Author: Anne-laure Mention
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9813271655
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 282
Book Description
Digital innovation — involving the Internet, its content and ecosystems of global users — is a rapidly evolving way of creating strategic and societal value. The phenomenon of Open data is on the rise and transforming the fundamental nature of how many industries, companies and governments connect with each other and the end-users of products and services — from increased customer-centric innovations, to winning political campaigns, and managing public health concerns. Open data holds the promise of greater transparency, greater accountability and empowerment of stakeholders. Yet curating and publicly sharing data can be difficult, requires substantive investments in knowledge infrastructures and incentives to do so are not well understood. Who is driving and enabling the open data movement? What motivates organizations to release data and how are they using it to create value? What are the current challenges and how are they being mitigated? What are the decision-frames adopted for sharing data? What are the possible applications and lessons to be learnt from current practices? What is the role of organisational ingredients and culture as a catalyst for adopting and facilitating open data practices? What is the possible impact of semantic web application? By exploring the multiple dimensions of open data and the interplay of economic utility, governance, societal values of fairness and trust, this volume seeks to entice readers by providing evidence-based answers to these questions, among others. Readers are tempted to a progressively revealing and enlightening journey from the conceptualisation to cultural proliferation of the latest trends in knowledge management: open data.Digital Innovation: Harnessing the Value of Open Data draws on practical experiences, bringing together widely distributed and latest knowledge of open data practices as case studies from researchers, academics, industry leaders, policy advisors and practitioners. In exploring the economics and technology paradigms, data governance and management practices of digital-centric private and public organizations, this volume sheds light on why there exists a need to embrace open data, what is needed to optimize the value of open data in driving digital innovation and how it is being currently conceived. The book draws a thought-provoking conclusion on open data as a purpose-driven phenomenon, with its disparate applications in a world of where global convergence on information sharing, storing and management are increasingly becoming a norm.Related Link(s)
Digital Innovation: Harnessing The Value Of Open Data
Author: Anne-laure Mention
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9813271655
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 282
Book Description
Digital innovation — involving the Internet, its content and ecosystems of global users — is a rapidly evolving way of creating strategic and societal value. The phenomenon of Open data is on the rise and transforming the fundamental nature of how many industries, companies and governments connect with each other and the end-users of products and services — from increased customer-centric innovations, to winning political campaigns, and managing public health concerns. Open data holds the promise of greater transparency, greater accountability and empowerment of stakeholders. Yet curating and publicly sharing data can be difficult, requires substantive investments in knowledge infrastructures and incentives to do so are not well understood. Who is driving and enabling the open data movement? What motivates organizations to release data and how are they using it to create value? What are the current challenges and how are they being mitigated? What are the decision-frames adopted for sharing data? What are the possible applications and lessons to be learnt from current practices? What is the role of organisational ingredients and culture as a catalyst for adopting and facilitating open data practices? What is the possible impact of semantic web application? By exploring the multiple dimensions of open data and the interplay of economic utility, governance, societal values of fairness and trust, this volume seeks to entice readers by providing evidence-based answers to these questions, among others. Readers are tempted to a progressively revealing and enlightening journey from the conceptualisation to cultural proliferation of the latest trends in knowledge management: open data.Digital Innovation: Harnessing the Value of Open Data draws on practical experiences, bringing together widely distributed and latest knowledge of open data practices as case studies from researchers, academics, industry leaders, policy advisors and practitioners. In exploring the economics and technology paradigms, data governance and management practices of digital-centric private and public organizations, this volume sheds light on why there exists a need to embrace open data, what is needed to optimize the value of open data in driving digital innovation and how it is being currently conceived. The book draws a thought-provoking conclusion on open data as a purpose-driven phenomenon, with its disparate applications in a world of where global convergence on information sharing, storing and management are increasingly becoming a norm.Related Link(s)
