Innovation Systems Framework Research Articles

What hinders the transition towards a bio-based construction sector? A global innovation system perspective on its value chain

The construction sector is heavily polluting and an actual threat to the natural environment, therefore its transition towards becoming bio-based is imperative. This transition is currently unfolding and it is driven in particular by innovation activities taking place along the sector’s value chain. In the upstream segment, bio-based materials are being improved, while novel building techniques in the core segment enable the use of these materials. In this paper, we utilize the global innovation systems (GIS) framework to examine these innovation activities and their valuation dynamics. In particular, we investigate how the GIS of the bio-based construction sector is organized along its value chain, providing insights into the barriers to the sector's sustainability transition. Our empirical analysis, based on a rich set of expert interviews, demonstrates that the GIS configuration changes along the value chain, driven by profound differences in the innovation mode. This situation creates a bottleneck that hinders the sector's transition, where knowledge about bio-based materials developed upstream fails to translate down the value chain. However, we also find that several niche firms cover and integrate multiple value chain segments and overcome this knowledge gap, suggesting that the transition towards a bio-based construction sector could accelerate with further innovation system reconfigurations.

Analysis of the functional dynamics of innovation for inclusive development systems: An event history analysis of the Nigerian growth enhancement support scheme

Several studies have explored and examined the performance of technological innovation systems by assessing the functional dynamics. However, few studies have examined this in the context of innovation for inclusive development systems (I4IDS). This paper, therefore, aims to contribute to the conceptual and methodological basis of the functional dynamics of I4IDS by analysing Nigeria's Growth Enhancement Support (GES) Scheme. This paper seeks answers to the following questions: How can the functions of innovation systems be used to analyse the dynamics of I4IDS? What inducement and blocking mechanisms determine the evolution of I4IDS? and Which motors of innovation can be identified within the domain of I4IDS? This article uses a qualitative and empirical approach, the event history analysis, to explore how the GES Scheme's structural and functional components interact within the innovation system framework. By using events as the unit of analysis, we identify and map the functions, analyse the interactions, and build a narrative that examines over time, the functional dynamics of I4IDS. Through this, it becomes practicable to assess the different forms of cumulative causation and how these influence the build-up or breakdown of I4IDS, as well as identify the dominant forms of cumulative causation (motors) in each episode. As a contribution to knowledge, the trend pattern is depicted by the giver-receiver-participate framework while the typology of motors of innovation literature is expanded to a new motor relevant to the I4IDS context: demand-pull motor. We believe that the use of motors of innovation in the I4IDS context will contribute to the theoretical underpinnings of the emerging literature on the systemic evaluation of innovation systems.

The adverse effects of political instability on innovation systems: The case of Mexico's wind and solar sector

The global transition to clean energy requires policies to support innovation in the energy sector. However, the stability of energy policies is vulnerable to political disruptions and policy reversals. This paper aims to understand how innovation systems respond to periods of political instability. Specifically, it investigates the impact of policy retrenchment under Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) on the sectoral innovation system (SIS) for renewable energy. Employing the innovation system framework, we examine how the structure and functions of the SIS were affected by political changes under the AMLO Administration. Notable policy changes include canceling long-term auctions and strategic transmission projects, reducing science funding, and fostering uncertainty. These alterations significantly impact entrepreneurial experimentation, knowledge development, market formation, guidance of the search, resource mobilization, and the creation of legitimacy in the SIS for wind and solar technologies. On the positive side, we find that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local governments took action to compensate for the lack of federal leadership, and distributed generation continued as a niche of innovation. This research contributes to the innovation literature with an empirical study of innovation systems in Mexico. More generally, it highlights the adaptability of innovation systems during political transitions.

Delivering sustainable development via social innovation: Cases of social entrepreneurship in South Korea and Singapore

AbstractSocial innovation is a useful mechanism to address unmet needs in local societies and tackle wicked problems through innovative products and services. Policymakers and practitioners have increasingly become interested in effective policies and strategies for facilitating social innovation to deliver sustainable development; however, a lack of coherent analytical framework persists. To address this gap, we propose the Social Innovation System framework, by adapting the Technological Innovation Systems approach widely used in innovation management and policy. Providing a holistic and comprehensive perspective to explore complex interactions among different actors and institutions involved in social innovation, our framework allows more systematic understanding of the development of social entrepreneurship and relevant ecosystems. We employ this framework to analyze social innovation ecosystems in South Korea and Singapore. The results indicate systemic challenges to overcome owing to the collective and interactive nature of social innovation.

