Margaret Thatcher Professor Emeritus of Enterprise Studies
Senior Research Associate (Centre for Business Research)
Fellow of Sidney Sussex College
My research interests include science and innovation policy; measurement and evaluation of science, industrial and business support policy; growth innovation and financial characteristics of small and medium-sized enterprises; analysis of the relationship between corporate takeover, corporate governance, executive pay and business performance; training and business performance; the relationship between law and economics in the analysis of corporate organisation and performance.
Professional experience
Alan Hughes is Margaret Thatcher Professor Emeritus of Enterprise Studies at Cambridge Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge. He is also Director of the UK Innovation Research Centre, a joint venture between the Centre for Business Research at Cambridge Judge and Imperial College London, and Director of the ESRC Impact Acceleration Programme at Cambridge. From 2011-2013 he was a member of the Lead Expert Group of the Foresight Programme for the Future of UK Manufacturing.
Professor Hughes has held visiting professorships in the USA, France, Australia and Japan. From 2004-2013 he was a member of the UK Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology, the UK’s senior advisory body in this area. He is a Senior Research Fellow of the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB). He is a member of the Strategic Advisory Network of the EPSRC and of the Patents Expert Advisory Group of the Intellectual Property Office.
With his colleagues at the Centre for Business Research Professor Hughes has pioneered the development of a long-term interdisciplinary research programme into business structure organisation and performance. This programme, which has attracted over £8 million worth of peer-reviewed research funding, has linked scholars from economics, law, engineering, geography, social and political sciences, social psychology and management studies into a long-run programme of business research. With his colleague Andy Cosh, he has developed a unique longitudinal research programme covering several thousand small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK which take part in the CBR SME surveys. This work has resulted in a series of panel datasets which has been made available to the UK research community through the ESRC data archive, and has led to many research monographs and articles on the performance of the small and medium-sized enterprise sector in the UK.
His longstanding interest in mergers, acquisitions and corporate governance has produced a series of journal articles and other publications spanning two decades and has most recently included work with colleagues Andy Cosh, Panos Desyllas and Paul Guest on the impact of shareownership characteristics on acquisition performance; innovation, shareholder wealth and profitability in an international and domestic context. With his colleague Simon Deakin he provided the first economic analysis to be included in the work of the Law Commissions in their report on the law relating to Directors’ Duties.
Professor Hughes introduced the econometric modelling of selection effects into UK public policy evaluation. This is reflected in work on the impact of programmes to fund high-technology small businesses as well as the impact of training on the performance of smaller firms. These reports have been published and the methods used have been widely adopted in subsequent evaluations.
His research focuses on science technology and innovation policy. With Michael Kitson he has led a major programme of research funded by ESRC, EPSRC, AHRC, HEFCE and BIS into the commercialisation of science, innovation and industrial policy and university funding.
Professor Hughes has published several books and over 200 journal articles and other publications in the areas outlined in his research interests. This work has led to requests for policy advice and consultancy roles with, amongst others, HM Treasury, HM Inland Revenue, BIS, the EU, and German and Australian governments.
Previous appointments
Professor Alan Hughes was Director of the Centre for Business Research and Margaret Thatcher Professor of Enterprise Studies at Cambridge Judge Business School from 1994 to September 2013. He was, from 2000-2003, Director of the National Competitiveness Network of the Cambridge-MIT Institute, a joint venture between the University of Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Professor Hughes has held visiting chairs at Doshisha Kyoto and Queensland.
