Francesca Spigarelli

• Doctor of Business Administration
• Professor (Full) at University of Macerata

The concept of national innovation systems (NIS) has been commonly applied as a theoretical lens for researching innovation systems worldwide. This phenomenon has occurred also in Asia. Although underreported, the case of Vietnam is worth exploring, including the role of public universities (PUs) in the NIS and the transformation of these instituti...

Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase in the number of industrial PhD programmes (IPPs) at the global level, especially in advanced countries. Several regional and national governments have invested considerable resources to set up and support IPPs which have been presented as strategic policy tools for promoting the employability...

Addressing the growing need for integration between STEM and the social sciences and humanities, this book reinterprets the role of entrepreneurship education. It explores how universities can adapt to the rapid change, and challenges, of the job market brought by digital and green transitions. Specifically, it investigates the profound impact of t...

Addressing the growing need for integration between STEM and the social sciences and humanities, this book reinterprets the role of entrepreneurship education. It explores how universities can adapt to the rapid change, and challenges, of the job market brought by digital and green transitions.

National and regional governments have promoted the professionalisation of knowledge transfer by establishing specialised structures: Knowledge Transfer Offices (KTOs). Although previous research has examined the features and performance of KTOs extensively, there is limited evidence regarding their role and associated evolution in managing new aca...

Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision, in particular Deep Learning (DL), have transformed the analysis of human faces, enabling different tasks, ranging from classification to synthesis. Despite these advancements, color analysis in face images remains underexplored, especially concerning well-defined datasets and frame...

The multidimensional nature of Circular Economy (CE) has been investigated by using composite indicators including variables that sometimes can be assumed only indirectly related to the concept of CE. This paper defines a new composite indicator based exclusively on environmental variables, grouped into the five areas of green enterprise, sustainab...

This paper delves into the growing need for collaborative technological solutions to address environmental challenges, with a focus on the underexplored potential of Industry 4.0 technologies, in particular as regards blockchain technology (BCT) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Recognizing the obstacles faced by SMEs when embracing gre...

The aim of this systematic literature review was to understand thefeatures, and the evolution, of industrial doctorates by analysing 54papers published between 2002 and 2023. Two aspects wereconsidered (i) the state of the art of the literature has been clarifiedthrough synthesis and discussion of six key themes: the main featuresand evolution of i...

Il presente articolo contribuisce a identificare e comprendere le sfide, le opportunità e le buone pratiche che le imprese, i lavoratori e le istituzioni incontrano nell'implementare il passaggio dal paradigma dell'Industria 4.0 (I4.0) all'Industria 5.0 (I5.0). Dopo aver svolto una revisione della letteratura scientifica sul tema dell'I5.0, il cont...

The Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) is an industrial policy tool that each Member State must adopt to implement the European Union’s (EU) energy transition. The Italian NECP was approved in December 2019. A revised full version of the Plan was submitted to the European Commission on July 19th, 2023. This new proposal will be furt...

This short study delves into the complex semiconductor industry dynamics amidst global trade and geopolitical tensions. Valued at over 500 billion US dollars, expected to reach 1 trillion by 2030, the sector is crucial for AI, autonomous driving, and 5G. We examine China’s quest for tech leadership, seen in Made in China 2025 Plan and Integrated Ci...

La guerra tecnologica tra Cina e Stati Uniti, spesso definita “guerra fredda tecnologica” o “guerra tecnologica” (tech war) ha iniziato a intensificarsi all’inizio degli anni 2010. È difficile individuare una data di inizio esatta, ma una serie complessa e continua di sviluppi, politiche e azioni da parte di entrambi i paesi hanno contribuito ad ac...

Along with education and scientific research, universities are more and more involved in their Third Mission (TM) which has been broadly portrayed as the openness of academia towards the socio-economic system. The academic and policy discourse has mainly focused on the contribution of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disc...

To keep up with rapid technological change, firms are pushed to acquire new competencies and resources, often leveraging the external networks in which they are involved. The paper examines how firms' engagement in inbound open innovation (OI) enables the adoption of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) thro...

Industry 4.0 technologies are expected to enhance healthcare quality at the minimum cost feasible by using innovative solutions based on a fruitful exchange of knowledge and resources among institutions, firms and academia. These collaborative mechanisms are likely to occur in an innovation ecosystem where different stakeholders and resources inter...

