TY - UNPB
T1 - Search for a Common Ground in the Fogs of Innovation Definitions
AU - van der Kooij, Bauke
PY - 2017
Y1 - 2017
N2 - Defining Innovation is essential for Innovation Research. However, the available definitions of the notion of innovation found in the increasing scholarly publications, show a large heterogeneity creating confusion and incompatibility. In this paper we analyze the innovation-definitions that emerged after WW-II according their different thinking, illustrating the heterogeneity of case-specific definitions. As for research Change & Novelty a generic definition is needed, we try to find a common ground. We apply systems-thinking with the ‘system’ and its ‘function’ at its core. After analyzing the product function, the organizational function and the production function, we conclude that Change & Novelty can be related to the construct of the system and its function. We propose a generic definition based on the stepwise change in the system and its function, that could help to create a better understanding of Change & Novelty in the real world.
AB - Defining Innovation is essential for Innovation Research. However, the available definitions of the notion of innovation found in the increasing scholarly publications, show a large heterogeneity creating confusion and incompatibility. In this paper we analyze the innovation-definitions that emerged after WW-II according their different thinking, illustrating the heterogeneity of case-specific definitions. As for research Change & Novelty a generic definition is needed, we try to find a common ground. We apply systems-thinking with the ‘system’ and its ‘function’ at its core. After analyzing the product function, the organizational function and the production function, we conclude that Change & Novelty can be related to the construct of the system and its function. We propose a generic definition based on the stepwise change in the system and its function, that could help to create a better understanding of Change & Novelty in the real world.
KW - Definition of Innovation
KW - Technological innovation
KW - Innovation
KW - history of technology
U2 - 10.2139/ssrn.3139486
DO - 10.2139/ssrn.3139486
M3 - Working paper
SP - 1
EP - 34
BT - Search for a Common Ground in the Fogs of Innovation Definitions
ER -