Exploring innovation processes from a complexity perspective. Part I: theoretical and methodological approach

Abstract

In two consecutive papers, we will be exploring the relevance of taking a complexity perspective on innovation processes. In this first part, we discuss why there is a need for novel perspectives in this research field and why the theoretical and methodological approach of the complex responsive processes perspective is relevant in meeting these needs. Some central aspects and implications of this approach are outlined. Our key argument is that in order to move our understanding of innovation processes in organisations ahead, it is necessary to study the self-organising emerging nature of communicative interaction in terms of ongoing everyday activity in organisations. From our empirical findings ? to be outlined in the second paper ? we have found that the phenomena of leadership, power and identity are crucial for the explanation and understanding of innovation. Consequently, we give particular attention to the nature of these phenomena from a complexity perspective.