Publications
- Journal articles
- Books, monographs, reports and case studies
- Book chapters
- Conference papers
- Working papers
Journal articles
- Mina, A., Bascavusoglu-Moreau, E. and Hughes, A. (2013) “Open service innovation and the firm’s search for external knowledge.” Research Policy, 43(5): 853-866 (DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2013.07.004)
- Mina, A., Lahr, H. and Hughes, A. (2013) “The demand and supply of external finance for innovative firms.” Industrial and Corporate Change, 22(4): 1-33 (DOI: 10.1093/icc/dtt020)
- Hughes, A. and Kitson, M. (2012) “Pathways to impact and the strategic role of universities: new evidence on the breadth and depth of university knowledge exchange in the UK and the factors constraining its development.” Cambridge Journal of Economics, 36(3): 723-750 (DOI: 10.1093/cje/bes017)
- Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (2010) “Never mind the quality feel the width: university-industry links and government financial support for innovation in small high-technology businesses in the UK and the USA.” Journal of Technology Transfer, 35(1): 66-91 (DOI: 10.1007/s10961-009-9110-x)
- Desyllas, P. and Hughes, A. (2010) “Do high technology acquirers become more innovative?” Research Policy, 39(8): 1105-1121 (DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2010.05.005)
- Hughes, A. (2009) “Innovation and SMEs: hunting the Snark: some reflections on the UK experience of support for the small business sector.” Innovation: Management, Policy and Practice, 11(1): 114-126
- Hughes, A., Cosh, A.D. and Cumming, D. (2009) “Outside entrepreneurial capital.” The Economic Journal, 119(540): 1494-1533
- Desyllas, P. and Hughes, A. (2008) “Sourcing technological knowledge through corporate acquisition: evidence from an international sample of high technology firms.” Journal of High Technology Management Research, 18(2): 157-172 (DOI: 10.1016/j.hitech.2007.12.003)
- Cosh, A., Guest, P. and Hughes, A. (2006) “Board share-ownership and takeover performance.” Journal of Business Finance and Accounting, 33(3/4): 459-510
- Hughes, A., Scott-Morton, M. (2006) “The transforming power of complementary assets.” Sloan Management Review, 47(4): 50-58
Books, monographs, reports and case studies
- Cosh, A., Hughes, A., Bullock, A. and Milner, I. (2008) Financing UK small and medium-sized enterprises: the 2007 survey. Cambridge: Centre for Business Research.
- Hughes, A., Abreu, M., Grinevich, V., Kitson, M. and Ternouth, P. (2008) Universities, business and knowledge exchange. London and Cambridge: Council for Industries and Higher Education and Centre for Business Research.
- Moore, B., Hughes, A. et al (2008) Competitiveness and productivity of the UK design engineering sector. London: Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
- Cosh, A., Hughes, A., Bullock, A. and Milner, I. (2009) SME finance and innovation in the current economic crisis. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research.
- Cosh, A.D. and Hughes, A. (eds.) (2007) British enterprise: thriving or surviving? Cambridge: Centre for Business Research, University of Cambridge.
- Hughes, A. and Grinevich, V. (2007) The contribution of services and other sectors to Australian productivity growth 1980-2004. Sydney: Australian Business Foundation.
- Hughes, A., Lester, R.K. and Cosh, A.D. (2006) UK plc. Just how innovative are we? Cambridge: Cambridge-MIT Institute.
- Boyns, N., Cox, M., Spires, R. and Hughes, A. (2003) Research into the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trusts: a report prepared for Inland Revenue. London: H.M. Inland Revenue.
- Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.) (2003) Enterprise challenged: policy and performance in the British SME sector 1999-2002. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research.
- Hughes, A. for the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union (2003) The Commission’s Green Paper: entrepreneurship in Europe: with evidence: HL Paper No.142. London: HMSO.
- Cox, M., Hughes, A. and Spires, R. (2002) Evaluation of SMART (including SPUR) 2001: final report and appendices: DTI Evaluation Report Series No.3.Sheffield: Small Business Service.
- Cook, J., Deakin, S. and Hughes, A. (2001) Governance of mutuality: building societies, property rights and corporate governance: report prepared for the Building Societies Association and the Norwich & Peterborough Building Society. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research.
- Cosh, A., Cox, M. and Hughes, A. (eds.) (2001) Evaluation of the golden key package component of the Small Business Initiative. London: British Bankers Association Enterprises Ltd.
- Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.) (2000) British enterprise in transition: growth, innovation and public policy in the small and medium sized enterprise sector 1994-1999. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research.
- Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.) (1998) Enterprise Britain: growth, innovation and public policy in the small and medium sized enterprise sector 1994-1997.Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research.
- Deakin, S. and Hughes, A. (1997) Enterprise and community: new directions in corporate governance.Oxford: Blackwell.
- Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.) (1996) The changing state of British enterprise: growth, innovation and competitive advantage in small and medium sized firms 1986-1995. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research.
- Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (1992) The state of British enterprise: growth, innovation and competitive advantage in small and medium sized firms. Cambridge: Small Business Research Centre, University of Cambridge.