Blockchain unlocking collaborative opportunities for environmental sustainability through innovation intermediaries

AbstractThis paper delves into the growing need for collaborative technological solutions to address environmental challenges, with a focus on the underexplored potential of Industry 4.0 technologies, in particular as regards blockchain technology (BCT) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Recognizing the obstacles faced by SMEs when embracing green and digital transformation, this research aims to investigate how innovation intermediaries are able to unlock the collaborative potential of BCT for SMEs so as to enhance their environmental sustainability. When assessing and analysing the role of innovation intermediaries, we have also considered their interconnections and interactions with other actors: universities, government institutions and firms (the so-called “stakeholders”). Our research is based on a multiple case study of a still largely unexplored intermediary in the European context, the digital innovation hub (DIH), which extends the applicability of the technological innovation system framework. This approach contributes to research both on innovation intermediaries and on the development of collaborative partnerships for digitalization. The findings reveal the challenges encountered by DIHs, particularly in legitimizing BCT-based solutions. To address these, identified, weaknesses, the paper proposes a conceptual roadmap aimed at improving collaboration among DIHs, SMEs, and their stakeholders. This roadmap outlines three essential functions: enabling, core, and facilitating effective partnerships and innovation processes.

CCS technological innovation system dynamics in Norway

CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS) is today seen as a key technology to cut carbon emissions in many hard-to-abate sectors such as energy-intensive processing industries and the waste sector. Although CO2 capture is technically possible, key challenges for realizing CCS persist. Over the past decade, CCS has taken a new direction with more focus on application in energy-intensive industries rather than the energy sector. For CCS value chains to materialize, innovation and implementation thus needs to occur amongst an array of actors, with different innovation modes, institutions, and policy regimes, and with varying sectoral capacities for adaptation and change. There has so far been limited social science research on CCS innovation dynamics, which we suggest approaching as a socio-technical change process. To better understand this process, we draw on the sustainability transitions research field and employ the Technological Innovation System (TIS) framework to study the CCS innovation system in Norway. We find that, overall, the Norwegian CCS TIS displays systemic weaknesses for example in the form of market formation and resource mobilization, yet recent developments suggest a relatively positive momentum for this technological field which is key to meeting Norwegian and global climate mitigation targets.

Does the Rubber Meet the Road? Assessing the Potential of Devulcanization Technologies for the Innovation of Tire Rubber Recycling

Innovation is crucial to meet the circular economy goals for tire recycling. Devulcanization, an innovative recycling method of reprocessing tire rubber, offers a pathway towards achieving circular economy objectives. While previous research on devulcanization has primarily focused on technical aspects, this study shifts the focus towards identifying opportunities and barriers for innovation through devulcanization. This research utilizes the Technological Innovation System framework as a basis to analyze the dynamics of innovation within value chains and innovation networks. Across Europe, 36 organizations were identified that develop and utilize devulcanization to transform rubber from end-of-life tires into a valuable resource for new rubber products. In this study, a semi-structured in-depth interview approach was applied to interview 12 organizations that have developed or utilize technologies for the devulcanization of tire rubber. It was found that the development of various devulcanization approaches for diverse types of products has created opportunities for upscaling. To capitalize on these opportunities, organizations need to collaborate throughout the entire value chain of tire production and recycling. Achieving this collaboration requires interventions across the industry.

Improving the Education and Training Policies of the Agri-Food and Forestry Sectors: Identifying New Strategies to Meet the Needs of the Sector and Farm-to-Fork Priorities

The current European agri-food and forestry (AFF) systems are perceived to be moving too slowly towards more sustainable agriculture, forestry, food and bio-based value chains. The European Green Deal and Farm to Fork (FtF) Strategy stress the importance of the sustainable transition of food systems that emphasize resilience and justice along food chains. In this direction, education and training (ET) are given a major role, constituting one of the pillars of the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) framework. This study aims to propose an extended version of the AKIS framework to focus on the transition of policies concerning the ET pillar and to use this framework as a conceptual background with which to identify strategies for the improvement of ET policies in the AFF sectors. Data collection was undertaken through a round of workshops, and the data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. The results revealed that the need for a high-quality educational policy and the need to enhance collaboration, entrepreneurship and innovative learning methods were among the most important for the sector, where urgent changes in pace and an approach in ET are necessary for the entire value chain, from farm to fork. These results emphasize that pivoting the transition of ET systems toward achieving the Green Deal, FtF and new CAP objectives requires the development of policies that support student-centered and interdisciplinary education, while also being flexible and supported by non-formal and lifelong learning approaches.

