A Centre for Innovation Research Seminar
Welcome to a Centre for Innovation Research seminar
- Date: Thursday, October 31st
- Time: 12:00 - 13:00.
- Place: UiS Campus Ullandhaug, Elise Ottesen-Jensens bulding hus EOJ 276/277
- Seminar guest: Kerstin J. Schaefer, Assistant Professor in Economic Geography at Utrecht University and a principal investigator at Leibniz University Hannover.
- Title of the presentation: The uneven geography of technical standardization.
Abstract:
From power outlets to technical components for automated driving: Technical standards are crucial as they enable compatibility and safety. Their rapidly growing importance for economic success and technological sovereignty has put them on political agendas globally. However, global debates neglect the geographical impacts technical standards have. Standards are geographically highly relevant as they influence the location of economic activities, Global Value Chains and coordinate technologies across borders. The impact of standards on regional economic development and innovation activities can vary greatly between spatial contexts. Actors from newcomer countries often experience difficulties in taking on influential positions in international standardization, something the literature refers to as the so-called standardization gap between standard makers and standard takers. Particularly late entrants for instance from China face this standardization gap. These actors are less successful in bringing their technological specifications into international standards, leaving them at a disadvantage when forced to be standard takers in order to be able to sell their products on the global market. Who contributes to a technical standard and from what perspectives and strategic motivation is therefore highly relevant for the outcome of innovation processes on many scales. We therefore need to work towards a systematic geographical understanding of technical standards and standardization gaps.
Meeting-ID: 318 649 163 447
Password: BN8mrY