Wieczorek, A.J. & Hekkert, M.P., 2012. Systemic instruments for systemic innovation
problems: A framework for policy makers and innovation scholars. Science and Public
Policy, 39(1), pp.74–87.
Abstract
This paper argues that two approaches to studying innovation systems—structural and
functional analyses—can be combined in a systemic policy framework that helps to first
identify the systemic problems; and second, to suggest the systemic instruments that would
address these problems.
1. Introduction
The basic idea behind systemic instruments is that they aim to address problems (systemic
weaknesses or systemic failures) that arise at the innovation system level and which
negatively influence the speed and direction of innovation processes. Structural analysis is
insufficient for the analysis of technological innovations. Thus, the functional approach
emerged to highlight the processes (rather than the structure) that are important for a good
performance of technological innovation systems (TISs).
2. Structural elements of innovation systems
If space is part of an analysis → sectoral innovation systems (SISs) which goes beyond
national borders. TISs → also beyond national borders, but are more specific in scope than
SISs.
3. Functions of innovation systems
We would like to argue, however, that functions alone are not a sufficient basis on which to
develop successful systemic innovation policies for two reasons.
- First, functions cannot be influenced without altering a structural element.
- Secondly, if the functions are used as the sole basis for policy, then uncertainty
emerges with regard to the completeness of the identified list of blocking
mechanisms and thus, of the policy issues.
,5. Systemic instruments
The identification of the type of systemic problems should be a precondition for a selection of
strategies and tools that would target them and thus influence the overall function-
ing of the innovation system. This so called ‘systemic instruments’ result in five processes
that systemic policies should aim to achieve:
- Building and organising innovation systems.
- Providing a platform for learning and experimenting.
- Providing an infrastructure for strategic intelligence and stimulating demand
articulation.
- Managing interfaces.
- Developing strategy and vision.
6. A systemic policy framework proposal
In order to stimulate an IS certain goals can be specified.
7. Conclusion
The functional analysis complements the structural one by being a manifestation of the way
in which an innovation system is organised. The systemic problems identified on the basis of
such coupled structural–functional analysis therefore express both structural problems as
well as their effect on innovation processes. This theoretical exercise focuses on actors,
,institutions, interactions and in particular the physical, knowledge and financial infrastructure
as explicit structural dimensions of innovation systems. By discouraging negative elements,
securing the presence of positive ones and by increasing their capacities, policy makers not
only have the chance to provide a better environment for innovation but they may also
influence the direction of technological change towards objectives such as more sustainable
goals.
, Suurs, R.A.A. (2009) Chapter 2, The theory of technological innovation systems. In: Motors
of sustainable innovation. pp.35-64. Utrecht University
2.1.1 Background
Within Innovation systems (IS) there is emphasis on the following components:
- Emphasis on innovation as a learning process
- Emphasis on the role of institutions
- The notion of a system with a holistic approach
- The IS concept as an intervention model to support innovation policies and strategies
2.1.2 Multiple innovation systems approaches
National Innovation Systems (NIS), the unit of analysis is the nation state. The main
purpose is to assess the innovative performance of a nation.
Regional Innovation Systems (RIS). Focuses on a region instead of an analysis of the
region. Both approaches typically do not take into account a detailed analysis of
technological innovation processes.
Sectoral Innovation Systems (SIS) breaks with the geographical orientation and focuses
on the level of the industrial sector. This analysis offers possibilities for a dynamic
perspective because the technological regime is likely to change over time.
Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) analysis focuses on a technology or a
technological field. The purpose of most TIS studies is to analyse and evaluate the
development of a particular technological innovation. It is characterised by two things:
- The TIS approach emphasises the role of economic competence, the ability to
develop and exploit new business opportunities.
- A more serious focus on system dynamics.
2.1.4 System boundaries
Nevertheless, there are a number of reasons for limiting a TIS analysis to the domain of a
nation state.
1. National institutions are important factors that shape innovation.
2. Innovation policies and strategies are still mostly being developed on the national
level.
3. Studying the historical development of an international TIS would imply an explosion
of the scale of analysis, meaning that only a macro-level analysis would be possible.
2.2.1 Actors
Most TIS studies lack a concept that helps to explain why actors perform certain actions. To
get a better understanding on this topic, you can focus on the most important actor (prime
mover) or on the enactors-selectors perspective. According to this scheme, enactors are
actors that are closely involved in the development of a particular technology and
fundamentally dependent on its success, whereas selectors are actors that are engaged with
that technology at a distance. Enactors stick with specific technological solutions whereas
selectors focus on a broad set of technological options.