The geography of technological innovation systems - The case of forest-based biofuels in a Swedish region

Geographical proximity exerts a substantial influence on structural evolution, developmental trajectory, and pace of sociotechnical system growth. This study explores this aspect within the context of the development of forest biomass-based biofuel technology, employing a Technological Innovation System (TIS) framework with the lens of geographical proximity utilization of system components. The research employed a combination of document analysis and interviews with key system stakeholders as data collection methods. The analysis reveals that the close geographical proximity of the system components and technologies, encompassing both technical aspects and sectors, did not result in synergetic effects, in contrast to prior TIS research findings. Rather than fostering collaboration, it has engendered a competitive dynamic, partially driven by actors vying for knowledge leads and funding from both regional and national agencies. Consequently, the potential benefits of geographical proximity of system components remain largely untapped. In light of these results, this study offers practical recommendations for exploiting untapped opportunities, advocating for more strategic use of geographical proximity to foster system technology development and enhance its role in national TIS development. This case study enriches sustainability transition literature by providing valuable insights into the role of geographical proximity in innovation processes.

ORTHOPAEDIC DEVICE INNOVATION IN SOUTH AFRICA: CASE STUDIES EXPLORING THE EFFECT OF CONTEXT ON KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT AND EXCHANGE

Orthopaedic devices comprise a significant portion of the medical devices that are imported into South Africa. Through case studies, we investigated the effect of contextual factors on knowledge development and exchange in the orthopaedic device innovation system, using the technological innovation systems framework. Our findings revealed that the drivers of knowledge development and exchange were inter-sectoral collaboration, availability of resources, affordability of available devices, creating legitimacy for devices, and the positive externalities of allied innovation systems. The main barriers identified were those that hindered inter-sectoral collaboration. The critical roles of the university and of healthcare actors were also highlighted. These findings may be used proactively to address problems in the innovation systems and to develop policy and institutional mechanisms that are aimed at building the domestic medical devices industry.

KENDALA PENGEMBANGAN INOVASI PADA PEMERINTAH DAERAH KABUPATEN CILACAP

In an effort to encourage good governance, strong commitment and consistency are needed in efforts to improve sustainable development. In the context of decentralization and regional autonomy, the ability to develop innovation is needed in various aspects, especially public services, development, empowerment and improving community welfare at the regional level. One of the important steps that regional governments need to take at this time is to accelerate regional development through the implementation of regional innovation. Strengthening Regional Innovation is the main strategy within the National Innovation System framework, which facilitates integration between elements of strengthening the innovation system at the macro level and industrial sectors in the local context. The development of this innovation system is in line with the national agenda, through innovation that is directed with the right strategy and strong commitment. However, efforts to develop innovation in government organizations still face obstacles. Therefore, this research aims to identify potential obstacles that the Cilacap Regency Regional Government may face in its efforts to develop innovation. Through this research, it is hoped that it can help identifying effective solutions to increase regional government innovation capabilities, improve services to the community, and support regional economic growth. This research was carried out in Cilacap Regency with the Cilacap Regency Government as the research subject. This research uses a quantitative approach with data collected through survey techniques. The research results show that the potential for innovation and innovation policies already exists, as well as encouragement to motivate, but the formation of optimal Work Teams and improving the innovation ecosystem which has not yet reached the optimal level are the main obstacles.

How user innovation communities contribute to sustainability transitions. An exploration of three online communities

Online user communities have given rise to a new form of peer network collaboration. This paper examines three user innovation communities to assess their contribution to sustainability transitions, particularly in terms of exploring sustainable technical solutions and their integration into society. We study three user innovation communities by analysing internet forum interactions and conducting member interviews. To assess the impact of these communities, we use the technological innovation systems framework as an analytical perspective. Our analysis shows that user communities encompass a wide range of innovation activities and show great variation in their profiles: from strongly technology-oriented, rather anonymous networks to very broad-based communities that actively influence policy discourse, public acceptance and the social embeddedness of technologies. We conclude that innovation policy makers should recognise the transformative potential of this type of innovation and harness its potential to open up and explore alternative and more sustainable pathways.

