How is government embedded in innovation process for breakthroughs? A meta-synthesis of qualitative case studies

Abstract

The government seeks to accelerate scientific and technological progress to benefit society. However, the government may promote or hinder breakthrough innovation. It is difficult to thoroughly understand the characteristics of governmental action in innovation process. To better define the role of government, we focused on inter-organizational relationships and discussed the governance structures of government in the process of promoting breakthrough innovation from the perspectives of situation and motivation. A meta-synthesis process is adopted in this paper to integrate 28 case studies on the theme of governmental action in innovation activities. A theoretical landscape of government-embedded typology in the innovation process was established using an analytical framework of “situation, motivation, action, and effect.” First, the government views technological innovations as governance objects or tools. Then, four government-embedded models are presented in the innovation process: the government-led core model, the government-led hybrid model, the government-supported hybrid model, and the government-supported peripheral model. The action characteristics of each model are reflected in regulation, planning, R&D, coordination, and demand-pull. Finally, there are multiple combinations and evolutions between models due to the complex situations and the dynamic process.