Can innovation lead the economy out of the crisis? – Centre for Innovation Management Research

Birkbeck Centre for Innovation Management,
Birkbeck University of London

Tuesday 13 March 2012 – 10:00 to 17:00

Keynote speakers: Professors Andrew Tylecote, University of Sheffield, Daniele Archibugi, Birkbeck College and Andrea Filippetti, Italian National Research Council.

The Workshop, also on the ground of fresh evidence, explored which companies are trying to sustain their business activities through innovation. Academics, policy advisers and business managers participated in the event.

Can innovation lead the economy out of the crisis?

The economic landscape since the 2008 financial crisis has been characterized by a huge plunge in demand and international trade, a generalised worsening of credit conditions on financial markets, an unprecedented intervention of governments and central banks, as well as a growing uncertainty about the future direction of technological change and profit opportunities. Much less attention has been paid to another question: who will lead us out of the crisis? Who are the brave companies innovating also against the stream? A new recovery will need new products and new industries, and they will need in turn to be based on invention and innovation. What has been the effect of the economic crisis on product and process innovations? Do companies become more or less reluctant to risk bringing artefacts and merchandise to markets and investing in exploring new fields?

10.00 – 10.15	Welcome Address and Introduction to the Workshop Professor Helen Lawton Smith, Birkbeck, University of London
10.15 – 11.00	Presentation by Professor Andrew Tylecote, The University of Sheffield “An Ill Wind: How the On-coming Climate Disaster Will Rescue the Demand Side by Changing the Direction of Technological Development”
11.00 – 11.30	*Presentation by Professor Daniele Archibugi, Italian National Research Council* “Creative Destruction or Technological Accumulation? In Search of a New Economic Leadership”
11.30 – 11.45	Coffee/Tea Break
11.45 – 12.15	Presentation by Keith Smith, UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills “Finance and Innovation in the UK Innovation and Research Strategy”
12.15 – 12.45	Presentation by Dr. Marion Frenz, Birkbeck, University of London “The Effect of the Financial Crisis on Patterns of Innovation Investment in Europe. An Analysis of Innobarometer”
12.45 – 13.00	Discussion
13.00 – 14.15	Buffet Lunch
14.15 – 14.45	Presentation by Dr Maria Savona, SPRU, University of Sussex “What Hampers Innovation? Revealed Barriers Versus Deterring Barriers”
14.45 – 15.15	Presentation by Andrea Filippetti, Italian National Research Council “Who dare to innovate During the Crisis: A Firm-Level Analysis in the UK”
15.15 – 15.30	Discussion
15.30 – 15.45	Coffee/Tea Break
15.45 – 16.30	Round Table Discussion chaired by Professor Daniele Archibugi