Parallel universes, one circular goal: An empirical study comparing Austrian wood- and plastic-based industries

The transition to a circular economy (CE) is vital for sustainable development, and this has prompted a need for studies on its nuanced implementation across sectors. This research investigates the divergent perceptions and implementations of CE in bio-based and non-bio-based industries by examining the Austrian wood- and plastic-based innovation systems (WCEIS and PCEIS) employing the technological innovation systems framework, with primary data from semi- structured interviews (N = 34). The findings reveal significant differences: WCEIS, aligning with prior literature, adopts a more opportunistic and positive strategy, while PCEIS exhibits intensified barriers, emphasizing mitigation of prevalent negative conditions. The insights reveal WCEIS embracing business model innovation and corporate image improvements as key drivers, leveraging potential economic value creation and resource efficiency, whereas PCEIS is molded by internal motivations, societal responsibilities, and a quest to alleviate its prevailing negative image by focusing on mitigating challenges in recyclates availability and sorting processes. However, both sectors perceive CE as a pivotal market opportunity. Specifically, a “pull” effect stemming from entrepreneurial motivations and positive market potentials guides WCEIS, while a “push” effect arising from urgent external constraints and remediation needs directs PCEIS. This denotes the essential divergence and convergence in their pathways toward CE. The study accentuates the imperative of strategic, sector-specific interventions and a recalibration in Austrian policy to bolster infrastructural developments, normalize secondary raw materials, and enrich public engagement. Recommendations propose targeted subsidies and training for WCEIS and community-driven initiatives and education for PCEIS, highlighting the importance of addressing unique challenges and capitalizing on the inherent drivers in each system to realize ecological aspirations.

The utilization of artificial intelligence in life science research and healthcare delivery

The goal of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the system for innovation and identify the reasons that prevent Artificial intelligence (AI) healthcare technology advancements connected to the life sciences sector from being implemented. To evaluate the structural and efficient dynamics of AI healthcare technology advances associated with the life science business in West Sweden, the socio-technical analytical framework of Technological innovation systems (TIS) was employed. Using a mixed-methods research methodology, the case study triangulates qualitative and quantitative information since subordinate distributed sources and discussions with twenty-one experts and twenty-five life science industry leaders. According to the findings, the functioning of the innovation system is largely constrained by its limitations, which include a lack of resources and inadequate statements from top healthcare experts about their requirements for advancing healthcare via the use of AI technological advances. This research demonstrates that to enhance the performance of the innovation system, governmental interventions aimed at expanding the pool of resources as well as creating vision and purpose statements for the advancement of healthcare via AI technology breakthroughs may be promoted. By using the socio-technical TIS paradigm in a hospital setting, this research advances our knowledge of the processes and interdependencies across system works

English

Functions of innovation systems framework have established their value as tools for exploring socio-technological transitions and economic development. Although the “seven functions” model has demonstrated its academic value across a vast literature, there have been few attempts to explore the role of the model in climate smart farming. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine relative importance of functions of innovation system on cassava climate smart farming in Kenya. The study focused on the following seven functions of innovations; entrepreneurial activities, knowledge development and diffusion, search for guidance, market development and stabilization, resource mobilization and legitimacy development. Data were collected from 150 cassva farmers in Nyando Sub-County, Kenya. Data analysis deployed the Best-Worst scaling (BWS) choice method and expanded to include the multinomial logistic regression modelling. Results revealed that knowledge development, diffusion and resource mobilization were the functions of innovation systems ranked highest in terms of shared importance among the seven innovation functions. In fostering cassava innovations, their relative importance was knowledge development (19.17%), knowledge diffusion (18.86%) and resource mobilization (14.88%). Evidence from the multinomial logistic regression revealed that farmers chose knowledge development as most important innovation function to foster cassava innovations in the Nyando CSV. Key words: Entrepreneurial activity, knowledge development, market formation, resource mobilization.

Institutionalization of personalized medicine in India: analysis of research trends and government interventions.

The biggest challenges that any country faces are affordability and accessibility of quality healthcare. Technological advancements can address these challenges. One such advancement is personalized medicine (PM). This paper discusses the implementation and institutionalization of PM. Using the sectoral innovation system framework, this work describes government interventions with research trends in PM in India. The Web of Science database was used to analyzeresearch trends. Indian government-funded interventions to institutionalize PM were compiled and analyzed. Results suggest that India's healthcare sector is dynamic. The framework discusses some specifics, including the research network, boundariesand government initiatives to promote PM adoption. Based on the policy gaps, this paper further proposes an integrated policy framework for incorporating PM into India's healthcare system.

