Sunday, July 30, 2017

New Book | Universities in the National Innovation Systems: Experiences from the Asia-Pacific | edited by V. V. Krishna

Universities in the National Innovation Systems: Experiences from the Asia-Pacific
Edited by V. V. Krishna, Routledge India, 2017, Hardback, 428 pages, ISBN: 9781138213470.

Summary: This volume looks at the role of universities in the National Innovation Systems in economies of the Asia Pacific. It examines the tremendous growth of human and knowledge capital made possible by teaching and research excellence in major universities, along with how universities are being re-positioned as frontiers of innovation in the National Systems of Innovation. The chapters assess the impact of globalisation and innovation together with the emergence of 'new' knowledge sites extended to the Asia Pacific region.
With contributions by experts and academics and key case studies, this book will be useful to scholars and researchers in higher education, development studies, public policy, economics, business and resource management, Asian studies as well as policymakers.

Table of Contents
Foreword by Professor Jennie Lang
1.Introduction: Three Missions of Universities and their Role in National Innovation Systems – Experiences from Asia-Pacific | V V Krishna 
Japan, Australia and New Zealand 
2. Changing University-Industry Links in the Japanese National Innovation System: Towards Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Regional Development | Fumi Kitagawa 
3. Globalisation and the future of Australian universities | Sam Garrett-Jones and Tim Turpin 
4. Changing role of research and Innovation in New Zealand Universities | Shantha Liyanage and Antonio Díaz Andrade 
China and India: Emerging Economies 
5. Research and Innovation in Chinese Universities | Weiping Wu 
6. Indian Universities in the National Innovation System | V.V.Krishna and Swapan Kumar Patra 
South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore: Newly Industrializing Economies 
7. University-industry R&D Collaboration in Korea's National Innovation System | Lee, Kong-Rae 
8. University-Industry-Government Linkages: the case of Taiwan Ching-Yan Wu and Mei-Chih Hu 
9. Research and Innovation in Asian Universities: Case study of the National University of Singapore | Seeram Ramakrishna and V V Krishna 
South East Asian Countries: Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam 
10. University-Industry Linkages and Innovation Activities in Malaysia | Rajah Rasiah and Hema Subramonian 
11. Universities in Thailand's National Innovation System: Their Contributions on Industrial and Technological Upgrading | Richard F. Doner, PatarapongIntarakumnerd and Bryan K. Ritchie 
12. Role of universities in the national innovation system of the Philippines | Raymund B. Habaradas 
13. Higher Education Institutions in Indonesia: Access, Innovation and Research | R. Alpha Amirrachman 
14. The Roles of Universities in Vietnam's National Innovation System | Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Nguyen Phuong Mai, Doan Quang Hung and Dao Ngoc Tien 
15. Asia Pacific Universities in National Innovation Systems: Concluding Synthesis | V.V.Krishna

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Trialogue 2047 - Solutions for Solid Waste Management in India | Development Alternatives | 28th July, at 4:00 pm

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Greetings from Development Alternatives!

We are pleased to announce the 20th Trialogue 2047 - Solutions for Solid Waste Management in India, in partnership with Green Economy Coalition, on 28th July 2017 from 4:00pm- 6:00pm  at Development Alternatives (B-32 Tara Crescent, Qutub Institutional Area).

To know more about the event please visit: http://devalt.org/UpcomingEvents.aspx?Lid=5Please drop a line for your participation to library@devalt.org.





