The Political Economy of Web3 Platformization: Innovation Systems, Reaching the Moon, Governing the Ghetto

In reference to the Innovation System theory of inter-connected and process oriented innovation, the Social Innovation System concept in our study is an inter-connection of things in developing, diffusing and utilizing innovation targeting social issues or needs. The growing popularity and support for Social Innovation, has triggered us to analyse the scholarly contributions with the aid Innovation Systems theory. We assumed that the Innovation System theory might broaden our understanding of the emerging Social Innovation System concept. The corpus review of 15 peer-reviewed articles resulted in a Cartesian plane with four axes namely: institutional, organizational, and social - public good and quality of life. The study indicates that Innovation System theories do not account for Society or Social as a passive or an active participant in the Innovation process. Therefore we posit that current theories must go beyond Local, Regional, National, Sectoral, and Technological to include Social.

Knowledge policies and universities in developing countries: Inclusive development and the “developmental university”

PurposeThe purpose of this study is shed light on the underlying forces behind entrepreneurship within a regional innovation system (RIS) in a remote rural region. The authors examine the following questions: Which are the main underlying forces behind the entrepreneurial process in a rural RIS characterized by traditionally low-tech, small-scale businesses? How can the development of a low-tech regional innovation system be conceptualized?Design/methodology/approachThe design of the study is based on entrepreneurship theory. Data analysis followed practices used in phenomenography, a research approach used to analyse and identify commonalities and variations in populations' perceptions of a certain phenomenon. Data are composed using semi-structured interviews and a database composed of company information of all firms in the population.FindingsA proactive mobilization of regional stakeholders and resources can be an important driving force behind the entrepreneurial process and generation of a rural RIS. Innovation can be generated within low-tech industries turning the rural context into an asset. An RIS in a remote rural context can be initiated and orchestrated by regional authorities, but knowledge brokering and orchestration can also be managed by networks of small-scale businesses brought together by mutual benefit and common interests.Research limitations/implicationsRegional innovation systems theory is most often used to study high-tech industries. But by combining regional innovation systems with rural entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship context theory is a fruitful avenue to understand the role of rural entrepreneurship in regional development, even in remote and peripheral regions. Innovation does not need to entail high-tech international environments; it can appear as the result of efforts in low-tech industries in rural and remote environments. The authors’ findings need to be scrutinized; therefore, the authors call for more research on regional innovation systems in rural environments.Practical implicationsIt is possible for regional authorities to orchestrate a development process through the actions of a strong regional agent but also by supporting the creation of networks of small businesses that are built on trust and common interests.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature with a new perspective to the study of entrepreneurship and of regional innovation systems. Entrepreneurship research with focus on rural contexts most often highlight limits to entrepreneurship and see entrepreneurship as “just running a business”. A perspective that starts from innovation and innovative behaviour, despite the rural context and embedded resources, helps to generate new knowledge that can enrich the understanding of entrepreneurship and also be the foundation for more precise business development policies in rural settings.

The management model for the National Solid Waste Policy to develop sustainable actions, proposes the social inclusion of recyclable waste pickers in the waste management system. Compliance with the law, the form of participation of the waste pickers, and incentive mechanisms are configured as a relationship open to analysis. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the potentials and limitations of a recycling cooperative, in terms of social technologies and inclusion, to encourage local development. The qualitative approach was aided by structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation. The resulting evidence suggests that the organization of a cooperative, enabled access to information on the legislation of the National Solid Waste Policy. It showed the need to strengthen relationships with education institutions and public authorities. Despite the low levels of education of the members of the cooperative, projects and knowledge could be developed to aid social technologies. No technological innovations were observed, nor the production of alternative artifacts for recyclable materials. This weakens the cooperative in terms of articulation among peers, most notably the integration of the Catamare cooperative in the network of Cataparaná, to support the sale of material produced for industry. It may be concluded that joining the cooperative improved the social, economic, and political conditions of the members, but there were also structural limits to the recycling production chain that were not considered in the National Solid Waste Policy; and to a certain extent this weakens the development of sustainable actions. Furthermore, the organization of the cooperative hindered the development of social technologies and the social inclusion of the waste pickers.