The dramatic economic and social consequences triggered by the COVID-19 crisis have urged countries to adopt exceptional measures to support the recovery of their economies. In July 2020, the European Council agreed upon the Next Generation EU (NGEU), a €750 billion plan to support Member States hit by the crisis. To receive financial support, Memb...

This paper explores how Blockchain technology (BCT) can be integrated in the agri-food supply chain (ASC) and how BCT-based networks are formed. To do this, the paper describes a BCT solution, designed to enhance traceability, and analyses its adoption in two small firms. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach and the Actor-Network Theory (ANT), th...

In un’epoca caratterizzata da radicali cambiamenti negli assetti economici e politici globali e da un deciso ritorno sulla scena internazionale della politica industriale come strumento strategico di promozione dell’interesse degli stati nazionali, riflettere sul ruolo che i governi possono giocare nelle dinamiche economiche e industriali è una pri...

Advances in Internet of Things (IoT) devices and in Machine Learning (ML) applications can provide valuable insights and predictions on personal health by optimizing data generation and processing. Nevertheless, the flow of data about the health status of a patient brings a variety of technical, legal and economic challenges that need to be address...

This paper focuses on the role that collaboration holds in supporting knowledge sharing mechanisms for the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. We develop a qualitative analysis based on four firms that show a collaborative approach both in the regional ecosystem in which they are included and within their organizational structure. The objective...

This paper paper focuses on the role of universities instimulating students’ entrepreneurial skills. After analysinginnovations introduced by European policies, the studydiscusses the main limitations of the scientific debate on entrepreneurshipcompetences and education. Aiming to fillthis gap, the research presents the results of a survey involvin...

Blue Economy (BE), as a novel approach fostering the sustainability of oceans and coastal areas for economic growth, is considered an enabler for sustainable and inclusive development. The paper contributes to the emerging literature on the development of a participative BE by presenting an innovative Quadruple Helix model, which not only connects...

In the year of Italy’s G20 Presidency this CDA report provides initial data and background information on the strategic cooperation of Italy and China to foster global networks of innovation and learning. At the same time the two nations capitalize on the technological and economic opportunities combining their national systems of innovation to for...

This exploratory study sheds light on the role of Chinese science parks (SPs) in fostering the foreign exposure of the actors of a Triple Helix Model (THM) for innovation. Linking the Chinese ‘Go Global’ strategy to the SPs policy, a conceptual model is developed on the basis of the existing literature. The model is applied by analysing the modes o...

European regions are characterized by different economic, technical and social conditions. Such differences might also explain the different strength of European regions in attracting foreign direct investments (FDI). Following recent strands of literature, in this paper we try to identify whether the presence of regional differences in the social...

Research on the stimulants for Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is extensive. However most analysis incorporates theoretical models based on the Institution-Based View or, to a lesser extent, the Resource-Based View (RBV),which highlight the importance of the macro (country) and micro (firm) level, while largely ignoring the meso (industry)...

The concluding chapter provides historical and analytical perspectives on China’s strengths and weaknesses in achieving the centennial goals which have driven the long path of Chinese economic history since its opening to the world economy. The chapter raises the fundamental question: have industrial policies worked? It reviews the question against...

An unpredictable shock hit the Italian economy in February 2020 when the spread of the COVID-19 virus began in Italy and other countries worldwide. In this context, Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies can be a fundamental tool for economic recovery by favouring the shift towards sustainable manufacturing. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the read...

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of environmental innovation on the balance of the food, energy, and water (FEW) nexus in the food service industry. The study was carried out through the completion of questionnaires by managers of food service companies in Brazil. Structural equation modeling (SmartPLS) was used for the analysis,...

Objective: Italy and Germany are two large economies of the European Union. However, they differ with regard to culture, business environment structure, as well as social and political concerns. This paper focuses on how Chinese takeovers are perceived by stakeholders as reflected in the national press in Italy and Germany, and compares stakeholder...

BACKGROUND COVID-19 has rendered the elderly as the vulnerable group with higher death rates in the 50+ age group. In the stereotype, the elderly user group do not have the willingness nor the skills in need to adapt to the fast technology progress. Wide use of AI in health monitoring and health management such as the use of smart phone for online...

Phenomena associated with globalization, the spread of the knowledge economy and the challenges of sustainable development are all contributing to redefining the role of the university. In addition to the traditional first and second missions of education and research, universities have been taking on a third mission to bring socio-economic benefit...

