Center for Advanced Studies in Management and Economics

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Publications

Rural and agri-entrepreneurial networks: A qualitative case study

Publication . Adro, Francisco José Nave do; Franco, Mário

The Queijo Serra da Estrela, DOP is the oldest Portuguese cheese recognized internationally. The objective of this paper is to analyse a rural, agri-entrepreneurial network created by a young, female, craft cheese producer located in an area of low population density in the inland central region of Portugal. For data collection, several qualitative semi-structured phone and face-to-face interviews were held with the partners of the network. This paper contributes by helping to understand how a rural agricultural network in the specific sector of a Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) product works and what its motives, success factors and benefits are. The results indicate that trust, confidence and regular payments are essential to make this network viable and create added value for business in a traditional sector threatened by climate changes, the age of shepherds and importation of exotic breeds of sheep. Some theoretical and practice contributions will be also presented.

2020-10-02Journal article

Open access

Adoption of energy efficiency measures in the buildings of micro-, small- and medium-sized Portuguese enterprises

Publication . Cunha, Paulo; Neves, Sónia Almeida; Marques, António Cardoso; Serrasqueiro, Zélia

This paper seeks to analyse the adoption of Energy Efficiency Measures in non-residential buildings. Based on the concepts of agency theory and absorptive capacity, the propensity of Micro-, Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises in Portugal to adopt energy efficiency in lighting, insulation, and the replacement and operation of heating, was evaluated. To achieve this, an online survey was carried out, and the resultant data was treated using Probit models. The main findings suggest that absorptive capacity factors are a key reason for adopting more efficient and profitable technologies. Policymakers should provide assistance and information to the managers of these enterprises regarding the benefits of energy efficiency measures. Additionally, this paper shows that subsidiary enterprises are more likely to adopt energy efficiency measures. Although subsidiaries suffer pressures due to agency theory factors, they may also benefit from knowledge transfers from their parent enterprises. Most of the decisions and barriers considered by enterprises are not based on audits or the advice of energy management professionals, since more than 65% of the respondents have never performed an energy audit, and over 82% do not have an energy manager.

2020Journal article

Restricted access

Cross-border cooperation to strengthen innovation and knowledge transfer: An Iberian case

Publication . Nave, Edgar; Franco, Mário

This study seeks to find out the main achievements of a cross-border cooperation project (INESPO III) in terms of innovation and university-firm knowledge transfer in a region situated in the central region of Portugal and Castile and León, Spain. To achieve this aim, research of a qualitative and exploratory nature was chosen., that is, case study method. Data collection was based on seven interviews with several project actors, and content analysis was also used. Through interviews with project beneficiaries, empirical evidence suggests that this type of cooperation allows access to new sources of external knowledge, with the network benefiting globally from each partner’s type of specialization. This study makes an important contribution to the literature on cross-border cooperation by extending its field of research to knowledge transfer and innovation, analysing a project that has produced good results. It can be determinant for government institutions responsible for administering cross-border incentive systems, and for partner networks in drawing process of similar projects for benefit of their own regions, besides the clear academic interest in business cooperation networks. Final results and main contributions of the project are also presented.

2021-08-08Journal article

Open access

Economic development levels and ease of doing business: is there a relationship?

Publication . Nave, Edgar; Rodrigues, Ricardo Gouveia

Entrepreneurship is a phenomenon strongly associated with economic growth, development and employability, leading countries to compete and often produce reforms to ensure good levels of entrepreneurship. In this sequence, this study aims to know which types of economies present favourable institutional environments for entrepreneurs, exploring the link between the ease of doing business and the three levels of economic development (innovation-driven, efficiency-driven and factor-driven) of 137 economies. A quantitative methodology through an analysis of variances was adopted, gathering data from the ten pillars proposed by the World Bank in the Doing Business 2019 – training for reforms report, and economic development levels, provided by Global Competitiveness Report (2017–2018). In the light of institutional theory, the results showed that innovation-driven economies are more competitive, presenting more robust institutional environments for entrepreneurs than factor-driven and efficiency-driven. There is only one exception in the Getting Credit pillar. This study clarifies some assumptions in the previous literature that developed economies have better business environments, being the first one to establish this relationship directly. Some practical implications, especially for international entrepreneurs in the decision-making phase on which type of economies to carry out their investments and policymakers and researchers, were provided in this study.

2022-05-29Journal article

Restricted access