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9813271655
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 282
Book Description
Digital innovation — involving the Internet, its content and ecosystems of global users — is a rapidly evolving way of creating strategic and societal value. The phenomenon of Open data is on the rise and transforming the fundamental nature of how many industries, companies and governments connect with each other and the end-users of products and services — from increased customer-centric innovations, to winning political campaigns, and managing public health concerns. Open data holds the promise of greater transparency, greater accountability and empowerment of stakeholders. Yet curating and publicly sharing data can be difficult, requires substantive investments in knowledge infrastructures and incentives to do so are not well understood. Who is driving and enabling the open data movement? What motivates organizations to release data and how are they using it to create value? What are the current challenges and how are they being mitigated? What are the decision-frames adopted for sharing data? What are the possible applications and lessons to be learnt from current practices? What is the role of organisational ingredients and culture as a catalyst for adopting and facilitating open data practices? What is the possible impact of semantic web application? By exploring the multiple dimensions of open data and the interplay of economic utility, governance, societal values of fairness and trust, this volume seeks to entice readers by providing evidence-based answers to these questions, among others. Readers are tempted to a progressively revealing and enlightening journey from the conceptualisation to cultural proliferation of the latest trends in knowledge management: open data.Digital Innovation: Harnessing the Value of Open Data draws on practical experiences, bringing together widely distributed and latest knowledge of open data practices as case studies from researchers, academics, industry leaders, policy advisors and practitioners. In exploring the economics and technology paradigms, data governance and management practices of digital-centric private and public organizations, this volume sheds light on why there exists a need to embrace open data, what is needed to optimize the value of open data in driving digital innovation and how it is being currently conceived. The book draws a thought-provoking conclusion on open data as a purpose-driven phenomenon, with its disparate applications in a world of where global convergence on information sharing, storing and management are increasingly becoming a norm.Related Link(s)
Digital Innovation
Author: Anne-Laure Mention
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company
ISBN: 9789813271630
Category : Information technology
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Digital innovation -- involving the Internet, its content and ecosystems of global users -- is a rapidly evolving way of creating strategic and societal value. The phenomenon of Open data is on the rise and transforming the fundamental nature of how many industries, companies and governments connect with each other and the end-users of products and services -- from increased customer-centric innovations, to winning political campaigns, and managing public health concerns. Open data holds the promise of greater transparency, greater accountability and empowerment of stakeholders. Yet curating and publicly sharing data can be difficult, requires substantive investments in knowledge infrastructures and incentives to do so are not well understood. Who is driving and enabling the open data movement? What motivates organizations to release data and how are they using it to create value? What are the current challenges and how are they being mitigated? What are the decision-frames adopted for sharing data? What are the possible applications and lessons to be learnt from current practices? What is the role of organisational ingredients and culture as a catalyst for adopting and facilitating open data practices? What is the possible impact of semantic web application? By exploring the multiple dimensions of open data and the interplay of economic utility, governance, societal values of fairness and trust, this volume seeks to entice readers by providing evidence-based answers to these questions, among others. Readers are tempted to a progressively revealing and enlightening journey from the conceptualisation to cultural proliferation of the latest trends in knowledge management: open data. Digital Innovation: Harnessing the Value of Open Data draws on practical experiences, bringing together widely distributed and latest knowledge of open data practices as case studies from researchers, academics, industry leaders, policy advisors and practitioners. In exploring the economics and technology paradigms, data governance and management practices of digital-centric private and public organizations, this volume sheds light on why there exists a need to embrace open data, what is needed to optimize the value of open data in driving digital innovation and how it is being currently conceived. The book draws a thought-provoking conclusion on open data as a purpose-driven phenomenon, with its disparate applications in a world of where global convergence on information sharing, storing and management are increasingly becoming a norm.
