Application of IC-models in a combined public-private sector setting for regional innovation in Slovakia

• Published in: Journal of intellectual capital 2017-07, Vol.18 (3), p.588-606
• Main Authors: Wiedenhofer, Roswitha, Friedl, Christian, Billy, Lubomir, Olejarova, Daniela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Area planning & development; Backbone; Collaboration; Colleges & universities; Competition; Competitive advantage; Consortia; Cooperation; Distance learning; Economic development; Economic growth; Economics; Higher education; Higher education institutions; Human capital; Hypotheses; Innovations; Intellectual capital; Knowledge; Knowledge bases (artificial intelligence); Knowledge economy; Knowledge management; Learning; Markets; Private sector; Public sector; R&D; Regional development; Regions; Research & development; Research & development expenditures; Small & medium sized enterprises-SME; Sound; Specialization; Strategic management; Studies; System theory; Technology adoption; Training; Transition economies
• ISSN: 1469-1930; 1758-7468
• DOI: 10.1108/JIC-11-2016-0110

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to support the competitiveness and knowledge-based economic growth of the Slovak region of Košice and its stakeholders; suitable intellectual capital (IC) methodologies were selected and applied. This approach responds to a weak innovation performance of Slovakia in general and a weak connection of the Slovak labour market and vocational training system. Design/methodology/approach The methodological “backbone” is given by IC reporting (ICR). The two ICR models – the Austrian University model and the German “Alwert” model – were selected and transferred to higher educational institutions (HEI) and companies in Košice. The knowledge transfer was accomplished by implementation of on-site trainings with different groups of stakeholders, supported by e-learning. Several accompanying in-depth interviews with Austrian stakeholders were conducted to derive recommendations for ICR implementation in the Slovak public sector. Findings Beyond knowledge transfer, a shared understanding of the importance of IC management and common “IC language” between different stakeholders of the regional innovation system could be developed. Further, several recommendations for a sound development of an IC governance tool for HEI were elaborated. Practical implications The knowledge transfer and practical implementation of this Slovak case were successful. Requests for follow-up initiatives, invitations for conferences, development of projects including ICR elements prove this valuation. Originality/value A methodological innovation was accomplished by adapting a set of innovation key drivers as structural base for the development of the regional innovation function and interaction of stakeholders.