 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 should be analysed and regions opportunities and threads should be identified.




from106

Results should be written down as follows:

Object / field of SWOT analyses

Opportunities Threads

Košice region

BAZ region

Cross regional

Košice region

BAZ region

Cross regional




By the end of this process three separate SWOT profiles of Košice region, BAZ region and cross regional SWOT will be prepared. For each of this SWOT profile a relationship matrix will be available at the end of the process.

12.2.2 STEP 2 - Relationship matrix development

Relationship matrix is a very effective tool to improve explanatory ability of the SWOT analysis. Relationship matrix put in to relationship the influence of changes in external environment and their impact on strength and weaknesses of the region.

For example, some identified strength of the region may seems as very important, but when considering impact of changes in external environment, the importance of this strength may decrease or in some cases may become a weakness of the region.

The evaluation of the relationships in relationship matrix cannot be done by one person. For increasing the objectivity a group of experts should fill the relationship matrix and the final relationship matrix will present the average of all experts.




from106

Key regional players and KNOWBRIDGE project consortium member should use excel for evaluation of the relationships (see Table 17).

Table 17. Relationship matrix

Relationship matrix

Changes in external environment

Sum of the lines

Opportunities Threads

O1 O2 ... T1 T2 ...

Inte

rnal

ab

ilit

ies

of

the r

eg

ion

Str

en

gth

s

S1

S2

S3

S4

...

We

akn

es

se

s W1

W2

W3

W4

...

Sum of the columns

HOW TO PROCEED?

Follow the basic principles of the relationship matrix construction:

Quote key changes of external environment (opportunities and threads) in columns.

Quote the strengths and weaknesses of the regions, which will stay crucial also after the changes in external environment or are the most influenced by the external changes in lines

Evaluate the elements of the matrix on the basis of the relationships between external and internal factors, with possibility of positive or negative evaluation:

Positive valuation (+) in meaning of the positive impact on the region means:

Strengths of the region will create advantages or will neutralise problems in external environment

Weaknesses of the region will be reduced or eliminated by the changes in external environment

Negative valuation (-) in meaning of the negative impact on the region means:

Strengths of the region will be reduced or terminated by the changes in external environment




from106

Weaknesses of the region will be reduce possibilities to face to external changes or will be strengthen by these changes.

A neutral valuation (0) means that strengths or weaknesses of the region will not be influenced by the changes in external environment.

Use the scoring mechanism below for the expression of the strength of the positive or negative valuation:

-3 very negative influence

-2 negative influence

-1 small negative influence

0 no influence

+1 small positive influence

+2 positive influence

+3 very positive influence

Based on the sum of the lines for all strengths and weaknesses identify possible predominance of the strengths or weaknesses. Sum of the lines shows also the relative importance of strength or weakness after considering the changes in external environment.

Based on the sum of the columns for all opportunities and threads identify possible predominance of opportunities or threads.

Identify which from 4 possible situation occurs: 1. Predominance of opportunities over threads and strengths over weaknesses (OS)

2. Predominance of opportunities over threads and weaknesses over strengths (OW)

3. Predominance of threads over opportunities and strengths over weaknesses (TS)

4. Predominance of threads over opportunities and weaknesses over strengths (TW)

12.2.3 STEP 3 – selection of actions for JAP´s

Step 2 implementation offers the guide for JAP´s preparation. There are 4 possibilities or basic approaches for strategy construction. These approaches are described in Table 18.




from106

Table 18 Strategies Typology

Strengths Weaknesses

Opportunities Strategy (OS) Maxi – Maxi

Strategy is focused on maximal exploitation of the opportunities and at the same time builds of the strengths, which are continuously strengthen

Strategy (OW) Maxi- Mini

Strategy is focused on maximal exploitation of the opportunities and at the same time on reduction of the weaknesses

Threads Strategy (TS) Mini – Maxi

Strategy is focused on minimizing of the threads but building on strengths

Strategy (TW) Mini – Mini

Strategy is focused on minimizing of the threads and at the same time on reduction of the weaknesses

For better understanding see an example of the relationship matrix (Table 19)

Table 19 Example of the relationship matrix

O1 O2 O3 O4 O5 O6 O7 O8 O9 O10 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 SUM S1 3 2 0 2 1 3 0 1 2 3 -2 0 -3 1 -1 -2 10

