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Only one way to skin a cat? Heterogeneity and equifinality in European national innovation systems

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  • Cirillo, Valeria
  • Martinelli, Arianna
  • Nuvolari, Alessandro
  • Tranchero, Matteo

Abstract

One of the most significant results of the qualitative literature on national systems of innovation (NSIs) is that different systemic arrangements (i.e. configurations of actors and institutions) can deliver similar levels of innovative performance. Using factor analysis on a novel dataset of 29 quantitative indicators of innovative activities we provide an empirical characterization of the structure of European NSIs over the last ten years. Our results cast doubt on the empirical significance of the “equifinality” of heterogeneous systemic arrangements in the context of NSI. Innovation systems show inherent complexity, which leads to a high level of complementarity among their constituent components and configuration. This result implies that successful innovation policies should be systemic, leaving little flexibility in policy design and scope.

Suggested Citation

  • Cirillo, Valeria & Martinelli, Arianna & Nuvolari, Alessandro & Tranchero, Matteo, 2019. "Only one way to skin a cat? Heterogeneity and equifinality in European national innovation systems," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(4), pages 905-922.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:48:y:2019:i:4:p:905-922
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2018.10.012
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    3. Thanos Fragkandreas, 2023. "Case study research on innovation systems: paradox, dialectical analysis and resolution," Working Papers 65, Birkbeck Centre for Innovation Management Research, revised 15 May 2023.
    4. Erzurumlu, S. Sinan & Erzurumlu, Yaman O. & Yoon, YongKi, 2022. "National innovation systems and dynamic impact of institutional structures on national innovation capability: A configurational approach with the OKID method," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 114(C).
    5. Petraite, Monika & Mubarak, Muhammad Faraz & Rimantas, Rauleckas & von Zedtwitz, Max, 2022. "The role of international networks in upgrading national innovation systems," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    6. Ann Hipp & Udo Ludwig & Jutta Günther, 2021. "Unable to innovate or just bad circumstances? Comparing the innovation system of a state-led and market-based economy," Bremen Papers on Economics & Innovation 2111, University of Bremen, Faculty of Business Studies and Economics.
    7. Ariel L. Wirkierman & Tommaso Ciarli & Maria Savona, 2023. "A taxonomy of European innovation clubs," Economia Politica: Journal of Analytical and Institutional Economics, Springer;Fondazione Edison, vol. 40(1), pages 1-34, April.
    8. Bruno Ferreira Oliveira & Rodolfo Tomás Fonseca Nicolay, 2022. "Does innovative capacity affect the deindustrialization process? A panel data analysis," Journal of Economic Structures, Springer;Pan-Pacific Association of Input-Output Studies (PAPAIOS), vol. 11(1), pages 1-36, December.
    9. Jaan Masso & Amaresh K Tiwari, 2022. "Productivity Implications of R&D, Innovation, and Capital Accumulation for Incumbents and Entrants: Perspectives from a Catching-up Economy," Papers 2205.10540, arXiv.org.

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