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Collaborative innovation addresses intricate, multifaceted problems of a systemic nature involving a multitude of actors with diverse and often unknown expectations. To facilitate this collaboration, innovation spaces—such as Makerspaces, Hackerspaces, Fablabs, among others—have emerged as arenas where networks of actors interconnect and solidify. Understanding the diverse nature of these innovation spaces poses a challenge, particularly in distinguishing their specific characteristics and assessing how each contributes to fostering innovative networks. This article aims to address the question: how can we classify innovation spaces based on the innovation networks they constitute? To tackle this query, we initially conducted an in-depth exploration of various innovation spaces through web content analysis, scrutinizing their individual value propositions. Subsequently, employing innovation network theory alongside domain analysis methodology, we proposed a taxonomy designed to classify the distinct types of innovation spaces under scrutiny. Our taxonomy reveals three types of spaces—learn-and-explore, partner-and impact, and transitory—as well as convergent and divergent spaces, showing the diversity and complexity of networks they constitute. The findings also show that while the majority of innovation spaces unite diverse actors to drive collaboration and innovation, many resulting networks have a medium level of formality and are project-centric. These networks tend to be synthetic in nature, seeking to apply existing knowledge, and represent exploration networks wherein the adaptability and diversity of initiatives foster learning, the acquisition of new knowledge, and the development of fresh capacities through interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous empirical analyses have revealed the characteristics a university should possess to be associated with engagement in competitive international innovation programs. Within this context, this paper aimed to assess the importance of academic reputation in determining high-level participation in the most recently concluded European Union Framework Program (i.e., Horizon 2020). By considering three countries (i.e., Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom), and using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), we showed that academic reputation is a key condition among high-scoring universities above a certain threshold (i.e., top 25% organizations). This finding should lead to further research and has policy implications. It is essential to integrate better those organizations considered less prestigious into targeted, highly competitive funding schemes to foster more widespread, even participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cooperation in innovation activities is a key building block in forming entrepreneurial innovation networks. However, the impact on innovation of different forms of cooperation among multiple stakeholders composing a firm's relational environment can be dramatically different, depending on whether the modalities of cooperation are tacit or explicit and the type of functional relations between the cooperating organizations. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) facilitate cooperation and innovation outcomes. The main aim of this paper is to disentangle the effects of explicit vs. tacit and complementarity vs. competitive modalities of cooperation in innovation activities on innovation outputs. Based on pooled UK Microdata from 2004 to 2010, this paper's main finding is that tacit cooperation, emerging from R&D and ICTs spillovers, increases firms' likelihood to introduce process, product, and organizational innovations. We also find that a firm's functional relation with its cooperating peers determines the sign of the association with innovation outcomes: explicit cooperation among competitors lowers the level of innovations. In contrast, cooperation along the value chain brings more innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to the growing literature on innovation networks exploring two understudied topics: the role of gatekeepers in innovation networks and the distinctive character of their linkages especially relating to their ability to overcome cognitive, institutional and geographical distances among network participants in the context of a developing country economy. We address two questions: (1) Which organizations play the regional gatekeeper role in innovation networks? (2) How are gatekeeper linkages affected by different kinds of proximity (geographical, institutional, cognitive and social)? The empirical analysis employs co-patenting data from Brazilian organizations. Universities and public research organizations are shown to be more likely to perform the regional gatekeeper role. Gatekeepers are able to overcome geographic and institutional distance. They also balance cognitive distance with other organizations when geographical or institutional proximities are present. Given their critical role in innovation networks, universities and other public research organizations deserve special attention in policies designed to foster technological upgrading and regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop a model of R&D networks in which firms can choose to invest in R&D or to establish network links with other firms to absorb R&D spillovers in innovation networks. We characterize the network structure of firms' strategic R&D decisions in different types of spatial equilibrium. We further extend the theoretical framework to address empirical implications for the industry structure under cooperative R&D, firms' location choice, spatial agglomeration, and social capital allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses the relational dimension and the knowledge transfer mechanisms in an innovation ecosystems (IEs), assuming that the bottom-up creation of synergies and cooperative mechanisms between local actors are the drivers of a regional smart growth. More specifically, the study explores the configuration of the network structure and the variety of inter-organizational relationships in a case of a smart IE by capturing the heterogeneous nature of IE demography, whether most studies limit their analyses to inter-firm relationships and at the node-level. Secondly, the paper provides insights into the network portfolio composition, which has been underexplored in IE literature, allowing for the identification of those relationships considered more fruitful to enhance innovation processes from a local perspective. To capture both aspects of IE's