This volume describes the most salient changes faced by key Chinese industry sectors as defining components of global and domestic macroeconomic performance. Set within the context of the Global China 2049 initiative, which aims to transform the country into a fully advanced and developed nation, chapters focus specifically on industrial policies t...

This exploratory study, investigating the role of Living Labs (LLs) in promoting innovation and sustainability, has two main goals. Firstly, it seeks to understand how stakeholders and users, in a Quadruple Helix Model, can participate in LL activities and support the process of achieving a more sustainable society. Secondly, it guides the setting...

Purpose This paper constitutes an explorative study into post-acquisition implementation of emerging market acquisitions in developed countries. More specifically, the study aims to better understand how low capability Chinese firms are able to capture value when acquiring high-capability targets in developed countries through a novel post-acquisit...

This paper analyses the increasing role of Chinese cultural industries (CIs) in the country’s political agenda and new normal economic growth model. Firstly, this exploratory study provides an overview of selective policies enacted by the Chinese government to promote CIs. Recent trends in CIs are analysed and compared with manufacturing sectors by...

Given the global relevance of business groups (BG) and networks as efficient organizational forms for corporate sustainability and responsibility systems (CSR), and seeing that management control systems (MCS) play a pivotal role in transmitting authority to CSR and formalizing a sustainability organizational culture, this paper aims to review the...

In recent years, there has been increasing pressure on Universities to shift from focusing primarily on teaching and performing research, and to add an equivocal Third Mission (TM), labelled “a contribution to society”. Unprecedented challenges have been redesigning the missions of Universities, which are often perceived as being at a crossroads. T...

Health-related sectors have become increasingly strategic for the structural change that the Chinese government is pursuing. After a brief sketch of the institutional setting, the chapter first illustrates the main health policies, that is the major reforms that China has undertaken with respect to the provision of healthcare and to the financing o...

The chapter describes the trajectory of Chinese economy along the 40 years of reforms started by Deng Xiaoping. The goal is to better understand the changes and evolution of demand and supply of healthcare goods and services in China in the light of the impressive Chinese growth and economic development. Beside the Open Door and Go Global policies,...

The chapter analyses some of the manifold initiatives implemented by the Chinese government in order to foster research and innovation as tools to promote the shift of the healthcare sector from “Made in China” to “Designed in China”. After a description of the main projects to strengthen the scientific and academic endowment, the analysis then des...

This chapter describes how Western and domestic firms are competing in the various sub-segments of the Chinese market. The analysis begins with the impact of China’s Open Door policy and of Foreign Direct Investments in China by Western multinationals. Then, we consider China’s Go Global strategy and recent trends in Chinese expansion abroad via gr...

The chapter explores the intertwined relation between health and economic growth. In China, improvements in the health status of the population have powered the economic growth experienced by the country following the launch of the open door policy. Conversely, the emergence of a Chinese middle class and the improvement of economic conditions for a...

The chapter summarizes the key ideas and issues described in previous chapters.

The article aims to shed light on why and how Smart Specialization Strategies in European countries can promote the development of Industry 4.0 actions in the next programming period 2021-2027. Smart Specialization Strategies could hold a strategic function in the adoption of Industry 4.0 by supporting technological innovation based on the potentia...

Purpose This study aims to understand if and how European digital innovation hubs (DIHs) filling the role of knowledge brokers (KBs) can support the digital transformation (DX) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by triggering open innovation (OI) practices. Design/methodology/approach After presenting a conceptual model of reference, a s...

The paper investigates, through the use of a case study, how local firms can promote technological advancements in a very specific field, such as the one of ICT and IoT applied to the care of elderly people, benefiting from relationships with institutions, enterprises, universities and users in a Quadruple Helix Model. The firm selected, which is l...

Within the framework of EU policies and measures to develop the Circular Economy (CE) model, the paper sheds light on a relevant and important topic not so well debated in the literature, i.e. the adoption of CE at the regional level. Our key research question is: how do European Regions differ in terms of implementation of the CE? In order to addr...

BACKGROUND Facing COVID 19, governments around the world have high incentives to improve healthcare efficiency but limited resources to make the necessary infrastructure transformation. OBJECTIVE The paper aims to find out how foreign tech companies can navigate and implement smart home care for elderly users in China. METHODS I conducted intervi...

Background Facing COVID 19, the use of telehealth solutions grows exponentially. However, despite the large investments made into telehealth solutions, the implementation process remains slow and sluggish. Moreover, during COVID-19, older people experienced difficulties and had the highest mortality rates, and those lucky enough to survive faced tr...

