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IfM Publications - free to download

This page lists IfM publications that are free to download. Our publication policy and copyright statements appear below.

Publication policy

The publications below are free to download in non-printable versions for the first year after publication, after which a free-to-download printable version will be made available. Generally a printed version is also available to purchase from our 'Books" page - the price is set to help cover our costs.

Copyright

Extracts from these publications may be used for teaching, research and other not-for-profit purposes provided acknowledgment of the author(s), editors and publisher is included.

For use in other situations, permission should be sought from the editors / publisher.

No reponsibility is assumed by the publisher for any injury and /or damage to persons or property resulting either directly or indirectly from material contained within these publications.

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IfM Briefings

IfM briefings are short documents intended to give readers relevant information to gain an understanding of and insight into a particular subject area.

Reports

Technology acquisition and protection

This research investigated a growing trend for companies to acquire technologies from external sources rather than using the firm’s own internal research and development activities. Specialist technical expertise and capabilities are often difficult to obtain and a firm may not have the ability – or wish to commit the resources – to develop a technology internally. Bringing in new technologies can provide the company with the opportunity both to develop new products and to enter new markets.

The report captures the findings of the research and presents a structured approach to examining prospective technology acquisition opportunities. It includes frameworks and checklists that decision-makers can use when analysing potential acquisitions. Using these tools helps organisation to prepare for negotiations with technology sellers and improves the likelihood of the acquisition being successful.

Download the report

The Cambridge high tech cluster: Facing the downturn of 2008-2010

Policy makers are counting on export-oriented technology based firms for economic renewal. This report suggests high-technology clusters such as the Cambridge high tech cluster proved relatively resilient amidst what many consider the worst economic crisis since the early 1930s.

Download the report

Who owns the Cambridge phenomenon? Acquisition and growth in a pioneering cluster of high tech firms

Acquisition is a means by which founders and investors can realise the value of their enterprises and as such is part of the life cycle of many technology enterprises. This paper quantifies the available data on patterns of acquisition and their impact in the Cambridge technology cluster.

Download the report

Organising for breakthrough innovation: Rejuvenating the established firm

This report provides companies with guidelines on how to improve their approach to the generation of radically different technologies. The authors describe the obstacles facing firms and their employees when attempting to make significant innovative breakthroughs.

Download the report

A review of international approaches to Manufacturing Research

This review of international approaches to manufacturing research, commissioned by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, builds on the Institute for Manufacturing’s ongoing investigation of manufacturing research structures and practices. The study is intended to inform EPSRC strategies and plans related to manufacturing research and, in particular, to support the development of the ‘Manufacturing the Future’ theme outlined in the Council’s Delivery Plan.

Download the report [1.7Mb PDF file]

Getting help with open innovation (December 2010)

…aims to help companies select the most effective source of help with open innovation. It describes the capabilities companies need in order to implement open innovation successfully and the range of assistance offered by different types of innovation intermediaries. More information

Download the report
- or buy a printed copy

Enabling economic growth

effective support for smaller manufacturing businesses, Insights from research and industrial engagements

Download the report

Future scenarios for the UK food and drink industry

This report highlights the challenges facing the industry as it looks to maintain the nation's food security against the combined effects of climate change, higher global demand for agricultural products and increasing pressure on finite resources. It also identifies how industry and Government should work together to ensure the continued growth of the economically-important food and drink manufacturing sector. (Builds on the report below)

Download the report

Value of food and drink to the UK manufacturing sector

An ongoing demonstrable commitment to innovation and high-value production are key reasons why the UK’s food and drink industry has emerged from recession in better shape than many other manufacturing sectors

Download the report

Stimulating growth and employment in the UK economy

This report contends that much can be achieved by simply changing the emphasis of business support. Published by the IfM's industry-engagement arm, IfM Education and Consultancy Services (IfM-ECS), it draws on engagements with more than 500 small and medium sized businesses.

Download the report

Impact where it matters
The economic, social and cultural benefits of higher education in the UK

A report for the Higher Education Funding Council for England drawing on a high level workshop involving senior officers of UK Higher Education Institutions, representatives from companies, social enterprises, central government, local and regional authorities, and other stakeholders.

More information / Download the report

How to implement open innovation: lessons from studying large multinational companies

This report sets out to answer the question "I want to implement open innovation, where should I start and what should I do?" It provides an overview of existing approaches to OI and outlines how a company can start to implement a strategy to match the organisation's needs.

More information: Open innovation page
Download a free PDF version.

Company spending on design: Exploratory survey of UK firms 2008

This report from the IfM's Design Management Group and Centre for Industry and Government provides a first ever evaluation of design spending in UK firms. The report describes a simple model for capturing design spend, and uses this model to generate an estimate of national spend. This work was jointly financed with the UK Design Council

More information: DMG scoreboard page
Download a free PDF version [1.1Mb].

International design scoreboard: initial indicators of international design capabilities

This report from the IfM's Design Management Group and Centre for Industry and Government describes the generation of a framework for assessing international design capabilities. This framework is used to provide a first ranking of national design capabilities, using best available evidence.

More information: DMG scoreboard page
Download a free PDF version [2.3Mb].

Understanding China's manufacturing value chain

This report from the IfM's Centre for International Manufacturing examines opprtunities for UK enterprises in China and includes elected case studies in white goods, TFT-Liquid crystal display and pharmaceutical sectors.

Download this as a free, printable PDF [3.4Mb]

Making the Right Things in the Right Places

Describes a structured approach to understanding and exploiting a company's international 'manufacturing footprint' - the location of its plants around the globe, what their roles should be and how they interact with each other.

Download this as a free, printable PDF [1.3Mb]

Succeeding through Service Innovation: a service perspective for education, research, business and government

This white paper is based on a discussion paper and a feedback process that arose from the Cambridge Service Science, Management and Engineering Symposium, held in July 2007.

More information

Download A4 version [792k pdf file] or US Letter version [716k pdf file]

Towards a sustainable industrial system, with recommendations for education, research, industry and policy

This report calls for a collaborative effort by academics, teachers, industrialists and policy makers to create a sustainable, global industrial system.

Download the report as a free PDF file

Well dressed? The present and future sustainability of clothing and textiles in the United Kingdom

This report produced by researchers in the IfM's Sustainable Manufacturing Group, sets out a vision of a sustainable clothes industry which at the same time would offer new opportunities to retailers and manufacturers.

Download PDF file [3.3Mb]

IfM Annual report 2010-11

People Projects and Activities 2010-11

Download pdf [2.8Mb]

 


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