Lin

es s

um

of th

e

str

ength

s

55

S2 3 3 1 2 1 0 2 2 3 3 -1 0 -3 0 -2 -2 12

S3 0 1 0 0 1 3 3 0 1 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 8

S4 1 3 3 2 3 0 0 2 0 2 -2 0 -3 -3 0 -1 7

S5 2 3 3 1 2 0 1 2 2 2 -1 0 -2 0 0 -1 14

S6 0 1 0 0 1 3 3 0 0 0 1 -1 -1 0 -2 -1 4

W1 0 3 2 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 -2 -3 -2 0 -1 -3 2 Lin

es s

um

s o

f th

e w

eakn

esses

107

W2 1 3 0 1 3 1 2 3 3 3 -1 -1 -2 0 -3 -3 10

W3 2 1 2 0 3 3 3 1 0 0 0 -1 -1 0 -1 0 12

W4 0 3 2 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 -2 0 -1 -1 -3 0 3

W5 0 0 3 0 3 1 1 2 0 0 -2 0 -2 -3 0 0 3

W6 3 1 3 3 3 1 0 1 1 3 -3 -1 -3 -2 0 -1 9

W7 2 1 3 3 3 1 0 1 1 3 -1 -1 -2 -2 0 0 12

W8 0 1 1 0 0 3 3 2 0 0 -1 -2 0 0 -1 -1 5

W9 3 1 1 1 0 3 1 1 0 0 -1 -1 -1 0 -1 0 7

W10 3 3 0 0 0 3 2 1 1 0 -1 -2 -1 0 -1 0 8

W11 3 1 0 1 0 3 0 3 0 0 -1 0 -2 0 -3 -3 2

W12 3 3 1 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 -3 -2 -2 0 -3 -1 15

W13 1 3 2 3 1 2 2 3 3 2 0 -2 -3 0 -3 -3 11

W14 3 0 0 2 2 0 0 3 1 3 -1 0 -2 0 -2 -1 8

TOTAL 33 37 27 26 32 34 25 35 21 30 -24

-17

-37

-10

-27

-23

Columns sum of the opportunities

Columns sum of the weaknesses

300 -138




from106

As can be seen from example opportunities (300) predominate over weaknesses (-138) result of sum is higher than the 0 and weaknesses (107) predominate over the strength (55).

Therefore for this example the strategy OW Maxi – Mini should be developed.

12.3 Guide for D4.5 SWOT analyse in RES sector preparation

The Deliverable D4.5 should include the following parts:

I. Introduction

II. SWOT profile of Kosice region

III. SWOT profile of BAZ region

IV. Common SWOT profile of the Košice and BAZ regions

V. Strategy selection for Košice region

VI. Strategy selection for BAZ region

VII. Cross regional strategy selection

VIII. Conclusion and recommendations

IX. Use of the SWOT analyse.

Part I. Introduction

Describe the process of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats identification.


QUESTION 1. How many people joined the brainstorming process, what areas where they from?

QUESTION 2. What were the main difficulties of this process?

QUESTION 3. How and who prepared the relationship matrix?

QUESTION 4. What were the main difficulties of this process?

Part II. SWOT profile of the Košice region,

Part III. SWOT profile of BAZ Region and

Part IV. Common SWOT profile of the Košice and BAZ regions




from106

Fill in and describe Table 20. There will be three separate Tables, first one for Kosice region, second one for BAZ region and third one for both regions altogether (cross regional point of view). For all templates for SWOT analyses see Annex 16.

Table 20 SWOT profile of the Košice/BAZ region

Object / field of SWOT analyses Strengths Weaknesses




Object / field of SWOT analyses Opportunities Threads




Part V. Strategy selection for Košice region and

Part VI. Strategy selection for BAZ region and

Part VII. Cross regional Strategy selection for Košice and BAZ regions




from106

There will be three strategies selections (for Kosice region, for BAZ and cross regional).

How to proceed?

Construct the relationship matrix for each region and cross regional.

Select the strategy according to results of the relationship matrix for each region and cross regional.

Describe the basic outcomes of selected strategy for each region and cross regional.

Part VIII. Conclusion and recommendations

The aim of SWOT analyses is to provide information and recommendation for JAP´s.

How to proceed?


On basis of relationship matrix results – what are your recommendation for Košice region JAP?

On basis of relationship matrix results – what are your recommendation for BAZ region JAP?

On basis of relationship matrix results – what are your recommendation for cross regional, Košice and BAZ region, JAP?

Part IX. Use of the SWOT analyse.

How to proceed?


QUESTION 1. Who are the target groups of this SWOT analyse? Define them.

QUESTION 2. How the SWOT analyse addresses the needs of each target group?

QUESTION 3. How the SWOT analyse can be useful for each target group defined?

QUESTION 4. What are the limitations of the SWOT analyse?




from106

13. Glossary

Benchmarking

Benchmarking is a powerful technique that provides practical learning through comparing measurements, policies or outcomes, across industries, sectors, policies, products or services. The essence of benchmarking is the process of identifying the highest standards of excellence for products, services or processes and then making the improvements necessary to reach those standards.