Carrots, sticks and sermons: Policies to unlock community energy finance in the United Kingdom

Community energy (CE) represents a potentially critical means of accelerating a sustainable and equitable energy transition. However, in many countries, it is experiencing a period of stagnation, typically following the dilution or removal of supportive government policies. In the absence of substantive capital grant funding, attracting capital finance has become increasingly important for the CE sector but remains highly challenging to secure at scale. Policy solutions are therefore needed to unlock finance and catalyse CE sector growth.To develop policy solutions to accelerate CE business model innovation that can unlock finance, this paper develops a newly synthesized policy instrument, innovation system and business model analytical framework. This is applied to the case of United Kingdom (UK), employing a mixed-methods approach that included a survey of 145 projects, 33 interviews and documentary evidence. To drive business model innovation and unlock CE finance ten policy recommendations are presented that offer an essential balance across three types of policy instrument: 1) financial incentives ('carrots'); 2) regulations and guidance (‘sticks’); and 3) initiatives to support the dissemination of information (‘sermons’). This recommended policy mix highlights the importance of striking a balance between financial and non-financial policies, and ensuring coverage across all innovation system functions.

Technological innovation systems (TIS) as a tool for sustainable development of EdTech startups in developing countries: A case of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) framework has become popular for analyzing innovation dynamics and as a systematic approach to understanding the development of new technologies. This paper aims to identify the main drivers and issues faced by EdTech startups and the entrepreneurs’ innovation role within Kazakhstan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem using the TIS framework, but from the role of the entrepreneur as the main actor, as opposed to systems. This study offers relevant information for new entrepreneurs in the EdTech field aiming for similar goals and potentially facing similar challenges faced by current entrepreneurs in that country. Data were collected from an online survey and semi-structured interviews using a quasi-quantitative and qualitative approach. The main research findings include identifying critical categories of risks and success indicators for Kazakhstan’s EdTech startup entrepreneurs, including the ability to attract foreign and local investments, risk management, monetization strategies, developing trends, and government support. A total of 30 companies were analyzed, with findings suggesting that the quality of the entrepreneurial ecosystem reflects the level of economic development.

Internationalisation of firms in the digital economy. Analysis of tenants of Polish technology parks

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the relationship between the digital economy and the model of internationalisation followed by companies resident in technology parks – institutions designed within the framework of regional and national innovation systems – to promote the country’s digital development. The authors selected Poland as the case study. It is one of the biggest European Union members that joined the EU after 2004. In the second decade of the 21st century, the Polish Government has oriented its economic strategy towards building a competitive digital economy. One of its fundamentals is to support the internationalisation of innovative firms.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis interrogates the forms and determinants of internationalisation undertaken by tenants of technology parks. The study sample consisted of 300 of the total 1,584 enterprises resident at the 36 technology parks in Poland and was a stratified random sample, with particular strata classified by location at a specific park. The research applied an interview questionnaire designed to cover such issues as innovativeness, research and development, public aid and the support offered by technology parks.FindingsThe results show that around half of the investigated enterprises undertake international activities. The key factors determining the chances of a firm’s internationalisation in the digital economy are whether it conducts research and development projects and receives public aid support. Many tenants of technology parks in Poland enter foreign markets at an early stage of their development, using diverse forms of foreign expansion. The findings also show that the internationalisation of tenants of Polish technology parks usually occurs in six relatively independent modes (types).Originality/valueThis study contributes to a better understanding of the internationalisation patterns of firms facing digital development challenges. Technology parks have a crucial role in building a digital economy, facilitating a technological “leapfrog”. The final recommendations can guide the technology parks’ managers to adopt more relevant support services for the internationalisation of their tenants. It is a critical point for small- and mid-size young innovative enterprises.

The rise of China's new energy vehicle lithium-ion battery industry: The coevolution of battery technological innovation systems and policies

In recent decades, the technological innovation systems (TIS) framework has been applied to the study of technology development and diffusion. While policy is considered a key element of TIS analysis, less attention has been paid to the influence of TIS dynamics on policymaking. To better understand the coevolution between TIS and policies, this paper develop an analytical framework to highlight the coevolution between TIS dynamics and policymaking. The framework underlines not only the influence of policies on TIS functionality, but also that changes in TIS functionality may in turn feed back into policymaking: policymakers may observe changes in TIS functionality and adjust policies to account for this, but changes in TIS functionality may also have implications for the ability of TIS actors to influence policymaking. Empirically, we study the new energy vehicle battery (NEVB) industry in China since the early 2000s. In the case of China's NEVB industry, an increasingly strong and complicated coevolutionary relationship between the focal TIS and relevant policies at different levels of abstraction can be observed. Overall, we argue that more research is needed to better understand the agency side of how TIS development leads to changes in policymaking.