An increasing number of countries develop bio-economy strategies to promote a stronger reliance on the efficient use of renewable biological resources in order to meet multiple sustainability challenges. At the global scale, however, bio-economies are diverse, with sectors such as agriculture, forestry, energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, as well as science and education. In this study, we developed a typology of bio-economies based on country-specific characteristics, and describe five different bio-economy types with varying degrees of importance in the primary and the high-tech sector. We also matched the bio-economy types against the foci of their bio-economy strategies and evaluated their sustainability performance. Overall, high-tech bio-economies seem to be more diversified in terms of their policy strategies while the policies of those relying on the primary sector are focused on bioenergy and high-tech industries. In terms of sustainability performance, indicators suggest that diversified high-tech economies have experienced a slight sustainability improvement, especially in terms of resource consumption. Footprints remain, however, at the highest levels compared to all other bio-economy types with large amounts of resources and raw materials being imported from other countries. These results highlight the necessity of developed high-tech bio-economies to further decrease their environmental footprint domestically and internationally, and the importance of biotechnology innovation transfer after critical and comprehensive sustainability assessments.

A Economia Criativa tem sido diversamente caracterizada em estudos especializados, numa variabilidade quase tão grande quanto as formações socioculturais em que tem sido constatada. Neste estudo, essa economia consiste em ações socioeconômicas que combinam aspectos de colaboração e competitividade no processo de singularização de produtos (bens e/ou serviços) que são transacionados em mercados. Para tentar contribuir nessa discussao, a problemática de pesquisa sustenta-se em categorias da contribuição clássica weberiana sobre ação social e poder de disposição. A indagação que motiva o estudo é como as empresas de segmentos da Economia Criativa (games, app’s e plataformas virtuais de colaboração) têm reagido às recentes dinâmicas de seu segmento de mercado? Ou ainda: como as empresas do segmento criativo reagem diante da ascensão de um potencial (e novo) contingente de trabalhadores e consumidores de bens/serviços tecnológicos? Os dados da pesquisa foram produzidos mediante a adoção do estudo de caso múltiplo, sendo selecionadas três empresas do segmento tecnológico ocupadas na produção de bens/serviços tecnológicos (hardwares e softwares) e produtos culturais/simbólicos (games e serviços criativos), situadas em Porto Alegre e arredores. Os resultados se revelam na identificação de: a) padrões estáveis de ação socioeconômica imprimidas em modalidades distintas de redes sociais (virtuais, formais, informais); b) estratégias de desenvolvimento econômico pautadas pela valorização do trabalho criativo (incluindo o mercado de bens culturais, pesquisa científica e tecnologia aplicada); e, c) tipos distintos de proteção/promoção da criatividade como insumo básico; as indústrias criativas também são caracterizadas por empresas de base tecnológica fundadas em modelos organizacionais dirigidos à realização de negócios eletrônicos, o que tem promovido implicações socioeconômicas e transformações na sociabilidade. Portanto, a economia criativa parece assentar-se em novidades na orientação da ação e no exercício do poder, suscitando mudanças na postura dos agentes e nas estratégias das empresas, cujo objetivo comum seria, no contexto estudado, atender um universo novo de expectativas e demandas surgidas pela ascensão de segmentos de consumidores de baixa renda. / Creative Economy has been characterized in various ways in a number of specialized studies, in a range almost as large as the sociocultural formations in which it has been seen. In this study, this economy is understood as socioeconomic actions that combine aspects of collaboration and competitivity in the process of product singling (goods and/or services) which are then traded in markets. Aiming at contributing to this debate, the present research problem is supported by classic contribution of the Weberian categories on social action and power of disposal. The question which fuels this study is how have companies of the Creative Economy segment (games, apps and collaborative virtual platforms) been reacting to the recent dynamics on the market field ? Furthermore : how do companies of the creative segment react when facing the rise of a potential (and new) pool of workers and consumers of technological goods/services? Research data has been produced under the adoption multiple case study, having three companies of the technological segment which are focused on the production of technological goods/services (hardwares and softwares) and cultural/symbolic products (games and creative services) located in Porto Alegre (Brazil) and its outskirts been selected. The results show a) stable patterns of socioeconomic action are present in different kinds of social networks (virtual, formal, informal) ; b) the presence of economic development strategies guided by the appreciation of creative work (including the market of cultural goods, scientific research and applied technology) ; and c) different types of protection/promotion of creativity as a basic input. Creative industries are also characterized by technology-based companies founded on organizational models directed to the fruition of electronic business, which has been promoting socioeconomic implications and transformations in sociability. Therefore, Creative Economy seems to settle on novelties when it comes to guiding actions and exercising power, evoking changes in the behavior of agents and in the strategies of companies. Whose common goal would be, in this context, to serve a new universe of expectations and demands born out of the ascension of low-income consumer segments.

