The article explores how the innovative performance of small high-tech firms relates to their external networking activities, and whether geographical proximity in their network relations matters. Data from a small sample of electronics firms and software developers in South East England are used to construct indicators of innovativeness, which are correlated with variables capturing intensity of external interactions and proximity benefits. The regional science base is found to have played a key role in nurturing new high-tech ventures, but science parks had not contributed to this. Interaction with parties with complementary capabilities such as suppliers and service providers is also associated with high innovative performance. However, the findings do not support the current policy fashion of encouraging regional networks revolving around firms in similar business activities and close customer relations.Science And Technology Policy, Innovation Policy, Sme, Clusters, Networks, Uk,
are in the Markets and Livelihoods Programme of Practical Action (formerly known as ITDG), UK Market mapping is an approach to describe the market systems involving small-scale producers: the value chain, together with support services and the business environment affecting the chain. This article describes a participatory approach to market-chain development that has evolved around market mapping processes,with the example given of the market map for aloe in Kenya. Practical Action has found a number of processes are effective in ensuring positive engagaement and outcomes. For example, 'market opportunity groups' are formed to represent and empower producers, enabling them to negotiate with other market chain actors with greater confidence. Interest forums, on the other hand, include decision-makers with influence at local, national and sometimes international levels. Four short case studies of market-chain development work in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Peru and Sudan are presented, which demonstrate how these elements can assist in participatory market-chain analysis, making the move from analysis to action more effective. MARKETS MATTER to rural producers. Factors that influence how markets operate, including access to information, market institutions, linkages and trade rules, have a powerful influence on the earnings of small-scale producers. Failure to address these factors can mean that the benefits of economic growth, innovative technologies and better infrastructure, simply bypass the poor. Surprisingly there is often little attention to market systems and their roles in poverty reduction within the conceptualization and application of livelihood frameworks, or in professional fields such as agricultural research that seek to promote rural development (Dorward et al., 2002). One aim of this paper is to help address this deficiency. In particular we want to describe the conceptual framework and pragmatic approach that has been evolving in Practical Action's work on market systems and rural livelihoods in the last few years. 'Market chains' are a key concept in this paper; they refer to the economic actors who make and transact a particular product as it moves from primary producer to final consumer i.e. including farmers, producers, input suppliers, processors, traders, wholesalers and retailers. Many private sector development initiatives have sought to strengthen linkages in specific market chains, or to develop markets for the wide variety of business services that support market-chain functioning (BDS). More recently, attention has shifted to the wider 'business environment' as determined by the institutions, rules and practices of governments, large competitors and society at large. M Ma ap pp pi in ng g t th he e m ma ar rk ke et t: : p pa ar rt ti ic ci ip pa at to or ry y m ma ar rk ke et t-c ch ha ai in n d de ev ve el lo op pm me en nt t i in n p pr ra ac ct ti ic ce e MIKE ALBU and ALISON GRIFFITH There is often little attention to market systems within the application of livelihood frameworks
'The IFRC has been proud to support the development of the EMMA toolkit and recognizes the value it brings to improving post disaster needs assessment -helping us to meet our strategic aim to save lives, protect livelihoods and prepare for, and recover from, disasters and crises.EMMA is becoming an important part of our detailed assessments in the fi rst weeks following major disasters -informing a holistic and integrated approach to disaster response and early recovery. EMMA techniques help to determine appropriate response interventions, to promote greater choice for disaster affected populations, and to reduce the risk of aid dependency. Particularly useful are Market and Response Analysis (market maps and options and recommendation framework).' Simon Eccleshall, Head, Disaster Services Department, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies'In the past several years, there has been increasing collaboration between market development practitioners and emergency response practitioners. This collaboration is to be greatly celebrated and encouraged and the EMMA manual is one excellent result of this collaboration. For too long humanitarian relief which aimed to 'lay the ground work' for economic development did nothing of the sort. And, market development practitioners would follow and try to correct the many market distortions that had been created. The net result was very limited, if any, progress for the communities we are there to serve.Evidence from microfi nance has shown that we can and should start early after an emergency or other crisis to do it right from the beginning. Congratulations to IRC and the other agencies that have the foresight and tenacity to make this happen.' Mayada El-Zoghbi, Senior Microfi nance Specialist, CGAP, World Bank'The EMMA toolkit effectively brings comprehensive market analysis approaches to the rapid emergency context. It's a critical step forward in improving economic development practices in crisis contexts.' Timothy H. Nourse, Chief of Party, Expanded and Sustained Access to Financial Services (ESAF) Program, Academy for Educational Development, Ramallah, West Bank'EMMA is a clear and accessible framework for analyzing complex crisis situations from the perspective of disruptions in market systems, and for designing and implementing interventions based on basic market principles. It pushes relief and recovery programming to prioritize preserving and rebuilding market structures and create longer term opportunities for economic stability and security. The tool bridges a gap between the relief and development fi elds by creating a common vocabulary and vision around facilitating the transition to sustainable economic recovery and growth.'Adina Saperstein, Associate, Enterprise Development Practice Manager, Banyan Global ${protocol}://www.developmentbookshelf.com
Most people who live in cities and large towns throughout much of the developing world occupy neighbourhoods and informal settlements that do not have adequate water services. In fact, evidence suggests that more than 75 per cent of the urban poor obtain domestic water from sources other than a direct-piped mains supply. Is it time we looked at the positive alternative role which independent small-scale water providers play in meeting these people's needs? Water and livelihoods It is often women who ac t as water vendors IT/Simon Ekless
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