Competitive horizon

Citation

(2007), "Competitive horizon", Strategic Direction, Vol. 23 No. 9. https://doi.org/10.1108/sd.2007.05623iab.001

Competitive horizon

A study carried out by the Economy Intelligence Unit has identified Japan as global leader in innovation, with Switzerland, USA and Sweden the other countries listed in the top four. The organization surveyed 82 economies and each country’s innovation was measured by the number of patents produced per million of its population. The study claims that Japan’s innovation level is mainly down to a proliferation of high-technology activities within the nation, having a greater number of scientific researchers per million people and investing proportionately more in research and development than most other leading economies. Topping the ratings is considered some achievement, especially as the country ranks much lower in factors considered to more directly drive innovation such as telecommunication infrastructure and index measuring environmental factors. The report, as published by the Japan Times (www.japantimes.co.jp) also predicts that these leading countries will remain as top innovators during the four years ending 2011 but believes that China’s growing levels of R&D investment makes the country an emergent force. In contrast, EU attempts to improve innovation is not expected to result in the area catching up on the nations at the top.

Wind of change

According to a report published by the Independent Online (www.int.iol.co.za), Denmark intends to treble its number of offshore wind parks as part of an aim to sustain its position as leading European pioneer of wind power development alongside Germany and Spain and ahead of Italy, the UK, France and The Netherlands. By 2025, Denmark hopes that wind power will meet up to 75 percent of its electricity requirements. Currently, 20 percent of electricity is provided by the nation’s 5,200 wind turbines. Though the majority of the wind farms are situated on land, it is acknowledged that sea breezes help make offshore turbines more efficient. The report points out that offshore turbines are between 50 and 100 percent more expensive than land equivalents but boast considerably greater power and meet public approval in a country with limited land space. Analysts believe that offshore wind parks will make a valuable contribution to Denmark’s long term goal of becoming totally reliant on renewable energy and its pledge to continue to front the battle against global warming.

South Africa to step up piracy fight

Software piracy remains a big problem in South Africa, even though the overall rate has fallen to 25 percent below the average for Africa and the Middle East. Piracy levels are higher within developing nations and the last year has seen the rate in the Middle East and Africa increase from 57 to 60 percent. A study undertaken by the Business Software Alliance (BSA) points out that this level is 26 percent above the Western European average. And while the study has identified South Africa as among the 20 countries experiencing the lowest piracy rates, it also reveals that the country’s economy lost 1.5 billion rand in 2006 as a result of software piracy. A report published by Business Report (www.busrep.co.za) urges government, trade organizations and business to unite in the effort to address the issue more forcefully and the BSA has began targeting companies with an advertising campaign pointing out the risks involved in using illegal software.

Lower energy bills for UK firms?

Small UK firms can slash their energy bills by around £1,000 per annum, a report published by Crimson Business (www.crimsonbusiness.co.uk) claims. The use of advance metering enables such savings because the devices provide companies with more accurate information about their energy usage. Following a three year study, the Carbon Trust points out that improved monitoring would result in carbon emissions falling by 12 percent each year, saving 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide. The organization is now urging the government to encourage widespread adoption of the meters, pointing out that nationwide usage could result in savings of £300 million. The report claims that this move would help the UK’s aim to more than half its level of carbon emissions by 2050, while also creating new business opportunities within the energy sector.