Book chapters
- Cosh, A., Guest, P. and Hughes, A. (2008) “UK corporate governance and takeover performance.” In Gugler, K. and Yurtoglu, B.B. (eds): The economics of corporate governance and mergers. Gloucester: Edward Elgar, pp.226-261
- Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (2008) “Takeovers after ‘takeovers’.” In Arestis, P. and Eatwell, J. (eds.): Issues in finance and industry: essays in honour of Ajit Singh. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, pp.215-236
- Hughes, A. and Cosh, A. (2007) “The British SME sector 1991-2004.” In Cosh, A.D. and Hughes, A. (eds.): British enterprise: thriving or surviving? Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.94-106
- Hughes, A. and Cosh, A. (2007) “Business formation, business leaders and SME performance.” In Cosh, A.D. and Hughes, A. (eds.): British enterprise: thriving or surviving? Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.3-17
- Hughes, A. and Cosh, A. (2007) “Constraints, competitiveness and collaboration.” In Cosh, A.D. and Hughes, A. (eds.): British enterprise: thriving or surviving? Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.18-27
- Hughes, A. and Cosh, A. (2007) “Finance for SMEs.” In Cosh, A.D. and Hughes, A. (eds.): British enterprise: thriving or surviving? Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.47-57
- Hughes, A. and Cosh, A. (2007) “Innovation activity and technology intensive firms.” In Cosh, A.D. and Hughes, A. (eds.): British enterprise: thriving or surviving? Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.28-46
- Hughes, A. and Cosh, A. (2007) “SMEs in Northern Ireland.” In Cosh, A.D. and Hughes, A. (eds.): British enterprise: thriving or surviving? Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.65-74
- Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (2003) “The British SME sector 1991-2002.” In Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.): Enterprise challenged: policy and performance in the British SME sector 1999-2002. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.103-113
- Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (2003) “Innovation activity, outputs, inputs, intentions and constraints.” In Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.): Enterprise challenged: policy and performance in the British SME sector 1999-2002. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.45-56
· Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (2003) “Profitability, finance and acquisition activity.” In Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.): Enterprise challenged: policy and performance in the British SME sector 1999-2002. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.72-86
· Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (2003) “Size, age, growth, business constraints and management characteristics.” In Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.): Enterprise challenged: policy and performance in the British SME sector 1999-2002. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.3-19
· Hughes, A. (2003) “Knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship and economic growth: some reflections and implications for policy.” In van der Laag, A. and Snijders, J. (eds.): Entrepreneurship in the Netherlands: knowledge transfer: developing high-tech ventures. Zoetermeer: EIM Business & Policy Research and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, pp.53-75
· Hughes, A. (2000) “Innovation and business performance: small entrepreneurial firms in the UK and the EU.” In HM Treasury (eds.): Economic growth and government policy: papers presented at a HM Treasury seminar held at 11 Downing Street on 12th October 2000. London: HM Treasury, pp.65-69
· Hughes, A. and Wood, E. (2000) “Rethinking innovation comparisons between manufacturing and services: the experience of the CBR SME surveys in the UK.” In Metcalfe, J.S. and Miles, I. (eds.): Innovation systems in the service economy: measurement and case study analysis. Boston, Mass.: Kluwer Academic, pp.105-124
· Cosh, A., Hughes, A. and Wood, E. (1999) “Innovation in UK SMEs: causes and consequences for firm failure and acquisition.” In Acs, Z.J., Carlsson, B. and Karlsson, C. (eds.): Entrepreneurship, small and medium-sized enterprises and the macroeconomy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp.329-366
· Bullock, A. and Hughes, A. (1998) “Survey design, response bias and sample characteristics in the 1997 CBR SME survey.” In Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.): Enterprise Britain: growth, innovation and public policy in the small and medium sized enterprise sector 1994-1997. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.125-132
· Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (1998) “Profitability, finance, investment appraisal and acquisition.” In Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.): Enterprise Britain: growth, innovation and public policy in the small and medium sized enterprise sector 1994-1997. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.67-79
· Cosh, A., Hughes, A., Lee, K. and Singh, A. (1998) “Semi-parametric estimation of the company size-growth relation.” In Begg, I. and Henry, S.G.B. (eds.): Applied economics and public policy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp.145-179
· Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (1998) “Size, age, growth, business leadership and business objectives.” In Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.): Enterprise Britain: growth, innovation and public policy in the small and medium sized enterprise sector 1994-1997. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.3-15
· Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (1998) “Small business enterprises in the 1990’s: the 1991 and 1997 CBR Sample Surveys compared.” In Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.): Enterprise Britain: growth, innovation and public policy in the small and medium sized enterprise sector 1994-1997. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.114-124
· Cosh, A., Hughes, A., Lee, K. and Singh, A. (1998) “Takeovers, institutional investment and the persistence of profits.” In Begg, I. and Henry, S.G.B. (eds.): Applied economics and public policy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp.107-144
· Cosh, A., Hughes, A. and Wood, E. (1998) “Financing innovation.” In Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.): Enterprise Britain: growth, innovation and public policy in the small and medium sized enterprise sector 1994-1997. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.80-85
· Deakin, S. and Hughes, A. (1998) “Economic considerations.” In Company directors: regulating conflicts of interests and formulating a statement of duties. a joint Consultation Paper, Law Commission Consultation Paper No.153 / Scottish Law Commission Discussion Paper No.105. London: TSO, pp.33-59
· Hughes, A. and Moore, B. (1998) “High-tech firms: market position, innovative performance and access to finance.” In Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (eds.): Enterprise Britain: growth, innovation and public policy in the small and medium sized enterprise sector 1994-1997. Cambridge: ESRC Centre for Business Research, pp.86-98
· Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (1997) “The changing anatomy of corporate control and the market for executives in the United Kingdom.” In Deakin, S. and Hughes, A. (eds.): Enterprise and community: new directions in corporate governance. Oxford: Blackwell, pp.104-123
· Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (1997) “Corporate restructuring in Europe and the regulation of competition.” In Arestis, P., Palma, G. and Sawyer, M. (eds.): Markets, unemployment and economic policy: essays in honour of Geoff Harcourt: vol.2. London: Routledge, pp.443-460
· Deakin, S., Goodwin, T. and Hughes, A. (1997) “Co-operation and trust in inter-firm relations: beyond competition policy?” In Deakin, S. and Michie, J. (eds.): Contracts, co-operation and competition: studies in economics, management, and law. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp.339-369
· Deakin, S. and Hughes, A. (1997) “Comparative corporate governance: an interdisciplinary agenda.” In Deakin, S. and Hughes, A. (eds.): Enterprise and community: new directions in corporate governance. Oxford: Blackwell, pp.1-9
· Cosh, A., Coutts, K. and Hughes, A. (1996) “Manufacturing, the balance of payments, and capacity.” In Michie, J. and Grieve Smith, J. (eds.): Creating industrial capacity: towards full employment. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp.53-71
· Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (1994) “Acquisition activity in the small business sector.” In Hughes, A. and Storey, D.J. (eds.): Finance and the small firm. London: Routledge, pp.284-315
· Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (1994) “Size, financial structure and profitability: UK companies in the 1980s.” In Hughes, A. and Storey, D.J. (eds.): Finance and the small firm. London: Routledge, pp.18-63
· Cosh, A.D., Hughes, A. and Singh, A. (1992) “Openness, financial innovation, changing patterns of ownership, and the structure of financial markets.” In Banuri, T. and Schor, J.B. (eds.): Financial openness and national autonomy: opportunities and constraints. Oxford: Clarendon Press, pp.19-42
· Hughes, A. (1992) “Big business, small business and the ‘enterprise culture’.” In Michie, J. (ed.): The economic legacy 1979-1992. London: Academic Press, pp.296-311
· Hughes, A. and Singh, A. (1991) “The world economic slowdown and the Asian and Latin American economies: a comparative analysis of economic structure, policy and performance.” In Banuri, T. (ed.): Economic liberalization: no panacea: the experiences of Latin America and Asia. Oxford: Clarendon Press, pp.57-99
· Hughes, A. (1986) “Investment finance, industrial strategy and economic recovery.” In Nolan, P. and Paine, S. (eds.): Rethinking socialist economics: a new agenda for Britain. Cambridge: Polity Press, pp.198-233
· Cosh, A., Hughes, A. and Singh, A. (1980) “Causes and effects of takeovers in the United Kingdom, The: an empirical investigation for the late 1960s at the microeconomic level.” In Mueller, D.C. (ed.): The determinants and effects of mergers: an international comparison. USA: Oelgeschlager, Gunn & Hain Publishers, pp.227-270
· Hughes, A., Mueller, D.C. and Singh, A. (1980) “Competition policy in the 1980s: the implications of the international merger wave.” In Mueller, D.C. (ed.): The determinants and effects of mergers: an international comparison. USA: Oelgeschlager, Gunn & Hain Publishers, pp.315-336
· Hughes, A., Mueller, D.C. and Singh, A. (1980) “Hypotheses about mergers.” In Mueller, D.C. (ed.): The determinants and effects of mergers: an international comparison. USA: Oelgeschlager, Gunn & Hain Publishers, pp.27-66
· Hughes, A. and Singh, A. (1980) “Mergers, concentration, and competition in advanced capitalist economies: an international perspective.” In Mueller, D.C. (ed.): The determinants and effects of mergers: an international comparison. USA: Oelgeschlager, Gunn & Hain Publishers, pp.1-26
Conference papers
- Mina, A., Bascavusoglu-Moreau, E. and Hughes, A. (2013) “Exploiting knowledge flows: openness and the innovative performance of business services.” In: Academy of Management Meeting Best Paper Proceedings, 9-13 August 2013, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL.
