The University of South Australia and University of Zagreb organize in cooperation with the Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, Zagreb the Conference at the Inter University Centre Dubrovnik (IUC). The conference works as an inter- and trans-disciplinary workshop.

Its focus is generally on the key role of innovation in the knowledge society and its consequences for development at global, regional and local levels. Creation and dissemination of new knowledge, its commercialisation and human capital development have become crucial factors for economic development. Taking into account different models of socioeconomic development through history, a variety of patterns of production, application and commercialisation of knowledge emerge. The conference will continue to discuss all relevant aspects of this relationship with special emphasis on the concept of cognitive capitalism.

Contributions dealing with other issues related to innovation and development are welcome as well.
Some of the questions considered at the conference will include the following:

1. Is there a (European) alternative to the US model of capitalism or perhaps a convergence? Emerging or submerging economies of "New Europe" -quo vadis?,
2. Innovations for whom? From private benefits and social costs to social benefits and costs? From social productivity to private profits?,
3. How does financial capital articulate and captivate knowledge?,
4. What are the various scenarios of capital-labor relationship and social protection in new capitalism?

Selected papers will be published in a book edited by Andrea Fumagalli, Carlo Vercellone and Vladimir Cvijanovi within series Socio-Economic Perspectives in South-Eastern Europe by Peter Lang Publishing Group. The book is planned for autumn 2008. The deadline for abstract is January 31, 2008.
Conference fee is 40€ and is payable upon arrival. Other information on the conference (accommodation, programme, etc.) will be available soon at http://www.iuc.hr/k_detail.php?konfID=113.

Contact:
Vladimir Cvijanovi, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Economics & Business, Trg J.F. Kennedy 6, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
vcvijanovic@efzg.hr
Jasminka Lažnjak, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
jlaznjak@ffzg.hr
Jadranka Švarc, Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia jadranka.svarc@pilar.hr