relational dimension (i.e. network structure and network portfolio of relationships) our paper adopts an explorative approach, by taking evidence from the empirical study of the biopharma IE in greater Boston area, which has been exemplified as a successful case. Our empirical study combines two methods, namely social network analysis and expert interviews. Firstly, we conduct a social network analysis to gain insights about the optimal network structure and secondly, we conduct a round of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the ecosystem to explore the characteristics of the desirable network portfolio. Our findings show that a smart IE presents an open network structure with structural holes, a high level of modularity and a portfolio of relationships that privileges informal and non-redundant ties within small communities focused on specific themes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the 'fluidity', i.e., entry and exit of inventors, as well as changes of their relationships in nine German regions. The levels of entry and exit of inventors are rather high and most links among inventors are only short term. Fluidity of inventors and links leads to some fragmentation of the regional inventor networks but does not significantly affect other network characteristics. Entry of new inventors and growing numbers of links are positively related to the performance of the respective regional innovation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exponential family random graph models (ERGM) are increasingly used in the study of social networks. These models are build to explain the global structure of a network while allowing inference on tie prediction on a micro level. The number of papers within economics is however limited. Possible applications for economics are however abundant. The aim of this document is to provide an explanation of the basic mechanics behind the models and provide a sample code (using R and the packages statnet and ERGM) to operationalize and interpret results and analyse goodness of fit. After reading this paper the reader should be able to start their own analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the pattern and breadth of collaboration activities of innovating firms active in renewable energy (RE), and the impact of collaboration on firm-level innovation performance. We deploy a unique dataset from a special section of the 2014 CIS survey in Denmark, in which we included questions that enable us to unambiguously identify RE innovators. In a quantitative analysis, we contrast collaboration patterns of RE and non-RE innovators, where we find RE innovators to show a higher tendency to collaborate, and with a more diverse set of partners. We complement this analysis with a qualitative single-case study within the offshore wind industry in order to illuminate longitudinal and contextual effects that were only indicative in the quantitative analysis. We focus particularly on changes in the pattern of collaboration as the firm matures and its links with performance. The case shows that because the needs of RE innovators vary through their development, the purpose and types of collaborations change. Further, both from our quantitative and qualitative studies, we find weak relationship between RE firms' collaboration breadth and innovative performance. We ascribe this to the long time-lags between product innovation and market penetration in RE. We thereby highlight the heterogeneity of collaboration rationales, patterns, and impact across sectors and over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Organisationsberatung, Supervision, Coaching is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this article, we develop a new way to capture knowledge diffusion and assimilation in innovation networks by means of an agent-based simulation model. The model incorporates three essential characteristics of knowledge that have not been covered entirely by previous diffusion models: the network character of knowledge, compatibility of new knowledge with already existing knowledge, and the fact that transmission of knowledge requires some form of attention. We employ a network-of- networks approach, where agents are located within an innovation network and each agent itself contains another network composed of knowledge units (KUs). Since social learning is a path-dependent process, in our model, KUs are exchanged among agents and integrated into their respective knowledge networks depending on the received KUs' compatibility with the currently focused ones. Thereby, we are also able to endogenize attributes such as absorptive capacity that have been treated as an exogenous parameter in some of the previous diffusion models. We use our model to simulate and analyze various scenarios, including cases for different degrees of knowledge diversity and cognitive distance among agents as well as knowledge exploitation vs. exploration strategies. Here, the model is able to distinguish between two levels of knowledge diversity: heterogeneity within and between agents. Additionally, our simulation results give fresh impetus to debates about the interplay of innovation network structure and knowledge diffusion. In summary, our article proposes a novel way of modeling knowledge diffusion, thereby contributing to an advancement of the economics of innovation and knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We apply an agent-based simulation approach to explore how and why typical network characteristics affect overall knowledge diffusion properties. To accomplish this task, we employ an agent-based simulation approach (ABM) which is based on a 'barter trade' knowledge diffusion process. Our findings indicate that the overall degree distribution significantly affects a network's knowledge diffusion performance. Nodes with a below-average number of links prove to be one of the bottlenecks for an efficient transmission of knowledge throughout the analysed networks. This indicates that diffusion-inhibiting overall network structures are the result of the myopic linking strategies of the actors at the micro level. Finally, we implement policy experiments in our simulation environment in order to analyse consequences of selected policy interventions. This complements previous research knowledge on diffusion processes in innovation networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims at analyzing the innovation potential of a local food network, which sees different actors that cooperate to build a local organic food production-provision system and progressively develop a broader mobilization on food issues, health and