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company
ISBN: 9789813271630
Category : Information technology
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Digital innovation -- involving the Internet, its content and ecosystems of global users -- is a rapidly evolving way of creating strategic and societal value. The phenomenon of Open data is on the rise and transforming the fundamental nature of how many industries, companies and governments connect with each other and the end-users of products and services -- from increased customer-centric innovations, to winning political campaigns, and managing public health concerns. Open data holds the promise of greater transparency, greater accountability and empowerment of stakeholders. Yet curating and publicly sharing data can be difficult, requires substantive investments in knowledge infrastructures and incentives to do so are not well understood. Who is driving and enabling the open data movement? What motivates organizations to release data and how are they using it to create value? What are the current challenges and how are they being mitigated? What are the decision-frames adopted for sharing data? What are the possible applications and lessons to be learnt from current practices? What is the role of organisational ingredients and culture as a catalyst for adopting and facilitating open data practices? What is the possible impact of semantic web application? By exploring the multiple dimensions of open data and the interplay of economic utility, governance, societal values of fairness and trust, this volume seeks to entice readers by providing evidence-based answers to these questions, among others. Readers are tempted to a progressively revealing and enlightening journey from the conceptualisation to cultural proliferation of the latest trends in knowledge management: open data. Digital Innovation: Harnessing the Value of Open Data draws on practical experiences, bringing together widely distributed and latest knowledge of open data practices as case studies from researchers, academics, industry leaders, policy advisors and practitioners. In exploring the economics and technology paradigms, data governance and management practices of digital-centric private and public organizations, this volume sheds light on why there exists a need to embrace open data, what is needed to optimize the value of open data in driving digital innovation and how it is being currently conceived. The book draws a thought-provoking conclusion on open data as a purpose-driven phenomenon, with its disparate applications in a world of where global convergence on information sharing, storing and management are increasingly becoming a norm.
The Elements of Big Data Value
Author: Edward Curry
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030681769
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 399
Book Description
This open access book presents the foundations of the Big Data research and innovation ecosystem and the associated enablers that facilitate delivering value from data for business and society. It provides insights into the key elements for research and innovation, technical architectures, business models, skills, and best practices to support the creation of data-driven solutions and organizations. The book is a compilation of selected high-quality chapters covering best practices, technologies, experiences, and practical recommendations on research and innovation for big data. The contributions are grouped into four parts: · Part I: Ecosystem Elements of Big Data Value focuses on establishing the big data value ecosystem using a holistic approach to make it attractive and valuable to all stakeholders. · Part II: Research and Innovation Elements of Big Data Value details the key technical and capability challenges to be addressed for delivering big data value. · Part III: Business, Policy, and Societal Elements of Big Data Value investigates the need to make more efficient use of big data and understanding that data is an asset that has significant potential for the economy and society. · Part IV: Emerging Elements of Big Data Value explores the critical elements to maximizing the future potential of big data value. Overall, readers are provided with insights which can support them in creating data-driven solutions, organizations, and productive data ecosystems. The material represents the results of a collective effort undertaken by the European data community as part of the Big Data Value Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the European Commission and the Big Data Value Association (BDVA) to boost data-driven digital transformation.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030681769
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 399
Book Description
This open access book presents the foundations of the Big Data research and innovation ecosystem and the associated enablers that facilitate delivering value from data for business and society. It provides insights into the key elements for research and innovation, technical architectures, business models, skills, and best practices to support the creation of data-driven solutions and organizations. The book is a compilation of selected high-quality chapters covering best practices, technologies, experiences, and practical recommendations on research and innovation for big data. The contributions are grouped into four parts: · Part I: Ecosystem Elements of Big Data Value focuses on establishing the big data value ecosystem using a holistic approach to make it attractive and valuable to all stakeholders. · Part II: Research and Innovation Elements of Big Data Value details the key technical and capability challenges to be addressed for delivering big data value. · Part III: Business, Policy, and Societal Elements of Big Data Value investigates the need to make more efficient use of big data and understanding that data is an asset that has significant potential for the economy and society. · Part IV: Emerging Elements of Big Data Value explores the critical elements to maximizing the future potential of big data value. Overall, readers are provided with insights which can support them in creating data-driven solutions, organizations, and productive data ecosystems. The material represents the results of a collective effort undertaken by the European data community as part of the Big Data Value Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the European Commission and the Big Data Value Association (BDVA) to boost data-driven digital transformation.