A Economia Criativa tem sido diversamente caracterizada em estudos especializados, numa variabilidade quase tão grande quanto as formações socioculturais em que tem sido constatada. Neste estudo, essa economia consiste em ações socioeconômicas que combinam aspectos de colaboração e competitividade no processo de singularização de produtos (bens e/ou serviços) que são transacionados em mercados. Para tentar contribuir nessa discussao, a problemática de pesquisa sustenta-se em categorias da contribuição clássica weberiana sobre ação social e poder de disposição. A indagação que motiva o estudo é como as empresas de segmentos da Economia Criativa (games, app’s e plataformas virtuais de colaboração) têm reagido às recentes dinâmicas de seu segmento de mercado? Ou ainda: como as empresas do segmento criativo reagem diante da ascensão de um potencial (e novo) contingente de trabalhadores e consumidores de bens/serviços tecnológicos? Os dados da pesquisa foram produzidos mediante a adoção do estudo de caso múltiplo, sendo selecionadas três empresas do segmento tecnológico ocupadas na produção de bens/serviços tecnológicos (hardwares e softwares) e produtos culturais/simbólicos (games e serviços criativos), situadas em Porto Alegre e arredores. Os resultados se revelam na identificação de: a) padrões estáveis de ação socioeconômica imprimidas em modalidades distintas de redes sociais (virtuais, formais, informais); b) estratégias de desenvolvimento econômico pautadas pela valorização do trabalho criativo (incluindo o mercado de bens culturais, pesquisa científica e tecnologia aplicada); e, c) tipos distintos de proteção/promoção da criatividade como insumo básico; as indústrias criativas também são caracterizadas por empresas de base tecnológica fundadas em modelos organizacionais dirigidos à realização de negócios eletrônicos, o que tem promovido implicações socioeconômicas e transformações na sociabilidade. Portanto, a economia criativa parece assentar-se em novidades na orientação da ação e no exercício do poder, suscitando mudanças na postura dos agentes e nas estratégias das empresas, cujo objetivo comum seria, no contexto estudado, atender um universo novo de expectativas e demandas surgidas pela ascensão de segmentos de consumidores de baixa renda. / Creative Economy has been characterized in various ways in a number of specialized studies, in a range almost as large as the sociocultural formations in which it has been seen. In this study, this economy is understood as socioeconomic actions that combine aspects of collaboration and competitivity in the process of product singling (goods and/or services) which are then traded in markets. Aiming at contributing to this debate, the present research problem is supported by classic contribution of the Weberian categories on social action and power of disposal. The question which fuels this study is how have companies of the Creative Economy segment (games, apps and collaborative virtual platforms) been reacting to the recent dynamics on the market field ? Furthermore : how do companies of the creative segment react when facing the rise of a potential (and new) pool of workers and consumers of technological goods/services? Research data has been produced under the adoption multiple case study, having three companies of the technological segment which are focused on the production of technological goods/services (hardwares and softwares) and cultural/symbolic products (games and creative services) located in Porto Alegre (Brazil) and its outskirts been selected. The results show a) stable patterns of socioeconomic action are present in different kinds of social networks (virtual, formal, informal) ; b) the presence of economic development strategies guided by the appreciation of creative work (including the market of cultural goods, scientific research and applied technology) ; and c) different types of protection/promotion of creativity as a basic input. Creative industries are also characterized by technology-based companies founded on organizational models directed to the fruition of electronic business, which has been promoting socioeconomic implications and transformations in sociability. Therefore, Creative Economy seems to settle on novelties when it comes to guiding actions and exercising power, evoking changes in the behavior of agents and in the strategies of companies. Whose common goal would be, in this context, to serve a new universe of expectations and demands born out of the ascension of low-income consumer segments.

For a number of years, Canadian immigration selection policy has deliberately emphasized the human capital characteristics of applicants in determining admissibility for permanent residence. Largely due to these measures, Chinese immigrants today are overwhelmingly well-educated and skilled. This thesis examines the role of geography in shaping Chinese newcomers’ post-arrival employment status, with an emphasis on working in the high-tech sector. Given that Ottawa is a leading node of high-tech employment in Canada, this project initially investigates the probability that Chinese newcomers will work in the high-tech sector in Ottawa-Gatineau relative to other cities. The project subsequently examines the degree to which employment in the high-tech sector in Ottawa-Gatineau is related to ethnic, social and demographic characteristics of local spaces where people live and work. All aspects of the study adopt a gender lens with respect to interpreting employment status. The study finds that Chinese immigrants in Ottawa-Gatineau are more likely to work in this sector than their counterparts in Vancouver and Toronto. They are also more likely to work in high-tech relative to individuals in other immigrant groups or the Canadian-born population. With respect to co-ethnic residential and work spatial configurations, as well as social and demographic characteristics of residential neighbourhoods, the study finds that these factors exert quite different influences on the likelihood that Chinese women and men will work in Ottawa-Gatineau’s high-tech sector. The results are quite distinctly different for women and men, and underline the importance of a gendered analysis of relationships between geographic location/place and employment status.