Please feel free to contact for any clarification.
Regards,
Ramita Rawat
Coordinator, Resource Centre
Development Alternatives
B-32, Tara Crescent, Qutub Institutional Area
New Delhi - 110016
Ph: +91-11-2654-4100, 2654-4200, Fax: +91-11-2685-1158
www.devalt.org | library@devalt.org

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

ALIS Article | Science in pre-independent India: a scientometric perspective | by S K Patra and Mammo Muchie

Science in pre-independent India: a scientometric perspective
by Swapan Kumar Patra and Mammo Muchie
Annals of Library and Information Studies, 2017, 64(2), 125-136.
Abstract: Scientific publications and different types of collaboration pattern in pre-independent India are mapped using scientometrics and social network analysis tools. Publication data of Indian authors published before 1947 are downloaded from the Scopus database of Elsevier science. The study traces the literature growth patterns, core journals, productive authors, authorship collaboration patterns, productive institutions and their collaboration patterns. The result shows that maximum literature was published in the year 1936. The growth of publications during the mid-1930s was evident as many scientific institutions were established by that time. The subject-wise maximum activity was observed in chemistry followed by agricultural and biological science. Proceedings of the Indian Academy of Sciences was the most preferred journals. Universities played the prominent role in scientific research. Some private institutions with 'nationalistic' enthusiasm, for example, Indian Institute of Science and Indian Institute for Cultivation of Science were very productive institutions and also prominent in institutional collaboration. These institutions started in the colonial period continue to be the pillars of modern science in India.
Keywords: Colonial Science;Scientometrics;India;Social Network Analysis;History of Science

ABDR Article | Role of Innovation System in Development of Biotechnology in South Africa | by S K Patra and Mammo Muchie

Role of Innovation System in Development of Biotechnology in South Africa
Swapan Kumar Patra and Mammo Muchie
Asian Biotechnology and Development Review, 2017, 19(1), 3-30.
Abstract: South Africa is among the African countries that have taken initiatives to develop biotechnology industry to meet the persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. This study analyse the Biotechnology Innovation System of South Africa using the three building blocks of sectoral system of innovation (SSI). It also benchmarks South African performance with that of other BRICS countries such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. Although the South African biotechnology market is quite small compared to other BRICS countries, its potential to grow is high. The scholarly publication patterns from the Medline database show that the knowledge base in this sector is small compared to other countries. However the South African scholarly papers are highly cited. This shows their relevance at the global level. The patent portfolio is also very small and limited to a few technological categories. The publication and patent portfolios show that university research output is not readily being translated into commercial products. Although there are many examples of university spinoff firms in biotechnology, findings from this study emphasis the need for a stronger university-industry relationship to encourage innovation for entrepreneurial start-ups. 
Keywords: Biotechnology, South Africa, Sectoral System of Innovation, developing countries, Global South

Monday, July 24, 2017

EPW Commentary | 'Development' and 'Modernity' in the Global South | by Jayanta Bandyopadhyay

'Development' and 'Modernity' in the Global South
by Jayanta Bandyopadhyay
EPW Commentary, 2017, 52(27).
The terms "development" and "modernity" have been used widely and diversely during the past several decades, and continue to be evoked extensively in the present time. Development is projected as the path to modernity, a unique and inevitably desirable state for all human societies.


Monday, July 3, 2017

Call for Participation | MOOC on Understanding the Blue Economy | Starts July 2017

Call for Participation | Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Understanding the Blue Economy | Starts July 2017
The online course is offered through the University of Seychelles and available to learners globally.

The Commonwealth of Learning, in collaboration with the University of Seychelles' James Michel Blue Economy Research Institute, is offering a free online course on the Blue Economy. The course, titled "Understanding the Blue Economy," is aimed at individuals new to the concept and has six units:
Unit 1: The Blue Economy: An emerging concept
Unit 2: Ecosystem Services
Unit 3: Fisheries and Aquaculture
Unit 4: Emerging High Technology Sectors
Unit 5: Tourism
Unit 6: Maritime Transportation and Services
The course will focus on developing new and improved sustainable business models related to the use of coastal and ocean resources. It fits well with Goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals which aspires to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources. 

The course is flexible, free and will be run by the University of Seychelles, starting on 10 July 2017. Depending on a learner's weekly commitment, they will be able to complete the course between 8 to 10 weeks.

Please contact John Lesperance at jlesperance@col.org and Eugenie Khani at Eugenie.Khani@unisey.ac.sc for registration with following details: 1. Name, 2. Surname, 3. Country of residence, 4. Institution/organisation, 5. Email address, 6. Phone number, 7. Gender, 8. Date of birth. The deadline for registration is 5 July 2017. 