The study sought to establish the effect of university-embedded incubation hubs on the innovation ecosystem in Mumbai State, India. The researcher employed the Triple Helix Theory of Innovation and National Innovation System (NIS) Theory to analyze the role of academia-industry-government collaboration in fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancement. The study applied a qualitative research design, targeting incubators within major universities such as IIT Bombay, NMIMS, and Somaiya Vidyavihar. Purposive sampling was used to select incubator managers, university faculty, and startup founders. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and institutional document analysis. Data was processed through thematic content analysis using NVivo software. The findings show a strong positive influence of university-incubation hubs on startup growth, innovation culture, and ecosystem development in Mumbai. Incubators provide structured support through seed funding, mentorship, infrastructure, and industry linkages. However, the study revealed challenges including limited access to incubation for non-STEM founders, uneven funding availability, and lack of policy harmonization. Therefore, the study rejects the null hypothesis and concludes that there is a significant relationship between university-embedded incubators and the regional innovation ecosystem. University-embedded incubation hubs in Mumbai have emerged as pivotal engines of innovation and entrepreneurship in India’s 21st-century knowledge economy. Their strategic role in linking research, industry, and policy frameworks demonstrates the potential for universities to lead regional development. However, to maximize their long-term impact, systemic reforms focused on inclusivity, scalability, and policy coherence are essential. The study recommends that university incubation hubs enhance inclusivity, increase partnerships with industry, and align more closely with national startup policies. Management should ensure regular impact assessments, and government agencies are urged to strengthen regulatory frameworks that support inter-institutional collaboration and capacity building.

This chapter examines the relationship between KIBS and manufacturing industries. It uses an input-output framework and a curve estimation to explore the relationship between KIBS input and manufacturing innovation in China. The results indicate that the KIBS input is positively related to innovation in manufacturing industries. Drawing on the innovation system theory and the knowledge-based view, the chapter argues that KIBS act not only as coproducers but also as disseminators of knowledge-based resources. The results extend the KIBS literature to the analysis of innovation systems and suggest that the influence of KIBS on manufacturing industries may determine the role of KIBS in the innovation system of China.

The circular economy has been proposed to transform global textile supply chains which are currently challenged by a complex nexus of sustainability issues related to the dominant fast fashion trend. Research on circular economy in the textile sector often focuses on businesses or consumers as key enablers incircular transitions, yet it treats them as independent entities and thereby neglects the study of interactions that can provide insight at the systems level. The proclaimed “circular textile mission” in the Netherlands setting a national target for 100% circularity by 2050 is used as case study to address this research gap. We explore the circular textile transition processes found in the context of the Dutch mission and compare the development and interactions among various technical and non‐technological solutions produced by engaged actor constellations for assessing key factors driving and blocking the overall mission fulfilment. To these ends, we derive a theoretical framework based on innovation system theory and conceptualize the Dutch circular textile transition as aMission‐oriented Innovation System(MIS). Analyzing the structure and functioning of the Dutch mission‐oriented innovation system, we show that (1) there is a good match between the formal Dutch circular textile mission and system actor perceptions; (2) system actors have formed structures around three dominantsolution trajectoriesin the Dutch system: secondhand, mechanical recycling, and chemical recycling; (3) these trajectories expose distinct key virtuous and vicious cycles, which characterize (4) the entire system as formative. Overall, the secondhand trajectory shows most developed structures and most positive dynamics, chemical recycling carries most technological breakthrough potential, whereas mechanical recycling is a mature technology but lacks market demand and supply. We compare the three solution trajectories, discuss the disruptive nature of the Dutch circular textile transition, and suggest installing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as a potential intervention for accelerating system transformation. The study concludes with reflections on the case learnings and considerations for further research on mission‐oriented innovation systems.

An expert exploration of the foundations of America's science and technology policies, and the dynamics of its innovation system. Why study science and technology policy? What role does innovation play, and how do we foster it? Economics tells us technological innovation drives economic growth and societal well-being, but technology is always a double-edged sword—great technological advances offer both opportunities and threats. In Pioneering Progress, William Bonvillian explains the complex science and technology innovation system and discusses the challenges of emerging industrial policies. Drawing on in-depth case studies on critical areas such as energy, computing, advanced manufacturing, and health, with an emphasis on the needed public policy and the federal government R&D role in those systems, Bonvillian reviews the foundations of economic growth theory, innovation systems theory, and innovation organization theory. Bonvillian, a highly respected expert who has worked as a deputy assistant secretary of transportation in the federal government and a senior advisor in Congress, reviews a new theory of direct and indirect economic factors in the innovation system. He describes the innovation-based competitive and advanced manufacturing challenges now facing the US economy, reviews comparative efforts in other nations, studies the varied models for how federal science and technology mission agencies are organized, and explores the growth of public-private partnership and industrial policy models as a way for science mission agencies to pursue mission agendas. Pioneering Progress places particular emphasis on the organization and role of medical science and energy innovation agencies and how we can address the gaps in the health, energy, and advanced production innovation economic models.