Managing Digital Open Innovation
Author: Pierre-jean Barlatier
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9811219249
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 609
Book Description
Recent developments of Internet-based digital technologies have revealed a huge potential of developing open, collaborative and network-centred innovation. However, firms face major challenges in using new technologies for rapid prototyping, data-mining, simulation, visualization, etc. to support their Open Innovation strategies.Responding to the need for further conceptual and empirical research on technology-enhanced open innovation, this book provides fresh and topical insights on how firms from different sectors have successfully implemented digital technologies for Open Innovation. Based on rich empirical data, this book discusses the benefits and drawbacks, the processes, the characteristics and the management practices of ICT-driven Open Innovation in private as well as public organizations.
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9811219249
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 609
Book Description
Recent developments of Internet-based digital technologies have revealed a huge potential of developing open, collaborative and network-centred innovation. However, firms face major challenges in using new technologies for rapid prototyping, data-mining, simulation, visualization, etc. to support their Open Innovation strategies.Responding to the need for further conceptual and empirical research on technology-enhanced open innovation, this book provides fresh and topical insights on how firms from different sectors have successfully implemented digital technologies for Open Innovation. Based on rich empirical data, this book discusses the benefits and drawbacks, the processes, the characteristics and the management practices of ICT-driven Open Innovation in private as well as public organizations.
Handbook of Digital Innovation
Author: Satish Nambisan
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN: 1788119983
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 313
Book Description
Digital innovations influence every aspect of life in an increasingly digitalized world. Firms pursuing digital innovations must consider how digital technologies shape the nature, process and outcomes of innovation as well as long- and short-term social, economic and cultural consequences of their offerings. This Handbook contributes to a transdisciplinary understanding of digital innovation with a diverse set of leading scholars and their distinct perspectives. The ideas and principles advanced herein set the agenda for future transdisciplinary research on digital innovation in ways that inform not only firm-level strategies and practices but also policy decisions and science-focused investments.
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN: 1788119983
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 313
Book Description
Digital innovations influence every aspect of life in an increasingly digitalized world. Firms pursuing digital innovations must consider how digital technologies shape the nature, process and outcomes of innovation as well as long- and short-term social, economic and cultural consequences of their offerings. This Handbook contributes to a transdisciplinary understanding of digital innovation with a diverse set of leading scholars and their distinct perspectives. The ideas and principles advanced herein set the agenda for future transdisciplinary research on digital innovation in ways that inform not only firm-level strategies and practices but also policy decisions and science-focused investments.
Open Data Now: The Secret to Hot Startups, Smart Investing, Savvy Marketing, and Fast Innovation
Author: Joel Gurin
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071829784
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 351
Book Description
Get unprecedented access to thousands of databases. It's called Open Data, and it's revolutionizing business. The business leader’s guide to using Open Data to analyze patterns and trends, manage risk, solve problems—and seize the competitive edge Two major trends—the exponential growth of digital data and an emerging culture of disclosure and transparency—have converged to create a world where voluminous information about businesses, government, and the population is becoming visible, accessible, and usable. It’s called Open Data, and this book helps leaders harness its power to market and grow their companies. Open Data Now gives you the knowledge and tools to take advantage of this phenomenon in its early stages—and beat the competition to leveraging its many benefits. Joel Gurin is an expert on making complex data sets useful in solving consumer problems, analyzing corporate information, and addressing social issues. He has collaborated with leaders in data, technology, and policy in the U.S. and UK governments, including officials in the White House and 10 Downing Street and at more than 20 U.S. federal agencies.
