MIOIR blog
Posts on science, and innovation policy management from MIOIR.
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A Gigafactory Makes Germany’s Public Bodies Face Unprecedented Challenges
4 March 2021
In November 2019, the CEO of the US electric automobile manufacturer Tesla, Elon Musk, announced plans of building a “Gigafactory” on the outskirts of Berlin, Germany – more precisely in Grunheide, Brandenburg. Since then, the construction project is being executed with incomparable speed, despite the current pandemic. But are the Brandenburg region and Tesla even a perfect fit? And who pulls the strings in the ongoing approval processes?
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Foresight Methods Course (Winter 2021)
3 March 2021
Tim Schatz reflects on attending the recent 'Foresight Methods' Executive Education Course hosted by Manchester Institute of Innovation Research in partnership with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd on 23-25 February 2021.
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5G and conspiracy theories
25 February 2021
MSc student Keshav Daby writes that conspiracy theories, on potentially beneficial innovations, can have a detrimental impact on society. Looking at the case of 5G he highlights key recommendations to tackle such conspiracy theories.
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Is High Speed 2 (HS2) benefitting the Globe, the Country, and the People?
22 February 2021
In 2019, the UK passed laws to end its contribution to global warming and committed to becoming one of the first major net Zero-Carbon economies by 2050. As transport is the largest carbon contributor in the UK, the government has proposed constructing HS2 to make travel greener, cleaner and sustainable. With advanced technology, HS2 adopts highly energy-efficient designs, powers trains with renewable energy (e.g. solar and wind generation), innovates in its supply chain to reduce carbon footprint and uses environmentally friendly materials during construction.
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AI and society, how can we steer AI towards public good?
15 February 2021
The 21st Century feels like it is defined by the pace of change, and discourses about technology and its impact on society are more important than ever. We are watching the shaping of AI technologies at breakneck pace, and its socio-political impacts are evident.
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People, Prosperity and Planet: The role of G7 Countries in Buying the Future We Want. Leveraging Public Procurement to #BuildBackBetter
26 January 2021
In 2021, amidst a global pandemic, a post-Brexit, globally ambitious United Kingdom assumes the G7 Presidency. Hosting this year’s G7 summit presents the UK with the opportunity to unite the world’s most advanced economies around a more inclusive and sustainable #BuildBackBetter agenda.
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Book Review by Dr Khaleel Malik, Managing Digital Innovation: A Knowledge Perspective
11 January 2021
Digital innovations have the potential to transform organisations. Big data, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning: organisations need to be acutely aware of how these technologies plus an array of other digital technologies can add value, but also require careful management. This textbook considers the complexity of innovation processes and attempts to demonstrate how effective knowledge management can make organisations more innovative.
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Helping people and the planet as an entrepreneur
5 January 2021
Author: Lorraine Wolter At the front door to my apartment is a sign that says: “I want to have my own business to deliver a product that helps thousands of people and the planet.” This sign reminds me of my... Continue Reading →
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The power of alliances to create technology legitimacy
17 December 2020
In 2016, a multilateral cross-industry alliance was formed between the e-vehicle producer BYD, the local bus operator Metbus and the Chilean electrics utility company Enel X to adopt and implement electric mobility in the Chilean public transportation system.
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Starting up in modular and sustainable housing
16 November 2020
In 2019, I arrived from Germany to the UK for study in the MSc in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship at the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research at the Alliance Manchester Business School. The IME programme helped me to better understand innovation and entrepreneurship in its wider context as well as its global implications.
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