Rural innovation system: Revitalize the countryside for a sustainable development

Indigenous people in Latin American countries are often socially excluded, with their communities characterised by limited access to basic social services (education and health), basic infrastructure (roads, energy, potable water and sewage), underemployment, lack of democratic representation, cultural discrimination and other restrictions on the full exercise of citizenship. Under the inclusive development approach, policies and policy instruments of science, technology and innovation (STI) are believed to contribute to rural communities’ social inclusion. Recent models within the inclusive development framework understand innovation in terms of both outputs and social processes that considers the participation of different types of actors, including marginalised groups. The concept of inclusive innovation, then, refers to a structural change in which rural communities are active citizens in the decision-making and learning processes that aim to find new solutions to given problems. Peru faces a significant challenge in reducing poverty, especially in rural areas where Indigenous communities, in particular, experience extreme poverty. According to Peru’s national strategy of STI, the transfer of technology, in the form of the delivery of the goods and services needed by marginalised rural communities, is a mechanism for social inclusion. One key technology transfer intervention is electrification through projects that aim to foster the development and capacity of rural communities by transferring new energy technologies such as photovoltaic panels and mini/micro-hydropower systems. While access to energy is recognised as a social right, there is little evidence about how technology transfer interventions for rural electrification are contributing to the reduction of social exclusion in poor Indigenous communities. Considering the complexity of an innovation process for social inclusion, this thesis explores the extent to which technology transfer interventions for rural electrification contribute to social inclusion. The thesis presents three case studies of Indigenous communities who had participated in the same rural electrification project in Cusco region in Peru. The methods used in the case studies were rapid rural appraisal, unstructured interviews and participant observation. The data gathered using these methods answered research questions concerning the process of adoption of the new energy system, the impact of the energy usage in the community, the involvement of the communities in the process of innovation, and the emergence of inclusive learning institutions. Further, in order to explore the orientation of innovation policies towards social inclusion, the study used focus groups and semi-structured interviews with STI stakeholders in Cusco city and the nation’s capital, Lima; and unstructured interviews with STI stakeholders in rural localities. The empirical findings on the adoption of the new energy system showed that the lighting of rooms in the home had made the daily life of families more comfortable. In addition, the collective management of the energy system had enhanced the organisation of the community. However, the results demonstrated that the rural electrification project was a top-down intervention that had excluded community members from the design and implementation of the energy system. Technical training was also incomplete, restricting the access to information, exchange of knowledge and learning interactions among the users. This limited the users’ ability to adapt the new system to their own energy needs. Furthermore, the provider/client relationship between the energy provider and the local people seemed to be common in other capacity-building activities by other technology providers in the case study communities. Even though the STI stakeholders interviewed in this research recognised the importance of participatory processes in technology transfer interventions, their concept of inclusive innovation corresponded to the mainstream or traditional innovation models that tend to address exclusion simply in terms of innovation outputs. This work provides the first comprehensive assessment of different factors that interact in the process of innovation, such as the technical attributes of the new technologies, community capitals, local knowledge and modes of learning and the capacity of political institutions to support learning and collaborative networks. The study confirms previous findings and contributes additional evidence that indicates that technology transfer interventions for social inclusion in Latin America are framed largely as economic opportunities. Consequently, the users, who are positioned as consumers, are often excluded from participating in decision-making and learning processes and collaborative relationships within STI activities. These findings are particularly relevant because they enhance our understanding of the complexity of innovation for social inclusion and recognise those dynamics and interactions that occur in unequal structures and perpetuate the subordinated position of excluded groups. Finally, this study provides important insights into the role of citizenship for structural change that involves the reorientation of top-down technology transfer interventions into more inclusive innovation processes. Therefore, the study has a number of practical implications for the participation of Indigenous communities as citizens through the building of collaborative relationships over time, the support of horizontal learning processes and the strengthening of local institutions.

The article deals with problems in the application of the innovative ecosystem concept. The research is based on systems theory, innovation system theory, the theory of regional innovation systems, and the concept of open innovation. The purpose of the study is to determine the theoretical basis for applying the ecosystem concept to the development of innovation systems in regions. In the course of the study the preconditions for the formation of innovative ecosystems in the regions (acceleration of innovation; complexity of the innovation process and interdisciplinary approach to innovation; application of the concept of open innovation; acceleration of introducing the innovation to the market; possibility of functional complementarity and cooperation; possibility of joint and more efficient use of resources and infrastructure; regional differentiation; innovation risks sharing) were identified. During the work the approaches to the concept of innovation ecosystem that reflect the multidimensionality of innovation ecosystems were revealed. The article clarifies the features of the innovative ecosystems (complexity, openness, interdependence and complementarity of elements, dynamism, non-linearity) and the innovative ecosystems principles (emergence, synergy, adaptability, self-development, sustainability, self-organization, co-evolution). The study highlights the mechanisms of interactions among subjects of the innovation ecosystem (cooperation, competition, coordination, regulation, joint management) that lead to a synergetic effect for the actors of the innovation ecosystem. The obtained results systematize knowledge about innovative ecosystems and form a theoretical basis for the features of their formation and development in the regions, which can find practical application when identifying instruments of regional innovation policy.