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071829784
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 351
Book Description
Get unprecedented access to thousands of databases. It's called Open Data, and it's revolutionizing business. The business leader’s guide to using Open Data to analyze patterns and trends, manage risk, solve problems—and seize the competitive edge Two major trends—the exponential growth of digital data and an emerging culture of disclosure and transparency—have converged to create a world where voluminous information about businesses, government, and the population is becoming visible, accessible, and usable. It’s called Open Data, and this book helps leaders harness its power to market and grow their companies. Open Data Now gives you the knowledge and tools to take advantage of this phenomenon in its early stages—and beat the competition to leveraging its many benefits. Joel Gurin is an expert on making complex data sets useful in solving consumer problems, analyzing corporate information, and addressing social issues. He has collaborated with leaders in data, technology, and policy in the U.S. and UK governments, including officials in the White House and 10 Downing Street and at more than 20 U.S. federal agencies.
Open Innovation
Author: Anne-Laure Mention
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814719188
Category : Diffusion of innovations
Languages : en
Pages : 708
Book Description
"Open Innovation: A Multifaceted Perspective unveils research on open innovation from multidisciplinary perspectives and with practical insights from leaders and policy-makers. The first section addresses the links between open innovation and various disciplines, methods, concepts and policy instruments. The second section reviews selectively the literature, focusing essentially on open service innovation and innovation in financial services industries. It also explores different forms and types of practices reflecting the adoption and implementation of open innovation. The third section focuses on the management of open innovation, paying specific attention to the individual, intra- and inter-organizational levels."--Provided by publisher.
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814719188
Category : Diffusion of innovations
Languages : en
Pages : 708
Book Description
"Open Innovation: A Multifaceted Perspective unveils research on open innovation from multidisciplinary perspectives and with practical insights from leaders and policy-makers. The first section addresses the links between open innovation and various disciplines, methods, concepts and policy instruments. The second section reviews selectively the literature, focusing essentially on open service innovation and innovation in financial services industries. It also explores different forms and types of practices reflecting the adoption and implementation of open innovation. The third section focuses on the management of open innovation, paying specific attention to the individual, intra- and inter-organizational levels."--Provided by publisher.
Banking 5.0
Author: Bernardo Nicoletti
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030758710
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 540
Book Description
Bill Gates’ quote, “Banking is necessary, but banks are not,” showcases the opportunity for financial services digital transformation. The next transition from industry 4.0 to 5.0 will impact all sectors, including banking. It will combine information technology and automation, based on artificial intelligence, person-robot collaboration, and sustainability. It is time to analyze this transformation in banking deeply, so that the sector can adequately change to the ‘New Normal’ and a wholly modified banking model can be properly embedded in the business. This book presents a conceptual model of banking 5.0, detailing its implementation in processes, platforms, people, and partnerships of financial services organizations companies. The last part of the book is then dedicated to future developments. Of interest to academics, researchers, and professionals in banking, financial technology, and financial services, this book also includes business cases in financial services.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030758710
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 540
Book Description
Bill Gates’ quote, “Banking is necessary, but banks are not,” showcases the opportunity for financial services digital transformation. The next transition from industry 4.0 to 5.0 will impact all sectors, including banking. It will combine information technology and automation, based on artificial intelligence, person-robot collaboration, and sustainability. It is time to analyze this transformation in banking deeply, so that the sector can adequately change to the ‘New Normal’ and a wholly modified banking model can be properly embedded in the business. This book presents a conceptual model of banking 5.0, detailing its implementation in processes, platforms, people, and partnerships of financial services organizations companies. The last part of the book is then dedicated to future developments. Of interest to academics, researchers, and professionals in banking, financial technology, and financial services, this book also includes business cases in financial services.