- Guest, P.M., Cosh, A., Hughes, A. and Conn, R.L. (2004) “Why must all good things come to an end? The performance of multiple acquirers.” In Academy of Management (eds.) Creating actionable knowledge: Academy of Management Best Paper Proceedings (64th), 6-11 August 2004, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. [Published on CD-ROM], pp.BPS:S1-S6
- Hughes, A. (1999) “Enterprise, innovation and high-tech SMEs.” In Department of Trade and Industry and the Centre for Economic Policy Research (eds.) Proceedings of Economics of the Knowledge Driven Economy, 27 January 1999, London, England. pp.65-70
Working papers
- Hughes, A. and Mina, A. (2010) “The impact of the patent system on SMEs.” ESRC Centre for Business Research Working Papers, No.411. Cambridge: University of Cambridge.
- Dodgson, M., Foster, J., Hughes, A. and Metcalfe, S. (2009) “Systems thinking, market failure, and the development of innovation policy: the case of Australia.” ESRC Centre for Business Research Working Papers, No.397. Cambridge: University of Cambridge.
- Mina, A., Connell, D. and Hughes, A. (2009) “Models of technology development in intermediate research organisations.” ESRC Centre for Business Research Working Papers, No.396. Cambridge: University of Cambridge.
- Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (2008) “Takeovers after ‘takeovers’.” ESRC Centre for Business Research Working Papers, No.363. Cambridge: University of Cambridge.
- Cosh, A. and Hughes, A. (2007) “UK corporate governance and takeover performance.” ESRC Centre for Business Research Working Papers, No.357. Cambridge: University of Cambridge.
- Hughes, A. (2007) “Innovation policy as cargo cult: myth and reality in knowledge-led productivity growth.” ESRC Centre for Business Research Working Papers, No.348. Cambridge: University of Cambridge.
- Burchell, B. and Hughes, A. (2006) “The stigma of failure: an international comparison of failure tolerance and second chancing.” ESRC Centre for Business Research Working Papers, No.334. Cambridge: University of Cambridge.
- Hughes, A. (2006) “University industry linkages and UK science and innovation policy.” ESRC Centre for Business Research Working Papers, No.326. Cambridge: University of Cambridge.
- Hughes, A. and Lee, J. (2006) “What’s in a name and when does it matter? The hot and cold market impacts on underpricing of certification, reputation and conflicts of interest in venture capital backed Korean IPOs.” ESRC Centre for Business Research Working Papers, No.336. Cambridge: University of Cambridge.
- Cosh, A., Cumming, D. and Hughes, A. (2005) “Outside entrepreneurial capital.” Centre for Business Research, Cambridge University, Working Paper No.301
- Cosh, A., Fu, X. and Hughes, A. (2005) “Management characteristics, collaboration and innovative efficiency: evidence from UK survey data.” Centre for Business Research, Cambridge University, Working Paper No.311
- Dessyllas, P. and Hughes, A. (2005) “R&D and patenting activity and the propensity to acquire in high technology industries.” ESRC Centre for Business Research Working Papers, No.298
- Dessyllas, P. and Hughes, A. (2005) “The revealed preferences of high technology acquirers: an analysis of the characteristics of their targets.” ESRC Centre for Business Research Working Papers, No.306
- Hughes, A. and Scott Morton, M.S. (2005) “ICT and productivity growth: the paradox resolved.” Centre for Business Research, Cambridge University, Working Paper No.316
- Cosh, A. and Hughes, A., with Bullock, A. and Potton, M. (2003) “The relationship between training and business performance.” Department for Education and Skills, Research Report No.454
- Hughes, A. (2003) “Knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship and economic growth: some reflections and implications for policy in the Netherlands.” ESRC Centre for Business Research, Cambridge University, Working Paper No.273
- Conn, C., Cosh, A., Guest, P. and Hughes, A. (2001) “Long-run share performance of U.K. firms engaging in cross-border acquisitions.” ESRC Centre for Business Research, Cambridge University, Working Paper No.214
- Cook, J., Deakin, S. and Hughes, A. (2001) “Mutuality and corporate governance: the evolution of UK building societies following deregulation.” ESRC Centre for Business Research, Cambridge University, Working Paper No.205
- Cosh, A., Hughes, A. and Guest, P. (2001) “Managerial discretion and takeover performance.” ESRC Centre for Business Research, Cambridge University, Working Paper No.216
- Cosh, A., Hughes, A. and Weeks, M. (2000) “The relationship between training and employment growth in small and medium-sized enterprises.” ESRC Centre for Business Research, Cambridge University, Working Paper No.188
- Hughes, A. (2000) “On enlarging employment by promoting small enterprises.” ESRC Centre for Business Research, Cambridge University, Working Paper No.180