sustainability. The case analyzed is that of Crisoperla, an association located in Italy, between Tuscany and Liguria, which involves organic farmers, social farming and fishermen cooperatives, consumers' groups and association and agronomists. The analysis is based on the empirical data collected in the 3-year European project SOLINSA (FP7, 2011-2014). The focus is on the role of organic farming and organic food as a boundary object, a binder element around which actors involved work in order to develop common visions, languages and goals and organize their activities. These processes are, in fact, at the basis of the organizational consolidation of the association as well as of the growth of its political awareness and its willingness and capacity to interact with the outside both at local and higher levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High innovation capability is indispensable for generating economic growth in developed economies. Cooperations in the innovation process are entered into by companies for reasons of risk diversification or costs and often considered to be an efficient strategy to increase a company's knowledge basis. Regional economic literature very often believes that regional agglomeration of companies, i.e. cluster formation, will also lead to increased local networking, i.e. also to cooperations between companies or between company and research institutes in the innovation process. A social network analysis of the two German ICT regions performed with patent data was able to show that cluster formation coincides with a dynamic increase of cooperations measured by joint patent applications. However, the cooperations are characterized by integration of extra-regional companies and research institutes rather than being intraregional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Special Issue is started with the observation that the tension of mind and society, i.e. cognitive and sociological/cultural dimensions in knowledge production and innovation, is a well-known topic of academic discourse in Science and Technology Studies. The introduction mentions some historical hallmarks of the involved perspectives and discussions to outline the background of the Special Issue. The purpose of its contributions, which are briefly presented at the end of the introduction, is to review this long-existing tension of cognitive and cultural dimensions in knowledge production and innovation in the light of the cognitive and societal changes that have just begun and will have a huge impact in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional Triple Helix innovation model focuses on university-industry-government relations. The Quadruple Helix innovation systems bring in the perspectives of the media-based and culture-based public as well as that of civil society. The Quintuple Helix emphasizes the natural environments of society, also for the knowledge production and innovation. Therefore, the quadruple helix contextualizes the triple helix, and the quintuple helix the quadruple helix. Features of the quadruple helix are: culture (cultures) and innovation culture (innovation cultures); the knowledge of culture and the culture of knowledge; values and lifestyles; multiculturalism, multiculture, and creativity; media; arts and arts universities; and multi-level innovation systems (local, national, global), with universities of the sciences, but also universities of the arts. The democracy of knowledge, as a concept and metaphor, highlights and underscores parallel processes between political pluralism in advanced democracy, and knowledge and innovation heterogeneity and diversity in advanced economy and society. The 'mode 3' knowledge production system (MODE3KPS; expanding and extending the 'mode 1' and 'mode 2' knowledge production systems) is at the heart of the fractal research, education and innovation ecosystem. MODE3KPS universities or higher education systems are interested in integrating and combining mode 1 and mode 2. The concept of open innovation diplomacy (OID) encompasses the concept and practice of bridging distance and other divides (cultural, socioeconomic, technological, etc.) with focused and properly targeted initiatives to connect ideas and solutions with markets and investors ready to appreciate them and nurture them to their full potential. In this sense, OID qualifies as a new and novel strategy, policy-making, and governance approach in the context of the quadruple and quintuple innovation helices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern knowledge-intensive economies are complex social systems where intertwining factors are responsible for the shaping of emerging industries: the self-organising interaction patterns and strategies of the individual actors (an agency-oriented pattern) and the institutional frameworks of different innovation systems (a structure-oriented pattern). In this paper, we examine the relative primacy of the two patterns in the development of innovation networks, and find that both are important. In order to investigate the relative significance of strategic decision making by innovation network actors and the roles played by national institutional settings, we use an agent-based model of knowledge-intensive innovation networks, SKIN. We experiment with the simulation of different actor strategies and different access conditions to capital in order to study the resulting effects on innovation performance and size of the industry. Our analysis suggests that actors are able to compensate for structural limitations through strategic collaborations. The implications for public policy are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to examine changing discursive conceptualizations of technology transfer mechanisms for speeding up innovation in Germany and the US since World War II with particular emphasis on universities. According to our analysis, the concepts of technology transfer are getting more and more complex, taking off from a linear model of innovation to a more complex model allowing for networking and entrepreneurial activities of the universities themselves. We suggest that the discourses in both countries can be framed employing three ideal-typical models: the information and documentation model, the cooperation model, and the blurring of boundaries model. In addition to these similarities, we also discuss differences that can be traced back to broader political cultures in which technology transfer is embedded. Both similarities and differences allow for a comparative perspective which is not limited to the countries analyzed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]