Managing Innovation
Author: Joe Tidd
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119713307
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 624
Book Description
Now in its seventh edition, Managing Innovation: Integrating Technological, Market and Organizational Change enables graduate and undergraduate students to develop the unique skill set and the foundational knowledge required to successfully manage innovation, technology, and new product development. This bestselling text has been fully updated with new data, new methods, and new concepts while still retaining its holistic approach the subject. The text provides an integrated, evidence-based methodology to innovation management that is supported by the latest academic research and the authors’ extensive experience in real-world management practice. Students are provided with an impressive range of learning tools—including numerous case studies, illustrative examples, discussions questions, and key information boxes—to help them explore the innovation process and its relation to the markets, technology, and the organization. “Research Notes" examine the latest evidence and topics in the field, while "Views from the Front Line" offer insights from practicing innovation managers and connect the covered material to actual experiences and challenges. Throughout the text, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to business model innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, service innovation, and many more current and emerging approaches and practices.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119713307
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 624
Book Description
Now in its seventh edition, Managing Innovation: Integrating Technological, Market and Organizational Change enables graduate and undergraduate students to develop the unique skill set and the foundational knowledge required to successfully manage innovation, technology, and new product development. This bestselling text has been fully updated with new data, new methods, and new concepts while still retaining its holistic approach the subject. The text provides an integrated, evidence-based methodology to innovation management that is supported by the latest academic research and the authors’ extensive experience in real-world management practice. Students are provided with an impressive range of learning tools—including numerous case studies, illustrative examples, discussions questions, and key information boxes—to help them explore the innovation process and its relation to the markets, technology, and the organization. “Research Notes" examine the latest evidence and topics in the field, while "Views from the Front Line" offer insights from practicing innovation managers and connect the covered material to actual experiences and challenges. Throughout the text, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to business model innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, service innovation, and many more current and emerging approaches and practices.
Open Innovation And Knowledge Management In Small And Medium Enterprises
Author: Susanne Durst
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9813233605
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 243
Book Description
The book studies the interplay between open innovation and knowledge management issues in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With the proliferation of the open innovation paradigm and against the backdrop of increasing external knowledge transfer activities, knowledge management is more important than ever for innovation and firm performance of any type of organization. In fact, knowledge management is no longer a pure intra-organizational activity but constitutes a vital interface function between the organization and its external partners/stakeholders.Throughout the book, readers will obtain both a broad overview of the two main concepts namely open innovation and knowledge management and its interplay. In addition, research will be presented which will help the readers to develop and/or expand their understanding of the phenomenon. This broad approach can also support in broadening the mindset regarding the topic under investigation and its application. Thereby, this book will primarily focus on SMEs and their approach with respect to the interplay in question.In order to achieve the above-mentioned aim, the book consists of ten chapters that are assigned to three parts. Part 1 introduces to the main concepts, namely, SMEs, Open Innovation, Knowledge Management, and the interplay between open innovation and knowledge management in SMEs. This is followed by Part 2, which provides empirical research insights into the phenomenon of interest. The book concludes with Part 3 which addresses promising future avenues regarding the study of open innovation and knowledge management in SMEs. All the chapters are written by leading international researchers in the respective fields, which makes the book a unique piece of work.
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9813233605
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 243
Book Description
The book studies the interplay between open innovation and knowledge management issues in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With the proliferation of the open innovation paradigm and against the backdrop of increasing external knowledge transfer activities, knowledge management is more important than ever for innovation and firm performance of any type of organization. In fact, knowledge management is no longer a pure intra-organizational activity but constitutes a vital interface function between the organization and its external partners/stakeholders.Throughout the book, readers will obtain both a broad overview of the two main concepts namely open innovation and knowledge management and its interplay. In addition, research will be presented which will help the readers to develop and/or expand their understanding of the phenomenon. This broad approach can also support in broadening the mindset regarding the topic under investigation and its application. Thereby, this book will primarily focus on SMEs and their approach with respect to the interplay in question.In order to achieve the above-mentioned aim, the book consists of ten chapters that are assigned to three parts. Part 1 introduces to the main concepts, namely, SMEs, Open Innovation, Knowledge Management, and the interplay between open innovation and knowledge management in SMEs. This is followed by Part 2, which provides empirical research insights into the phenomenon of interest. The book concludes with Part 3 which addresses promising future avenues regarding the study of open innovation and knowledge management in SMEs. All the chapters are written by leading international researchers in the respective fields, which makes the book a unique piece of work.