Sustainable management and the prospects for innovation and technological development in Poland

Marek DZIURA; Andrzej JAKI; Tomasz ROJEK

doi:10.31617/zt.knute.2022(121)04

Authors

Marek DZIURA Cracow University of Economics https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4889-2883
Andrzej JAKI Cracow University of Economics https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4799-4343
Tomasz ROJEK Cracow University of Economics https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2977-4312

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31617/zt.knute.2022(121)04

Keywords:

sustainable development, foresight research, innovation and technological development.

Abstract

Introduction. Science and technology policy should be the most dynamic policy domains in Poland. The strong political interest in science and technology reflects a wide recognition of the relevance of scientific research and technological development in relation to industrial competitiveness and societal problems. In preparing for the challenges our country faces in the 21st Century, research and development are regarded as vital, whether they concern aging, transportation and mobility issues or sustainable development.
Analysis of recent researches and publications has shown that the published up to date papers aren’t systematic and can’t claim to be a complete analysis in the chosen field.
The aim of the articleis to present a recent prospective technological study aimed at reconciling technological development with the long-term goal of achieving sustainable development.
Methods. General scientific methods such as the systematic approach, theoretical generalization and comparison, analysis and synthesis have been used in the research.
Results. The aim of the long-term strategies for sustainable development of the state is to provide information and analysis necessary to maintain the leading position in the field of technological development and innovation in the foreseeable future. Currently, a significant method of supporting this activity is technology foresight.In Poland technology foresight activities play an important role in targeting science and technology towards present and future societal needs. Technology foresight is regarded as the most upstream element of the identification of prospects for innovation and technological development. It provides inputs for the formulation of technology policies and strategies that guide the development of the technological infrastructure. In addition, technology foresight provides support to innovation, and incentives and assistance to enterprises in the domain of technology management and technology transfer, leading to enhanced competitiveness and growth.The technologyforesight initiative also provides suitable methodologies to promote sustainable and innovative development, fostering economic, environmental and social benefits at national and regional levels. Its outcomes are policies and programs that deal with innovation, industrial growth and competitiveness.
Conclusions. The main conclusion of the technology foresight study (especially in their ecological aspects) is that technology offers opportunities for sustainable development. But alignment of technological developments with sustainability is necessary. The secondary effects like shifting the burden from environment to space should be counteract. Also, more attention is needed for system innovations. The government is an important player on different levels (regulation, stakeholder) and should start the dialogue with relevant parties. The system approach and societal needs offer a useful conceptual framework to bring parties together. The technology foresightstudy could form a basis for this dialogue.

Author Biographies

Marek DZIURA, Cracow University of Economics

PhD, Assistant Professor

Andrzej JAKI, Cracow University of Economics

PhD, DSc, Associate Professor

Tomasz ROJEK, Cracow University of Economics

PhD, Assistant Professor

References

Bergek, A., Jacobsson, S., Carlsson, B., Lindmark, S., & Rickne, A. (2009), Analyzingthe functional dynamics of technological innovation systems: A scheme of analysis, Research Policy, 37(3) [in English] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2007.12.003.

Berkhout, F., A., & Smith and A. Stirling (2004). ‘Technological regimes, transition contexts and the environment’, in B. Elzen, F. Geels and K. Green (eds.), System Innovation and the Transition to Sustainability: Theory, Evidence and Policy (Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar) [in English].

Budinger T. F., & Budinger M. D. (2006). Ethics of emerging technologies: scientific facts and moral challenges. John Wiley & Sons [in English].

Cagnin, C., Keenan, M., & Johnston, R. (2008), Future-Oriented Technology Analysis: Strategic Intelligence for an Innovative Economy, Springer [in English]https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-68811-2.

Czaplicka-Kolarz K., Stanczyk K., & Kapusta K. (2008). Technology foresight for a vision of energy sector development in Poland till 2030. Delphi survey as an element of technology foresighting, Główny Instytut Górnictwa (Central Mining Institute), Poland [in English] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2008.05.007.

Geels, F.W. (2005). Technological Transitions, A co-evolutionary and socio-technicalanalysis, Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar [in English].

Georghiou, L. (1986). Post-innovation performance: technological development and competition, Macmillan [in English].

Georghiou, L., Metcalfe, J. S., Gibbons, M., Ray, T., & Evans, J. (1986) Post-Innovation Performance: Technological Development and Competition, MacMillan [in English] https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-07455-6.

Georghiou, L. (et al.) (2008). The handbook of technology foresight: concepts and practice, Edward Elgar Publishing [in English].

Gijutsuchō, K., Gijutsu, K., & Kenkyūjo, S. (1993). Future technology in Japan: toward the year 2020, Institute for Future Technology, Japan [in English].

Grin, J. & Grunwald, A. (eds.) (2000). Vision Assessment: Shaping Technology in the 21st Century Society. Towards a Repertoire for Technology assessment (Berlin-Heidelberg, Germany: Springer) [in English] https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-59702-2.

Grin, J., & Weterings, R. (2005). ‘Reflexive monitoring of projects for system innovations: nature, competences and learning context.’ Paper presented at session ‘Reflexive Governance for Sustainable Development’, 6th Open Meeting of the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Research Community, Bonn, 9-13 oktober 2005 [in English].