Best practice

Best Practice is a superior method or innovative practice that contributes to the improved performance of an organization, usually recognized as "best" by other peer organizations. It implies accumulating and applying knowledge about what is working and not working in different situations and contexts.

Biomass energy

Biomass constitutes both the world´s and Slovakia´s highest renewable energy potential. It is comprised of materials of plant and animal origin, fit for energy utilisation. Biomass is considered in terms of CO2 emissions to be a neutral fuel, since only as much CO2 is released in burning it as is received by the plant while growing.

Cluster

Clusters are local concentrations of mutually interconnected companies and institutions in specific business field. Clusters include the group of industrial branches and other subjects that are important for the economic competition. They may include the suppliers of specific outputs such as components, machines and services as well as providers of specialized infrastructure. Clusters are often expanding downwards to the sales channels and customers and sideways to the producers of complementary products and companies in industrial branches related in terms of abilities, technologies or common inputs. Clusters include governmental or other institutions such as universities, normative agencies, research teams or business associations offering specialized trainings, education, information, research and technical support.

Economic development

Economic development refers to economic growth accompanied by changes in output distribution and economic structure. These changes may include an improvement in material well-being of the poorer half of the population, a decline in agriculture´s share of GNP and a corresponding increase in GNP share of industry and services, an increase in education and skills on labour force, and substantial technical advances originating within the country.




from106

Economic development organizations

Economic development organizations are structures of a public nature (often located inside central administration offices or departments), created by public authorities with the aim to support general economic and location development of the region. They generally do not focus on innovation-oriented topics, but rather on inward investment, creation of business parks, facilitating, simplifying and being the intermediary/interface between governments (or the supranational institutions) and firms, etc. These organisations usually offer horizontal services and the large majority of these types of structures do not focus their activity on a particular industrial sector; instead they offer their services especially oriented towards all kinds of regional SMEs and large companies.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency refers to products or systems designed to use less energy for the same or higher performance than regular products or systems. Energy-efficient buildings are designed to use less energy than traditional buildings. Saving energy through efficiency also saves money on utility bills and protects the environment by reducing fossil fuel consumption and emissions. Combining energy efficiency with renewable energy is even better for the environment.

Focus group

The focus group is a type of group interview. It is a group of people who have been brought together to discuss a specific topic in-depth. They are extremely useful for evaluating services or for testing new ideas. Basically focus groups are interviews, but of 5-12 people at the same time. Focus groups are a very useful tool for collecting relevant and informative data. They allow you to investigate complex behaviour such as what different groups think about a subject and why they hold such views and can also help to identify changes in behaviour. Focus groups are particularly useful in investigating the use, effectiveness and usefulness of a service or a product as they allow gathering detailed information and probe people’s views.

Geothermal energy

Geothermal water supplies are divided into renewed supplies and non-renewed supplies. As for renewed supplies, the exploitation is effected through a single well and the cooled water is drained into the streams. Non-renewed supplies must be replenished on a regular basis, therefore in addition to the extraction well also a re-injection well must be drilled to drive the geothermal water back into the ground along with noxious gases and salts following the heat exchange. This is a way that fully complies with today´s environmental criteria.

Human Capital

Human capital represents the people an organization employs, and their skills, knowledge, and experience. "Human capital is productive wealth embodied in labour, skills and knowledge".

http://www.masstech.org/cleanenergy/energy/glossarytechfuels.htm#fosfuel




from106

Semi-structured interview

Semi-structured interviews are one of the most common qualitative methods. One reason for their popularity is that they are very effective in giving a human face to research problems. In addition, conducting and participating in interviews can be a rewarding experience for participants and interviewers alike. For participants semi-structured interviews offer the opportunity to express themselves in a way ordinary life rarely affords them. The semi-structured interview is a technique designed to elicit a vivid picture of the participant’s perspective on the research topic. During semi-structured interviews, the person being interviewed is considered the expert and the interviewer is considered the student. The researcher’s interviewing techniques are motivated by the desire to learn everything the participant can share about the research topic. Researchers engage with participants by posing questions in a neutral manner, listening attentively to participants’ responses, and asking follow-up questions and probes based on those responses.

Knowledge

Knowledge is a fluid mix of framed experience, values, contextual information, and expert insight that provides a framework for evaluating and incorporating new experiences and information. It originates and is applied in the minds of knower’s.

Knowledge Transfer

Knowledge transfer is nominally concerned with the process of moving useful information from one individual to another person. Notably, in order for this transferred information to have utility, it must be critical to the success of the organization. When organizations use knowledge resources, these assets tend to increase in that both the giver and receiver are enriched as a result of the transaction.

