文档介绍：Technological Forecasting & Social Change
69 (2002) 861–883
Innovation studies in the 21st century:
Questions from a user’s perspective
Ruud Smits
Department of Innovation Studies, University of Utrecht, . Box 80125, NL 3508 TC Utrecht, herlands
Received 26 February 2001; received in revised form 12 October 2001; accepted 15 October 2001
Abstract
Science-based innovations have played an important role in our society for centuries. In this paper,
after a discussion of the concept of innovation, changes in three major developments in the context of
innovation processes are analysed: structural changes in our economy, the broadening of decision-
making processes and the emergence of work society, and changes in the knowledge
infrastructure. On the basis of this analysis, questions and challenges confronting the players involved
in innovation processes and the management of them are identified and topics for a research agenda for
innovation researchers that take into account the needs of these players are formulated. The focus is on
the macro and meso level, and the broadening of decision-making on innovation processes acts as an
important guiding principle. Three lines of research are distinguished on the research agenda: (1)
empirical studies of innovation processes and systems, (2) critical reflection on innovation theory, and
(3) analysis and support of decision-making processes. With regard to the first line, case studies of
innovation in services, life sciences, the relationship between ICT and sustainability and the
identification of (intangible) throughput and output indicators are on the agenda. The reflection on
theory (line 2) focuses primarily on innovation in chains and clusters, the role of (knowledge intensive)
intermediaries and the interaction between processes and systems. Furthermore, innovation studies
should also try to contribute towards endogenisation of innovation in other scientific disciplines. With
regard to th