High‐involvement innovation practices at Finnish workplaces

Abstract

Purpose This paper seeks to examine the dissemination of high‐involvement innovation practices at Finnish workplaces and to consider how their adoption can be promoted by means of a publicly‐funded R&D programme. Design/methodology/approach The empirical material is based on a survey by the Finnish Workplace Development Programme TYKES. (TYKES is a governmental R&D programme for promoting simultaneous improvements in productivity and the quality of working life by granting funding to development projects at Finnish workplaces.) Findings The interim results of the survey provide a strong evidence‐based argument in favour of the supportive role of the programme. Practical implications The paper suggests areas where governments might introduce support programmes to foster the spread of innovative activity. Originality/value The paper provides insights into support policy issues in Finland and will be of interest to those involved in that field.