Governance, Policies and Legal Conditions for Access to Market through Extended and Dynamic Clustering of SMEs

Author: Takis Damaskopoulos
Series: White Paper
Publication Date: November 2008
Category: Premium Membership



Abstract
This White Paper presents the key policy and research recommendations that emerge out of the different streams of research and stakeholder engagement of the EFFORT project. It identifies the domains for intervention in terms of policy, law and regulation, technology, and governance at EU, national and regional levels for the facilitation of extended and dynamic clustering. It offers ‘parametric’ reflections and recommendations on each of these domains at the level of the unit of analysis of the EFFORT project, namely, cluster and cross-regional extended and dynamic clustering.

Forecasting Patterns of Regional Economic Change: Indications for EU Public Administrations

Author: Takis Damaskopoulos
Series: Study
Publication Date: October 2008
Category: Premium Membership



Abstract
This study aims at examining the nature of changes in the spatial and sectoral structure of economic activity in different regions of the EU and to assess their implications for regional economic development policy. More specifically, the study sets out to forecast the extent to which regions are capable of confronting the emerging economic challenges and to identify the potential constraints on changes required for maintaining their competitive position, which, in turn, can slow down economic growth and prevent them from achieving higher levels of real income.

Action Plan for SME e-Business Support for 2008-2013 for the Government of Lithuania

Authors: Takis Damaskopoulos, Rimantas Gatautis
Series: Study
Publication Date: July 2008
Category: Premium Membership



Abstract
This study constructs the basis of the national Action Plan for SME e-business support for 2008-2013 in the Republic of Lithuania. It has been commissioned to the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (EIIR) by the Information Society Development Committee under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. The aim of the Plan is to encourage and assist small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), to use Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in a way that will maximize their business performance and competitive advantage. Effective use of ICT across all sectors of the economy can act as a driver to increase competitiveness. ICT connectivity across the European Union (EU) is widespread in businesses of all sizes. SMEs, however, lag significantly behind larger firms in adopting ICT which in turn compromises and limits their economic potential and competitiveness.