Hekkert, M. P., Suurs, R. A. A., Negro, S. O., Kuhlmann, S., & Smits, R.E.H.M. (2007). Functions of innovation systems: A new approach for analysing technological change. Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 74(4) [in English] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2006.03.002.

Hjorth, L. S., Eichler, B. A., Khan, A. S. (2007), Technology and society: issues for the 21st century and beyond, Prentice Hall [in English].

Irvine, J., & Martin, B. R. (1984). Foresight in science: picking the winners, F. Pinter [in English].

Jacobsson, S. & Bergek, A. (2004). Transforming the energy sector: the evolution of technological systems in renewable energy technology. Industrial and Corporate Change, (Vol. 13), 5 [in English] https://doi.org/10.1093/icc/dth032.

Johnston, R., & Gummett, P. (1979). Directing Technology: Policies for Promotion and Control. Taylor & Francis [in English].

Kemp, R., & Soete, L. (1992). ‘The Greening of Technological Progress: An Evolutionary Perspective’, Futures, 24(5) [in English] https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-3287(92)90015-8.

Kemp, R., Ian, Miles, & Keith, Smith (et al.) (1994). Technology and the Transition to Environmental Stability. Continuity and Change in Complex Technology Systems, final report from project «Technological Paradigms and Energy Technologies» for SEER research programme of the CEC (DG XII) [in English].

Kemp, R. (1994). ‘Technology and the Transition to Environmental Sustainability. The Problem of Technological Regime Shifts’, Futures, 26.10 [in English] https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-3287(94)90071-X.

Kemp, R., Loorbach,, D., & Rotmans, J. (2007). Transition management as a model for managing processes of co-evolution. The International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology (special issue on (co)-evolutionary approach to sustainable development), 14, 78-91 [in English] https://doi.org/10.1080/13504500709469709.

Kemp, R. (2008). Sustainable technologies do not exist! Key note paper for DIME conference in Bordeaux, 11-13 September, 2008 [in English].

Kemp, R. (2009). Eco-innovation and transitions, Paper for journal Economia delle fonti di energia e dell'ambiente (Energy and Environment Economics and Policy) Special Issue on Heterodox Environmental Economics, UNU-MERIT, ICIS, DRIFT, The Netherlands. Retrieved from r.kemp@merit.unimaas.nl [in English] https://doi.org/10.3280/EFE2009-001007.

Loorbach, D. (2007). Transition management. New mode of governance for sustainabledevelopment. International Books, Utrecht. The Netherlands [in English].

Markard, J., & Truffer, B. (2008). Technological innovation systems and the multi-level perspective: Towards an integrated framework. Research Policy, 37(4) [in English] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2008.01.004.

Meadowcroft, J. (2005). ‘Environmental political economy, technological transitions and the state’, New Political Economy, 10 [in English] https://doi.org/10.1080/13563460500344419.

National Development Strategy 2007-2015 (NSR), Council of Ministers, Poland, Dec. 30, 2008 [in English].

National Strategy of Regional Development 2007-2013 (NSRR), Ministry of RegionalDevelopment, Poland, Sep. 6, 2005 [in English].

Nonaka, I., & Takeuchi H. (2008). The Knowledge-Creating Company: How JapaneseCompanies Create the Dynamics of Innovation, Oxford University Press [in English].

OECD (2011). Public Research Institutions: Mapping Sector Trends, Organisation forEconomic Co-Operation and Development, Paris [in English].

Standage, T. (2005). The Future of Technology, John Wiley & Sons [in English].

Porter, M. E. (1990). The competitive advantage of nations. The Macmillan Press Ltd [in English] https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-11336-1https://doi.org/10.1002/cir.3880010112.

Rohrbeck, R. (2010). Corporate Foresight: Towards a Maturity Model for the Future Orientation of a Firm, Springer [in English] https://doi.org/10.5465/ambpp.2010.54493637.

Rosenberg, N. (1982) Inside the Black Box. Technology and Economics, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press [in English].

Schmandt, J., & Ward, C. H. (Eds.) (2000). Sustainable development: The challenge of transition Cambridge University Press [in English].

Schuurman, E. (1980). Technology and the future: a philosophical challenge, Wedge Publishing Foundation [in English].

Smith, A., Stirling, A., & Berkhout, F. (2005). «The governance of sustainable sociotechnical transitions», Research Policy, 34 [in English] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2005.07.005.

Spaargaren, G. (2003). ‘Sustainable Consumption: A theoretical and environmental policy perspective’, Society and Natural Resources, 16 [in English] https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920309192.

Teich, A. H. (2003). Technology and the future, Wadsworth/Thomson [in English].

Weaver, P., L. Jansen, G. van Grootveld, E. van Spiegel, & Vergragt, P. (2000). Sustainable Technology Development, Sheffield: Greenleaf Publishing [in English].

Weterings, R. (et al.) (1997). 81 mogelijkheden Technologie voor duurzame ontwikkeling. Publicatiereeks Milieustrategie Ministerie van VROM: 97288/a/5-97, 81 options. Technology for Sustainable Development, report for Ministry of Housing, Physical Planning and the Environment [in English].