Review Article System Of Innovation Approach

Abstract

This article is based upon a review of the recent book edited by C. Edquist. This book presents different articles that have the development of the Systems of Innovation Approach as a common objective. This multidisciplinary approach proposes new foundations in order to build a global theory of technological change. In this perspective, the authors examine some conceptual problems shedding new light on the evolutionary theory. This convergence between the Systems of Innovation Approach and evolutionary concepts is organized around a complex conception of the innovation process. In this context, innovation is a cognitive, a multilevel i.e. local, national, sectorial, international -, a historical and multidimensional - i.e. technological, organizational and institutional - process. This conception gives a central place to public actors and institutions. The book helps clarify some important issues amongst evolutionary economists that show the strong difficulty inherent to the elaboration of a coherent evolutionary of economic change. The Systems of Innovation Approach articulates the different evolutionary approaches within a global framework.