Charles Edquist

Systems of Innovation : Technologies, Institutions and Organizations

Innovation and technical change play significant roles in both firm and economic growth, resulting in the creation of knowledge and the formation of new products. Due to the competitive aspects of innovation, firms often interact with and share and/or exchange information with other organizations, including other firms and universities, to further their innovative pursuits. Additionally, other factors, such as laws, cultural norms, and social rules, impact a firms innovative abilities and behaviors. Organizations and institutions, economic infrastructures, sectoral innovation systems, and national imaginations all have a role in innovation systems. This edited work is composed of 17 essays, providing differing perspectives. To better understand the systems of innovation approach to business, this book examines three significant issues: part one dissects conceptual problems related to the theory of the systems of innovation approach; part two discusses the relationship between the systems of innovation approach and other innovation theories; and part three promotes greater understanding of the dynamics of systems of innovation. The various systems of innovation approaches have nine common characteristics: innovations and learning at the center of focus; holistic and interdisciplinary; historical perspective; differences between regional systems (no optimal system); interdependence; encompasses both technological and organizational innovations; institutions are central; conceptual ambiguity; and conceptual frameworks rather than formal theories. The creation and distribution of technological knowledge, including interindustry differences, are also explored. Evolutionary theories of economics and the ways in which they influence the systems of innovation approach are examined. The influence of policy upon technological change is also discussed, as are Technological and institutional change as components in the creation and change of innovation systems. Challenges to the systems approach are examined, including policy-based challenges to firms, paradigmatic shifts in innovation systems, and differences among European systems of innovation. (AKP)

Systems of innovation: theory and policy for the demand side

Abstract As an emerging current of thought in the economics of innovation, systems of innovation (SI) theorizing offers a non-linear perspective that is highly relevant to the formation of innovation policy. SI approaches are particularly appropriate to understanding the use of “demand side” policy instruments such as public technology procurement. In this article, we briefly summarize some general characteristics of SI approaches and relate them to broader theoretical developments in the economics of innovation. We explore one of the main characteristics of systems-oriented approaches to the study of innovation: the emphasis on interdependency and interactive learning. A number of theoretical antecedents to SI approaches are examined, and their main insights regarding the innovative role played by the demand side are elaborated. On this basis, some elements of a general policy perspective are identified.

Public Technology Procurement and Innovation

Studies public technology procurement as an instrument of innovation policy. This book intends to contribute to a serious reconsideration of public technology procurement from the complementary standpoints of innovation theory and innovation policy

Small Country Innovation Systems

This major book presents case studies of ten small country national systems of innovation (NSIs) in Europe and Asia, namely, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden and Taiwan. These cases have been carefully selected as examples of success within the context of globalization and as ‘new economies’ where competition is increasingly based on innovation.

Public Technology Procurement and Innovation Theory

Public technology procurement (PTP) occurs when a public agency places an order for a product or system which does not exist at the time, but which could (probably) be developed within a reasonable period. Additional or new technological development work is required to fulfil the demands of the buyer. This is the ‘ideal type’ of public technology procurement.

Reflections on the systems of innovation approach

This concluding article takes up some central theoretical aspects about the concept of system of innovation that were launched at the onset of this special issue. Acknowledging that the system of innovation approach is still not a theory in its own right, further efforts for theory development will focus on the main activities performed by the system. Beyond the main function of the system, which is to produce innovation, the article examines very briefly the most important of these activities. Last, the article summarises the findings about the system of innovation in relation to the European Union. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.

Comparing national systems of innovation in Asia and Europe: theory and comparative framework

This chapter is structured as follows. In the introductory section, the objectives of the “Small Country Innovation Systems” book project are outlined and the methodological and theoretical foundations of the book are ddressed. This is followed by an extended conceptual and theoretical discussion. Using the traditional systems of innovation approaches as the point of departure, we specify the most important concepts used in the book. Subsequently, we outline an activities-based framework for studying and comparing NSIs. Then we discuss the characteristics of the ten countries selected for study (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Ireland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea). Finally we outline the common structure of each of the country studies, including the presentation of a model table of contents. The chapter ends with abstracts of the ten case studies.

Reconsidering the Paradox of High R&D Input and Low Innovation: Sweden

This major book presents case studies of ten small country national systems of innovation (NSIs) in Europe and Asia, namely, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden and Taiwan. These cases have been carefully selected as examples of success within the context of globalization and as ‘new economies’ where competition is increasingly based on innovation.

Characteristics of Collaboration in Product Innovation in the Regional System of Innovation of East Gothia

The focus of this article is on product innovations introduced by firms (establishments) and the collaborations they enter into with other firms and organizations in carrying out this activity. The theoretical framework combines innovation theories with the literature on regional innovation systems and the knowledge-based economy. Empirically we have investigated characteristics of collaboration among manufacturing establishments in the region of East Gothia in Sweden, with specific focus on the number of employees involved in the innovation projects, mechanisms of knowledge transfer between organizations, as well as financing and patenting in relation to product innovations.

Innovation Policy in the Systems of Innovation Approach: Some Basic Principles

This contribution aims to deal with innovation policy from the perspective of the systems of innovation approach. The intention is to address basic principles related to national, regional or local as well as sectoral systems of innovation and the policy implications emerging from these. Hence, there will be a very strong emphasis on policy in what follows. However, it is essential, of course, that any observations should be adapted to the specific conditions in particular sectors, regions or countries to be fully relevant1.