- Hughes, A. and Wood, E. (1999) “Rethinking innovation comparisons between manufacturing and services: the experience of the CBR SME surveys in the UK.” ESRC Centre for Business Research, Cambridge University, Working Paper No.140
- Hughes, A. (1997) “Small firms and employment.” ESRC Centre for Business Research, Cambridge University, Working Paper No.71
- Cosh, A., Hughes, A., Singh, A., Carty, J. and Plender, J. (1990) “Takeovers and short-termism in the UK.” Institute for Public Policy Research, Industrial Policy Paper No.3
- Hughes, A. (1990) “Industrial concentration and the small business sector in the UK: the 1980s in historical perspective.” Economics Department, Cambridge University, Working Paper No.5
News and insights
Interactions between UK businesses and universities are broad based and beneficial, but are being held back by firms' lack of capacity and information to tap this key resource, says a new report co-authored at Cambridge Judge Business School.
The financial crisis has revived the notion of industrial policy in the UK. But how is it different today from the 'discredited' policies of the 1970s, and do we risk betting on winners once again? In this episode, joining podcast series host Michael Kitson, University Senior Lecturer in International Macroeconomics at Cambridge Judge Business School, are Alan Hughes, Professor of Innovation at Imperial College Business School and former Director of the Centre for Business Research at Cambridge Judge Business School, and Michael Pollitt, Professor of Business Economics at Cambridge Judge. This is the sixth in a series of “Cambridge Judge Business Debate” podcasts featuring faculty and others associated with Cambridge Judge Business School and the broader Cambridge community. This sixth podcast focuses on the topic of Industrial Policy, which has been in the news since the November 2017 publication of the UK government’s White Paper entitled “Industrial Strategy: Building a Britain Fit for the Future”. Here are some of the issues raised in the podcast, along with edited excerpts of remarks made by the panellists: The financial crisis has revived the idea of “industrial policy” Michael Kitson: “Since the financial crisis and the great recession, there’s been a re-evaluation of…
Research by Professor Alan Hughes has played a pivotal role in the rollout of the highly successful Catapult Centres, which exist to encourage collaboration between academics and entrepreneurs. The Government's decision to expand the network of UK Catapult Centres is good news for technology and innovation – and great news for academics at Cambridge Judge Business School, whose research played a pivotal role in their inception. Speaking at the Satellite Applications Catapult in Harwell, Oxfordshire, business secretary Vince Cable said the seven existing Catapults had been so successful that two more would be opened by 2015/16 and an additional £7 million invested in the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. "Catapult centres have made a significant contribution over the last year, supporting businesses and developing new technologies. The total public and private sector investment in the Catapults so far is £1.4 billion and further investment will follow,” said Cable. By committing to investment in new technologies now, we are laying the foundations for the high-growth businesses of the future. This will allow them to grow, take on more employees and keep the UK at the forefront of global innovation.” Designed to create specialist institutions on the boundaries between universities and business, the…
Media coverage
Times Higher Education | 24 March 2022
Local focus for university-business links in UK ‘too narrow’
A report by the National Centre for Universities and Businesses (NCUB) and the Centre for Business Research (CBR) at Cambridge Judge Business School, based on major survey of almost 4,000 firms, finds work with institutions at national and international level is a large slice of collaboration activity.
Cambridge News | 8 January 2018
Big names form commission to study Cambridgeshire economy
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) has been commissioned to review the economy in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Economist Dame Kate Barker, Chair of the CBR Advisory Board and a former top Government housing adviser, will chair the commission. Professor Alan Hughes, previously Director of the Centre for Business Research (CBR) and Professor of Enterprise Studies at Cambridge Judge Business School will also be on the review board. The review is jointly funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, the GCGP LEP and Cambridge Ahead, which represents some of the most influential organisations in the Cambridge region.