Sunday, July 2, 2017

TRAI organizes Open House Discussion on Consultation Paper on "Approach Towards Sustainable Telecommunications" | 5th July, New Delhi

TRAI organizes Open House Discussion on Consultation Paper on "Approach Towards Sustainable Telecommunications"


IJHS Article "General Scientific Societies in British India" by BK Sen

General Scientific Societies in British India
by BK Sen, Indian Journal of History of Science, 2017, 52(2), 197-219. 
Abstract: British India gave birth to hundreds of scientific societies devoted to various sub-disciplines of science such as physics, chemistry and mathematics. However, some of them were devoted to science in general and played a significant role in science, society and scientific researches in India.Thirty three such societies are streamlined here with nature of foundation, objectives, publications and other details. The oldest of course is the Asiatic Society (1874) established in Kolkata and the latest being the Association of Scientific Workers of India (1947) inaugurated by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru.They were established for popularization of science, promotion of science education, research, development of scientific terms in regional languages, translation of foreign scientific texts in Indic languages, and so on. Many of the societies perished for varied reasons. Some of them are existing till to date. 
Keywords: Scientific societies - British India; Scientific societies – India; Scientific societies – 18th century - India; Scientific societies – 19th century - India; Scientific societies – 20th century - India. 

Article "How well are we managing E-waste in India: evidences from the city of Bangalore" by A. Borthakur & M. Govind

Borthakur, A. & Govind, M. (2017). How well are we managing E-waste in India: evidences from the city of Bangalore. Energy, Ecology and Environment, doi:10.1007/s40974-017-0060-0. 

Abstract: As a toxic waste stream, E-waste poses serious challenges to the waste management initiatives in India. While the hazardous components of E-waste call for environment-friendly disposal mechanisms, the valuable and precious metal constituents necessitate adequate infrastructural provisions and responsible management programmes to avoid the loss of economically vital materials. Considering this duality, this paper is an attempt to evaluate the current E-waste disposal practices in India, particularly emphasizing on the city of Bangalore. Three sectors listed as 'bulk consumers' of electrical and electronic equipments under the recent E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016, namely (1) IT and electronics, (2) banking and (3) education, are considered for the study purpose. Our experience suggests that these bulk consumers adopt two different approaches to comply with the new EPR guidelines as enlisted in the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016. These are: (1) IT companies like Wipro adopts a 'take-back system' where it is responsible for taking back the products originally produced in its various facilities from the consumers; (2) most of the banks and educational institutes take 'auction' as the measure by calling tenders from authorized E-waste recyclers with some banks embracing an 'E-waste exchange system', or complying through producer responsibility organizations (PROs) for responsible E-waste management in the city. However, we sense a lack of meticulous initiatives towards addressing the E-waste crisis largely prevalent across these sectors. We argue that ensuring responsible disposal behaviour is central in any successful E-waste management initiative. Further, we emphasize on the relative disinterestedness of the research community in addressing the issues concerning E-waste in India by carrying out a detailed bibliometric analysis on the topic. We conclude that a transparent system across these diverse sectors with adequate infrastructural provisions and administrative controls is the key to address India's E-waste apprehensions.

Saturday, July 1, 2017

Writing Technology-Neutral Law: An Instructive Example | EPW Article

Writing Technology-Neutral Law: An Instructive Example
by Hans Verghese Mathews, EPW, June 2017.

Abstract: The regulation of "biotechnology" seems to present legislative difficulties of another kind. The Government of India proposes to institute a biotechnology regulatory authority—the Human DNA Profiling Bill 2015—for the purpose of collating the DNA information of citizens so as to strengthen the criminal justice process and system. However, the regulation of such technology needs to be technologically neutral and requires safeguards against any information abuse and exploitation on the part of the "experts" and "specialists" appointed to the new regulatory institution governing biotechnology.

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Vigyan Prasar invites applications for its Director position

Vigyan Prasar invites applications for its Director position