The paper explores the influences played by asymmetries between European and Chinese incentive policies in renewable energy sources (RES) on location choice of Chinese investments in the EU. In the last decade, while EU countries relied on demand-oriented policies in the RES, China has been directly promoting supply-side interventions to support th...

This book explores the ongoing transition of China’s economy by examining how its healthcare industry is growing and changing. The coronavirus pandemic has reinforced one of the authors' key points: in our complex, fragile, and interconnected societies, the production of health is a vital strategic ‘industry’. The case of China is particularly sali...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the internationalization of Chinese new global players through innovation-oriented Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As). Design/methodology/approach The paper combines the analysis of East-Asian and Chinese multinationals’ international expansion within international business (IB) and innovation domains,...

In 2008, the European Union (EU) started promoting the development of micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of Think Small First – Small Business Act (sba). As SMEs represent 99% of all European businesses, they are the backbone of Europe. This phenomenon is even more clear in the Italian agrifood industry where, in 2016,...

Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialization (RIS3) emphasize the need for a collaborative governance, as an interactive and consensus-based decision-making process involving different stakeholders for their development. This paper offers an analysis of the role recognized to a collaborative governance in the Italian RIS 3 considered...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, to analyze the impact of Chinese managers’ psychic distance (PD) with Germany on their businesses; and second, to investigate whether managers’ previous experiences affect their PD. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study research design is adopted. It is based on six Chinese compani...

Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialization (S3) emphasize the need for an interactive and consensus-based decision-making process involving different stakeholders in their development. This paper offers a systematic review of the literature aimed at understanding whenever and to which extent the collaborative governance framework i...

What does the Belt and Road looks like? During the second edition of "Belt and Road Summit: from vision to action" (November 22, Shenzhen), of The European House-Ambrosetti in collaboration with China Development Institute, Francesca Spigarelli presented a working paper written with prof Ping Lv (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences) and a tea...

Ongoing global climate change, growing population and the intensification of economic activities, increase pressure on water resources, a situation many see as a water governance crisis. Water-related issues are becoming a limiting factor for sustainable economic growth and require a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, to foster innovativ...

Purpose: The paper analyses the emerging role of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) universities in contemporary society via third-and fourth-mission activities. In particular, the paper investigates the potential contributions that SSH universities can offer in developing and enhancing capacities, supporting the changing conception of innovation...

The aim of this paper is to propose a model for measuring the impact of European Union Environmental Policy (EU-EP) on Environment Innovations (EI). The paper is developed within the framework of the EU funded project GRAGE on “Grey and green in Europe: elderly living in urban areas”. Specifically, the paper is the core part of Deliverable 2.2 rela...

National culture has a well-recognized role in management practices especially in shaping participatory decision-making processes (PDM). The article aims to provide a conceptual framework where national culture is considered as a potential moderator in a PDM when designing a Time-Driven Activity Based Costing (TDABC). The purpose is to identify a s...

The 28 member states of the European Union produce around 88 million tonnes of food losses every year, which amount to approximately 143 billion euros. The majority of the EU’s food waste arises from households, food services and retail sector (70%), while 30% of food waste is generated by the food industry. With respect to Italy, Waste Watcher est...

This paper is grounded on the evolution of the Italian manufacturing sector, after World War Second (WWII), reflecting on its most important features, adjustments and changes. We first provide an overview of the economic, political and social framework, which enhanced the Italian “economic miracle”, since the country started recovering from the mat...

Purpose The paper analyses the emerging role of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) universities in contemporary society via third- and fourth-mission activities. In particular, the paper investigates the potential contributions that SSH universities can offer in developing and enhancing capacities, supporting the changing conception of innovatio...

Building on social psychology and international business literature, this chapter aims at raising managers’ awareness on the opportunity to capitalize on cultural differences in cross-cultural business contexts. This work is based on survey data and interviews to European managers investing in China through FDI in the environmental industry. First,...

This chapter seeks to investigate whether and to what extent Psychic Distance (PD) is considered by scholars as a specific determinant of inbound and outbound foreign direct investments (FDIs) in China. The key finding of the study is that psychic distance as a determinant influencing FDI seems to be under-investigated. This chapter also aims to sy...

This chapter investigates to what extent and how perceptions of culture affect European investment decisions to China. First, it analyzes managers’ perceptions of “culture.” Secondly, it examines whether European managers’ perceptions are based on a European culture or on national cultures, and whether intra-China cultural differences are considere...