PurposeQuantifying the performance level of surgeons with digital virtual reality (VR) simulators can help ensure that quality requirements in healthcare are met. In order to better understand integration amongst quality principles, practices and technologies in the adoption and diffusion of VR simulators, the authors applied a technological innovation system (TIS) framework. The purpose of this study is to understand how the adoption and diffusion of VR surgical simulators in a Swedish healthcare context is influenced by various system factors.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, single-case holistic design based on innovation system theory was used to analyse the adoption of digital quality technologies related to surgical performance in Swedish hospitals. The case employs a mixed methods approach triangulating data longitudinally from published documents and expert interviews.FindingsAdoption of digital technologies regarding surgical performance is restricted by system factors relating to inconsistent normative and regulatory requirements for quantified performance criteria to judge surgical expertise. Addressing these systems' weaknesses with evidence-based training programmes can have a significant impact on the further development of the innovation system and can ultimately affect healthcare reliability and quality.Originality/valueThis paper explores quality management (QM) challenges in the context of digital transformation in healthcare. The paper attempts to fill the gap for TIS studies in a healthcare context and highlight the role of innovation function strength along the value chain and in relation to technology cycles to increase the understanding of adoption of digital technologies relating to surgical performance.

Digitization and innovation supported by various innovation systems have become key factors in the sustainable development of companies, countries (including UE countries), and the economy as a whole. The primary objective of this study is to explore the interconnections between the perspectives of the Quintuple Helix model and digitalization as a comprehensive innovation system supporting digitalization in EU countries. The study is grounded in the innovation systems theory, specifically employing the Quintuple Helix Model as a comprehensive framework, and addresses the challenge of digital divide across the EU. The research was conducted using K-means cluster analysis to identify homogeneous groups of countries within the EU. Subsequently, correlation analysis was applied to identify statistically significant relationships between the individual variables examined within the Quintuple Helix model and digitization within EU countries. Based on the results, we identified four distinct clusters of EU countries characterized by different degrees of digitization, governance, and intellectual Capital. It was found that countries with the highest level of digitization are also characterized by the highest levels of governance and intellectual Capital. Correlation analysis confirmed a strong interconnection between the examined perspectives of the Quintuple Helix model and their relationship with digitization.

The digital revolution is reshaping global economies and societies, and Southeast Asia is no exception. This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of the state of digitalization in Southeast Asia, focusing on the period from 2018 to 2023. By leveraging the Scopus database, we conducted a comprehensive review of literature in the digital domain, identifying key trends, regional disparities, and thematic focuses within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nations. Our analysis reveals significant strides in digitalization, marked by increased scholarly attention and publication output, particularly from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. The study also highlights a stark digital divide within the region, with countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar lagging in digital infrastructure and literacy. We analyzed 5058 articles from the last five years using a bibliometric approach to assess publication patterns, author affiliations, and emerging research themes, revealing a diversified research landscape. Significant contributions were found in areas including digital governance, economy, infrastructure, and societal impacts. The paper also discusses the role of digitalization in economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development within the region. Our findings underscore the importance of regional collaborations and targeted policies to bridge the digital divide. We emphasize the necessity of inclusive digital strategies that consider the unique socio-economic and cultural contexts of each ASEAN country. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, academicians, and industry stakeholders, guiding future research agendas and digital initiatives in Southeast Asia. The bibliometric analysis not only maps the scholarly terrain but also offers actionable intelligence for decision-makers in navigating the digitalization landscape across this dynamic and diverse region.

This study explores the significant role of digital infrastructure investments in driving both economic growth and social inclusion in emerging economies. With the rapid advancements in digital technologies such as broadband, mobile subscriptions, and ICT infrastructure, these investments are reshaping economies by fostering innovation, improving business efficiency, and reducing poverty. The research employs a quantitative cross-country panel data approach, examining the impact of digital infrastructure across various regions over a ten-year period. The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between digital infrastructure investments and GDP growth, highlighting the substantial effect these investments have on national economic performance. Additionally, the study demonstrates that digital infrastructure plays a pivotal role in enhancing social inclusion, particularly through improved access to financial services, education, and healthcare, which in turn reduces income inequalities and promotes social mobility. The paper also compares the impact of digital infrastructure with that of traditional investments in physical infrastructure, such as transportation, revealing that digital infrastructure offers higher returns in terms of both economic outcomes and social benefits. This research emphasizes the importance of policy interventions, including targeted subsidies and inclusive digital policies, to foster equitable growth. Finally, it proposes several directions for future research, including sector-specific impacts of digital infrastructure, regional disparities, and the long-term effects on social well-being.