Transformative innovation policy – lessons from the innovation system literature

Bibliographic Data

ID6149698
AuthorsBengt‐åke Lundvall (0000-0001-7465-4881, Aalborg University, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume14
Issue2
Pages297-314
Publication date2023-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInnovation and Development (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2157-9318 • E-ISSN: 2157-930X
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/2157930x.2022.2158996
OpenAlexW4313478399
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited44

This paper criticizes attempts to present narrow perspectives on innovation policy as reflecting the use of the concept innovation system. While it is correct that innovation policy, at least until recently, has given higher priority to economic growth than to global challenges such as climate change and income inequality this is in no way immanent in the innovation system concept. To illustrate, the author introduces concepts and perspectives related to the innovation system approach which are particularly useful, when it comes to develop innovation policies aiming at system transformation. It is concluded that there is a need to combine different theoretical framings as inspiration for transformative innovation policy. In addition, all framings need to have a double focus on climate change and global income inequality, and they need to go beyond national perspectives and consider policies aiming at system transformation at the global level. While the paper refers to empirical illustrations it is principally conceptual

Conceptual framework · Economic system · Economics · Inequality · Innovation system · Neoclassical economics · Social science · Sociology · Transformative learning · Innovation Policy and RD · Sustainability and Climate Change Governance · University-Industry-Government Innovation Models

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