This book aimed to analyze the concept of psychic distance in international ventures. The construct was explored in its definition and operationalized in the context of Sino-European FDI. More specifically, the analysis was conducted on an industry level with a focus on the green tech sector.

Countries are different on various dimensions such as culture, language, business practices, policy-making, and regulation. Research shows that distances on these dimensions between countries impact foreign direct investments (FDIs) flows. The higher the distances, the higher the difficulties for businesses. In this chapter, we analyze the percepti...

This book uses the concepts of both cultural and psychic distance to analyse managers' perceptions in international business settings, with a specific focus on European and Chinese ventures in the green technology industry. The key concept of 'distance' refers to the variations of cultures, languages, business practices, policies and regulations th...

Foreign direct investments (FDIs) have been widely recognized as a crucial feature of the Chinese industrial development process. Over the past decades, China has been attracting huge amounts of inward FDIs as a consequence of both spontaneous market dynamics and place-based preferential policies at the sub-national level. However, the Chinese mark...

Purpose Over the past few decades, higher education institutions (HEIs) have become key players in regional economic development and knowledge transfer, which has led to a third mission for HEIs and the entrepreneurial university. The purpose of this paper is to assess the challenges of HEIs in fulfilling the third mission for economic development...

This article presents a multilevel framework to analyze the motivations and location choices of Chinese OFDIs. We contribute to theory-integration on Chinese OFDI flows and patterns by suggesting a framework that combines country-, industry- and firm-level analyses and by reflecting aspects from the resource-based view (firm-specific advantages), i...

The paper sheds light on the increasing interest of Chinese firms operating in key healthcare (HC) industries into Europe. After a description of the economic and policy context for HC in China, we perform an analysis on location choice by Chinese firms, updated to 2014, within Europe. A MofCom database of greenfield and non-greenfield Chinese inve...

Healthcare Policies and Systems in Europe and China, a product of an interdisciplinary European Union-funded project, comprehensively investigates opportunities for mutual integration in the healthcare sector of the two regions and analyses policies at both national and local levels, the legal environment, medical practices, as well as the state of...

Since 2008-2009 the Chinese government has been implementing policies aimed to support the diversification of the national economy. In addition to promoting high tech sectors and industrial upgrading, China has started to stimulate cultural and creative industries (CCIs) also in the light of their indirect capability to promote innovation in the co...

Purpose Chinese foreign direct investments (FDI) to developed countries, such as Germany, seems to follow unique rules, which are different to traditional international business (IB) practices in terms of entry modes, speed of internationalization, and target countries. To shed light on these unique rules, we analyze motivation and location choices...

Purpose We aim to comb the current policies that have been developed to promote the environmental industries in China and analyze them in a comparative manner. Methodology/approach We mainly use the method of text study to study the existing policies that Chinese central government published to promote the development of environmental industry. We...

This paper addresses three questions: how have trade and investment in wind and solar sectors evolved between the EU and China in recent years? Is there a link between rising trade conflicts and trade and investment trends? And what wider motivations and synergies can be identified in Chinese investments in the EU's RE sector? To address these ques...

Countries vary in dimensions such as culture, language, business practices, policy-making, regulations, etc. Research shows that distances between countries concerning these dimensions affect foreign direct investment (FDI) flows. The higher the distances, the higher the difficulties for businesses, as managers' decision-making is based on their pe...

The European Union (EU) and China have very different depths of experience in relation to clean energy, and they have developed different approaches regarding this theme. To promote a greener energy mix, including solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower, Europe relied on consumption incentives, while China pushed production subsidies and massive publi...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of institutional distance and host country attractiveness in location determinants of Chinese Foreign investments in EU in the renewable energy sector, taking into account bilateral political and economic relations. Design/methodology/approach – A firm-level Ministry of Commerce (MofCom) d...

This paper explores recent developments in EU-China relations in the Renewable Energy (RE) sector, in the context of several recent high profile trade conflicts. Our key findings are that both trade and investment from China into the EU increased markedly in the years up to 2011, but have fallen since then, most notably for trade. While trade tensi...

Natural gas is considered the alternative fuel that, in the short-medium term, can best substitute conventional fuels, in order to reduce their environmental impact. The purpose of this paper is to outline the feasibility of liquefied natural gas (LNG), especially from biogas (LBG), as vehicle fuel in Europe and in China. Firstly the analysis prese...