Purpose: This study examines how hotels manage digitization within the industry. Specifically it seeks to examine how managers view decisions and strategies for implementing SST in relation to hotel guest’s acceptance. Design/methodology/approach: This study has assumed a mixed methods methodology. The method has been carried out through an abductive approach between theoretical and empirical material. The study is based on a combined research design of qualitative and quantitative nature and is grounded on the empirical evidence that consists of three semi-structured interviews and surveys. The qualitative part leads to analysis according to the theoretical structure and is then combined with statistical analysis of the survey responses. Findings: This study confirms a few elements of previous literature: implementations require considerable investments and costs; SST on offer in the hotel industry are found lacking; guests prefer technologies they have experience with; and managers have a wait-and-see attitude to SST. The study also shows that people used to technology are proportionately big and have a positive attitude towards SST. Further, the study presents new theoretical insights: high-end hotels are expected to offer technology; SST is perceived to reduce hotels security; attitude towards SST does not differ between genders; and SST is perceived to affect aesthetics. / Syfte: Denna studie undersöker hur hotell hanterar digitalisering av branschen. Mer specifikt undersöker denna studie hur managers betraktar beslut och strategier för implementering av SST i relation till hotellgästers acceptans. Design/metod/tillvägagångssätt: Denna studie har utgått från metodkombination. Metoden behandlas genom ett abduktivt tillvägagångssätt mellan det teoretiska och empiriska materialet. Studien baseras på en kombinerad forskningsdesign av kvalitativ och kvantitativ natur som består av tre semistrukturerade intervjuer samt efterföljande enkät. Den kvalitativa delen utmynnar i en analys enligt den teoretiska strukturen och kombineras sedan med statistiska analyser av enkätsvaren. Bidrag: Ett antal faktorer som resultatet påvisar bekräftar tidigare forskning: implementationer innebär höga kostnader och investeringar; utbudet av SST inom hotellbranschen är dåligt; gäster föredrar de tekniker de är vana vid; samt att managers har en vänta-och-se attityd till SST. Samtidigt visar studien på att andelen teknologivana människor är stor och att dessa är positivt inställda till SST. Studien bidrar även med nya teoretiska insikter såsom: att premiumhotell förväntas kombinera high-touch med high-tech; att SST upplevs minska hotellens upplevda säkerhet; att inställning till SST inte skiljer sig mellan kön; samt att viss SST upplevs påverka estetiken.

This study investigates the source of financing in Austrian tech startups and aims to identify the main factors that affect the decision making of these firms. In doing so, we aim to contribute to the relatively limited field of research conducted in Europe. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, we implemented a multiple case study method as the research design. For the purpose of this study, a literature review was used that generated a theoretical framework. This framework focuses on capital structure with the main emphasis being on the pecking order theory. Additionally, government financial support is included as a  secondary priority. Together with the theoretical framework, our empirical findings i.e. data from the interviews with six companies, one email response, and two additional secondary data from an Austrian startup publication comprised the basis for our analysis.   Our findings from the sample companies used in this study show that Austrian tech startups use internal funding as an initial source of financing their new venture. When it comes to the order of funding, our findings show that most of the startups used in this study utilized equity as a second source of financing after internal funding and before debt. However, when it comes to the preference of the founders, half preferred a financing order that is inline with the pecking order theory while the remaining half preferred otherwise choosing equity to debt.   From this, three conclusions can be drawn. First, the limited funding options available affect the decision making and preference of the tech startups. Second, founders value the nonfinancial added value they can get from investors both when implementing and preferring a financing option. Third, the future growth potential and the long term strategy of the startups and their founders play a crucial role in the funding option they prefer to finance their venture.   Additionally, when it comes to capital structure, we see that most Austrian tech startups used in this study do not have a set policy. When it comes to Government financial support (GFS), we see that financial support from the government plays a significant role in Austrian tech startup financing.

Šulcová, Darina. Knowledge Economy as the Factor of Firm Economic Performance. Diploma thesis. Brno: Mendel University in Brno, 2018. The main aim of this diploma thesis is to find out if there is any relation between the Knowledge Economy and Economic Performance. Member states of the European Union are compared within each other in accessing the Knowledge Economy not only according to composite indicators, but also according to sub-indicators of the Knowledge Economy. This thesis focuses on the situation of the Czech Republic and how it accesses sub-indicators of the Knowledge Economy. Member states are then compared also according to their national, high-tech industry and firm Economic Performance. The analysis of the relation between the composite indicators or sub-indicators of the Knowledge Economy and national, high-tech industry or firm economic performance is the key part of this thesis. In the end, there is a summary of main findings and some recommendations are made for the Czech Republic to improve its Knowledge Economy situation.