Renewable Energy Sources (RES)

RES are a convenient label for the energy obtainable from biomass, solar radiation temperature differences that produce currents in deep oceans or that are found in rocks beneath the earth's surface, air pressure differences that produce winds, and natural or manmade differences in water levels. The advantage of RES includes their inability to produce carbon-based warming and polluting agents into the atmosphere. The financial cost of its applications is not always cheap but if the environmental costs of using fossil fuels are accounted for, renewable energy wins hands-down. There are also indirect savings on health and its costs as there are no harmful emissions.

Research and development (R&D)

R&D comprise creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. The term R&D covers three activities: basic research, applied research and experimental development. Basic research is experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundation

http://www.alternate-energy-sources.com/fossil-fuels-as-energy-sources.html




from106

of phenomena and observable facts, without any particular application or use in view. Applied research is also original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective. Experimental development is systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience, which is directed to producing new materials, products or devices, to installing new processes, systems and services, or to improving substantially those already produced or installed. R&D covers both formal R&D in R&D units and informal or occasional R&D in other units.

Research and technological development (RTD)

RTD is the main driver of scientific and technological progress and innovation and, as such, is an important contributor to improvements in living standards. Public intervention in RTD is generally justified as a corrective to so-called "market failures", with public support reducing uncertainty, providing investment where research is a public good or where there are significant externalities.

Research infrastructures

Research infrastructures are facilities, resources or services of a unique nature that have been identified by research communities to conduct top-level activities in all fields. This definition of research infrastructures, including the associated human resources, covers major equipment or sets of instruments, in addition to knowledge-containing resources such as collections, archives and data banks. Research infrastructures may be “single-sited”, “distributed”, or “virtual” (the service being provided electronically). They often require structured information systems related to data management, enabling information and communication.

RTD institutions

RTD institutions are structures having research as their primary mission; however they can have offices (technology transfer services, liaison offices, etc.) created in order to disseminate or economically exploit the result of their research. By definition, their activities are mostly focussed on applied research and predominantly on the industrial sector. They mainly offer information services, support in R&D and expert or specialised training. Like almost all R&D activities, most of these structures are either public, or publicly financed, however they might collect private R&D funds. Target clients of this type of structure are large companies, institutions and innovation-driven SMEs.

Social Capital

Social capital can be defined simply as the existence of a certain set of informal values or norms shared among members of a group that permit cooperation among them. Social capital is defined by its function. It is not a single entity, but a variety of different entities having two characteristics in common: They all consist of some aspect of social structure, and they facilitate certain actions of individuals who are within the structure.




from106

Solar energy

Solar energy is the most accessible and cleanest form of renewable energy. Solar energy is used by means of active and passive solar systems to generate heat or electricity. Active solar systems are: flat solar collectors, concentric collectors and solar (photovoltaic) cells. Passive solar systems are are various conservatories, glass roofs, etc.

State of the Art

State of the art is the latest and most sophisticated or advanced stage of a technology, art, or science. However, because the most sophisticated or advanced stage is sometimes debatable, the term is often used instead to refer to the latest most common accepted usage, and not necessarily the most advanced.

Technology

Technology has been described as “the currently known ways of converting resources into outputs desired by the economy”.

Wind energy

Over the recent years the wind industry has seen a tremendous development with power rising over 30% year-on-year. Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind turbines to make electricity, wind mills for mechanical power, wind pumps for pumping water or drainage, or sails to propel ships.




from106

14. Annexes

Annex 1. Questionnare for taget group I. (see Annex 1.pdf)

Annex 2. Questionnare for taget group II. (see Annex 2.pdf)

Annex 3. Questionnare for taget group III. (see Annex 3.pdf)

Annex 4. Questionnare for taget group IV. (see Annex 4.pdf)

Annex 5. Questionnare for taget group V. (see Annex 5.pdf)

Annex 6. Questionnare for taget group VI. (see Annex 6.pdf)

Annex 7. Matrix of secondary data for analyses (see Annex 7.pdf)

Annex 8. Focus group I. questions (see Annex 8.pdf)

Annex 9. Focus group II questions (see Annex 9.pdf)

Annex 10. Semi-structured Interview questions (see Annex 10.pdf)

Annex 11. Focus group evaluation form (see Annex 11.pdf)

Annex 12. Semi-structured evaluation form (see Annex 12.pdf)

Annex 13. Research introductory letter (see Annex 13.pdf)

Annex 14. Confidentiality statement (see Annex 14.pdf)

Annex 15. SWOT analyses templates (see Annex 15.pdf)

D2.2. Methodological toolbox for analysis and...

Documents

Transcript of D2.2. Methodological toolbox for analysis and...