2.2.3 Technology
problems: A framework for policy makers and innovation scholars. Science and Public
Policy, 39(1), pp.74–87.
Abstract
This paper argues that two approaches to studying innovation systems—structural and
functional analyses—can be combined in a systemic policy framework that helps to first
identify the systemic problems; and second, to suggest the systemic instruments that would
address these problems.
1. Introduction
The basic idea behind systemic instruments is that they aim to address problems (systemic
weaknesses or systemic failures) that arise at the innovation system level and which
negatively influence the speed and direction of innovation processes. Structural analysis is
insufficient for the analysis of technological innovations. Thus, the functional approach
emerged to highlight the processes (rather than the structure) that are important for a good
performance of technological innovation systems (TISs).
2. Structural elements of innovation systems
If space is part of an analysis → sectoral innovation systems (SISs) which goes beyond
national borders. TISs → also beyond national borders, but are more specific in scope than
SISs.
3. Functions of innovation systems
We would like to argue, however, that functions alone are not a sufficient basis on which to
develop successful systemic innovation policies for two reasons.
- First, functions cannot be influenced without altering a structural element.
- Secondly, if the functions are used as the sole basis for policy, then uncertainty
emerges with regard to the completeness of the identified list of blocking
mechanisms and thus, of the policy issues.
,5. Systemic instruments
The identification of the type of systemic problems should be a precondition for a selection of
strategies and tools that would target them and thus influence the overall function-
ing of the innovation system. This so called ‘systemic instruments’ result in five processes
that systemic policies should aim to achieve:
- Building and organising innovation systems.
- Providing a platform for learning and experimenting.
- Providing an infrastructure for strategic intelligence and stimulating demand
articulation.
- Managing interfaces.
- Developing strategy and vision.
6. A systemic policy framework proposal
In order to stimulate an IS certain goals can be specified.
7. Conclusion
The functional analysis complements the structural one by being a manifestation of the way
in which an innovation system is organised. The systemic problems identified on the basis of
such coupled structural–functional analysis therefore express both structural problems as
well as their effect on innovation processes. This theoretical exercise focuses on actors,
,institutions, interactions and in particular the physical, knowledge and financial infrastructure
as explicit structural dimensions of innovation systems. By discouraging negative elements,
securing the presence of positive ones and by increasing their capacities, policy makers not
only have the chance to provide a better environment for innovation but they may also
influence the direction of technological change towards objectives such as more sustainable
goals.
, Suurs, R.A.A. (2009) Chapter 2, The theory of technological innovation systems. In: Motors
of sustainable innovation. pp.35-64. Utrecht University
2.1.1 Background
Within Innovation systems (IS) there is emphasis on the following components:
- Emphasis on innovation as a learning process
- Emphasis on the role of institutions
- The notion of a system with a holistic approach
- The IS concept as an intervention model to support innovation policies and strategies
2.1.2 Multiple innovation systems approaches
National Innovation Systems (NIS), the unit of analysis is the nation state. The main
purpose is to assess the innovative performance of a nation.
Regional Innovation Systems (RIS). Focuses on a region instead of an analysis of the
region. Both approaches typically do not take into account a detailed analysis of
technological innovation processes.
Sectoral Innovation Systems (SIS) breaks with the geographical orientation and focuses
on the level of the industrial sector. This analysis offers possibilities for a dynamic
perspective because the technological regime is likely to change over time.
Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) analysis focuses on a technology or a
technological field. The purpose of most TIS studies is to analyse and evaluate the
development of a particular technological innovation. It is characterised by two things:
- The TIS approach emphasises the role of economic competence, the ability to
develop and exploit new business opportunities.
- A more serious focus on system dynamics.
2.1.4 System boundaries
Nevertheless, there are a number of reasons for limiting a TIS analysis to the domain of a
nation state.
1. National institutions are important factors that shape innovation.
2. Innovation policies and strategies are still mostly being developed on the national
level.
3. Studying the historical development of an international TIS would imply an explosion
of the scale of analysis, meaning that only a macro-level analysis would be possible.
2.2.1 Actors
Most TIS studies lack a concept that helps to explain why actors perform certain actions. To
get a better understanding on this topic, you can focus on the most important actor (prime
mover) or on the enactors-selectors perspective. According to this scheme, enactors are
actors that are closely involved in the development of a particular technology and
fundamentally dependent on its success, whereas selectors are actors that are engaged with
that technology at a distance. Enactors stick with specific technological solutions whereas
selectors focus on a broad set of technological options.
2.2.3 Technology
