Towards evidence-based industrial research and innovation policy†

Mafini Dosso,Ben R Martin,Pietro Moncada-Paternò-Castello

doi:10.1093/scipol/scx073

Mafini Dosso, Ben R Martin + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1093/scipol/scx073

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Abstract

Calls for better use of scientific evidence to inform policy decisions stem from the belief that enhanced outcomes for the society can be expected. Yet the introduction of evidence-based practices in innovation policy making has not come without criticism. This introductory article sets the scene for the short collection of papers that address specific issues regarding the prospect of better evidence-based policy in the area of industrial research and innovation (IRI). It identifies and discusses key challenges for the transition towards evidence-based industrial research and innovation policy. It then introduces the three papers, which build upon and depart from related assumptions or narratives reflecting the current state of practices in IRI policy.

Highlights

The transition from an essentially opinion-based approach to a more rigorous and evidencebased approach to policy decision-making has increased the demand for better integration of evidence-based practices into the formulation and implementation of government policies
Innovation policy has the aim of influencing innovation activity with the overall goal of increasing economic growth and, with it, competitiveness and job creation
As Fagerberg (2017) put it, we are seeing the development of a new, systemic understanding of innovation that is much more appropriate than before when it merely attempted to account for certain ‘stylised facts’ as identified by empirical work

Summary

Introduction

The transition from an essentially opinion-based approach to a more rigorous and evidencebased approach to policy decision-making has increased the demand for better integration of evidence-based practices into the formulation and implementation of government policies. The limitations of such an approach have been underlined by earlier studies In this respect, a number of important caveats are worth restating: (i) R&D patterns and impacts depend on the industry context (Mathieu and van Pottelsberghe de la Potterie, 2010; Moncada-PaternòCastello et al, 2010; Moncada-Paternò-Castello, 2016); (ii) R&D indicators do not tell us much about how the knowledge or information generated in the process is translated into concrete outputs, which may lead to an overestimation of unproductive R&D investments; while the relationships between R&D and intangibles such as valuable patents on the market is well documented (Arora et al, 2008), more analysis and evidence are needed in order to understand the conditions under which R&D activities lead to innovation (e.g. new products, processes, marketing and organisational methods, etc.) and, to socio-economic benefits; and (iii) R&D measures at the territorial level remains limited, especially when it. The question is to know under which specific conditions an IRI policy instrument triggering additional innovation investments may lead to growth and employment

The analytical focus of the collection of papers

Concluding remarks