In innovation support networks technology equates with knowledge. Within university-industry link
systems a multiplicity of technology transfer mechanisms are apparent, which appear to be well integrated (Cheese, 1993). Chambers of commerce who deliver innovative support to small businesses complement
the higher education system. Small businesses need to co-operate through network groups to share
learning and training resources and good practice. It is clear that chambers of commerce can provide support by acting as the prime entry point into the local innovation support network, by offering basic consultancy and using knowledge of the network to direct businesses, as necessary, to the agent, such as an independent research centre or a higher education institution (Cheese, 1993). A non-trivial source of the exchange of information on problems of common interest are personal contacts within an informal network (Desforges, 1985). A problem that is particularly acute for small businesses is co-operation since they tend not to be well integrated into academic/government/company networks.
A network of co-operation partners will operate to form a 'focal point' of business innovation (Martinussen, 1992). The hub of the process needs good organisation and a network of co-operation partners involving business innovation centres, technology transfer companies, science parks, and venture capital companies.
These will be responsible for developing technology from a business idea to establishment of a new firm.
Organisation of the Book
This volume contains chapters concerning the innovation process and small business and considers
invention, innovation and small business, research and development and the small firm, technology
diffusion, clusters and knowledge flows, higher education spin-offs, global start-ups and business
development and innovation performance indicators.
Chapter 2: Invention, Innovation and Small Business
This opening chapter introduces the distinction between invention and innovation and the
interrelationships between invention, innovation and small business. The chapter investigates inventive activity in the modern technological setting of the 21st Century and reports on the barriers, motivations and drivers to inventors becoming entrepreneurs in exploiting their ideas and taking them to market.
Chapter 3: Research and Development and the Small Firm
The chapter investigates R&D in terms of spillovers and technology absorption, the measurement of R&D
activity and these activities in small businesses. In relation to these aspects the chapter considers R&D
activities in businesses according to demand, organisation, innovation, imitation and diffusion,
complementary assets, networking and government influence on business R&D.