NEW VIEWS OF INNOVATION SYSTEMS

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this first survey paper is to improve the theory of innovation systems from the perspective of the 'Knowledge Infrastructure' with its wealth of public and private agents, including research and technology organizations, universities and consultancies. It is argued that analysing these institutions as part of the knowledge infrastructure will significantly further the theory of multi-agent innovation dynamics within innovation systems. The paper considers the evolution of innovation dynamics over the last 30 years and focuses on the contributions of the EU RTD Framework Programmes on innovation theory. It highlights the role of new types of agents, new kinds of organizational, institutional and cultural innovation as well as the process character of innovation dynamics. Notes 1. A methodological clarification is needed at this point: only the VALICORES projects that in our opinion have reported in a significant way on progress in theory building are included in this survey paper. This does not mean that the results of the other projects are analytically less relevant. In fact, as the second survey paper argues, these projects offer information on institutional practice which at a later stage will also be redirected towards the theoretical discussion on the knowledge infrastructure. 2. Of course, Schumpeter had already analysed the innovative theory of the entrepreneur in several of his publications. 3. This progress in the architecture of the 'Idea–Innovation' chain reflects, on the one hand, improved analytical insights and, on the other, changes in real-life practice of innovative (business) behaviour. 4. See part II in Edquist (1997). 5. Three of these projects are also included in the VALICORES sample and are discussed below. 6. We cover only that part of this research dealing with consultancy in technology. 7. These dynamics are also addressed in Moulaert et al. (1989 Moulaert, F., Martinelli, F. and Djellal, F. 1989. The Role of Information Technology Consultancy in the Transfer of Information Technology to Production and Service Organizations, The Hague: The Netherlands Office of Technology Assessment. [Google Scholar]). 8. Just think about using the filière notion to analyse the provision of some innovation service as an end product. In this case there would just be a difference in focus between cluster and filière; but the same network of innovative agents would be involved.