Immigrant and ethnic entrepreneurship is a subject that has received increased attention in recent years. Many immigrants or people with ethnic backgrounds different from the majority population run their own businesses, in Sweden as well as in most countries and contexts in the world. However, ambitious research shows that there are great differences in business activity, behaviour and performance between different ethnic groups. Besides, it is easy to argue that differences also occur at the individual level. Thus, a person is not predetermined just because he/she belongs to a definable ethnic group. Another important question is the fact that the industrial setting and the context of the individual firm also affect the activity of the firm and the entrepreneur. E.g. in high tech environments, innovative competences may be of greater importance compared to business activity in the restaurant or retail sectors, where one could imitate already successful concepts. In this dissertation immigrant as well as ethnic enterprises (where ethnic entrepreneurs are those who have clear ethnic involvement in terms of accessing and utilising different forms of ethnic resources) in different industries are studied. The work hypothesis, or rather assumption, is that the industry of the individual business plays an important role for the access to and utilisation of different forms of resources (organisational, financial, cultural, social, human, ethnic). Further, the industry of a business is also assumed to have an effect on the access to and utilisation of ethnic resources and the own ethnicity as a resource. The purpose of this study is to through a number of case studies explore the influence of ethnic background for immigrant businesses in different industries. The focus is on how ethnic involvement, thus ethnic resources, and identity as immigrant and/or ethnic business influence firms in their resource bases and resource acquisition efforts. That is, if the objective ethnic background is important for the firms in their resource acquisition efforts. Since I want to study individual firms in an open and complex way I use a qualitative methodology with a multi-method approach, including ethnographic elements, direct observations, participant observations and interviews. This way, the possibility exists to grasp individual personal and firm characteristics that pay attention to the complexity and variation of immigrant and ethnic entrepreneurship, an issue that tends to be forgotten in broad descriptions of the subject. The Kista district hereby provides an interesting example with its high technology context, mixed with a considerable amount of immigrants living in the area. The exploratory study of seven businesses shows that there are important differences between firms in different industries. However, apart from type of firm and kind of venture opportunity exploited, the action mode of the individual(s) involved and the degree of confirmation and legitimacy the businesses have experienced influence and affect the importance of ethnic background for these firms. / <p>QC 20161026</p>

After a setback due to the dotcom-bubble at the beginning of the 21st century, the tech sector is today again a redhot place for pursuing a career. Much of this popularity can be accredited to the image that companies of this sector enjoy as workplaces with great opportunities for creativity, self- fulfilment and self-expression. Also, strong cultures and generous benefits add to the image of the dream-job. This study aimed to question this image by exploring experiences and attitudes of employees working within the mobile game development industry, a sub- industry of the tech sector. In order to achieve this, a successful mobile game development studio was studied at close range through observations and interviews with 25 individuals of various roles within game development. On this material, the theoretical frameworks of employee engagement and work motivation were applied to assess how personally and emotionally engaging work is within this context. Findings both confirm and nuance the public image of mobile game development as a place to work. This study finds support that the environment and atmosphere surrounding the work in large lives up to the public image of the industry; culture is strong and drives personal and emotional involvement in work and the good of the company. Within the work tasks themselves however, the free-spirited, ad-hoc creativity and opportunities for self-fulfilment promised in the public image seem delimited by a set of organizational circumstances, among them strategic decisions on company-level. Work demands alignment with directions chosen by the company, that by some are perceived as limiting to creativity, self-fulfilment and excitement. In this, the study identifies a risk in a possible discrepancy between expectations on work and the actual experience of it. Finally, the study finds signs that  the strength  in  atmosphere  and  culture can  outweigh  these perceived  limitations  in  creative space and demands of alignment, and so adds to research asserting the potential and value in a strong culture.

In recent years, pressures for making society more sustainable have been on a constant increase, and many of the new green technology solutions which will facilitate this change are likely to originate from small high-tech firms. However, young technology-based firms often fail to successfully bring their products to the market – a process known as commercialization. The purpose of this study was to from a managerial perspective contribute to narrowing the gap between practice and academia in the largely unexplored area of commercializing green tech. A qualitative study using an abductive research approach was conducted based on semi-structured interviews carried out at five Swedish green tech companies, followed by an analysis based on grounded theory. From this, four main challenges of green tech commercialization in Sweden were identified, including the reliance of green tech firms on external actors, challenges related to attracting employees and partners, the risk of green tech markets not materializing, and difficulties related to securing financing. Additionally, four underlying themes connected to these challenges were discussed, including issues related to the apparent interrelatedness of green tech markets, the importance of policy support to green tech viability, the importance of investor support, and issues related to gaining trust.