Transitions in thinking: changing the mindsets of policy makers about innovation

Abstract

This article addresses the often overlooked S&T policy makers in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) economies and the challenges they face in transition. While still coming to grips with patterns and processes innovation under market conditions, policy makers are under pressure to resolve financial and organisational crises and to secure budgetary support. In this paper, we demonstrate how the socialist model of innovation is still shaping innovation policies in the CEE in general and with examples from individual countries. We outline three reasons for the persistence of the model: (1) that the model is embedded in these societies; (2) that the policy tools and targets associated with model remain unchallenged; and (3) that vested interests amongst policy makers and researchers encourage a continuation in policy focus. Finally, we consider how the persistence of the model may harm the long-term economic performance of the CEE and what can be done to change the mental models that underlie innovation policy making.