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A knowledge-based perspective on system weaknesses in technological innovation systems

Author

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  • Johan Frishammar
  • Patrik Söderholm
  • Hans Hellsmark
  • Johanna Mossberg

Abstract

The literature on technological innovation systems (TIS) provides policymakers and other actors with a scheme of analysis to identify system weaknesses. In doing so, TIS analysis centres on which system weaknesses policy interventions should target to promote further development of a particular system. However, prior TIS literature has not sufficiently elaborated on what may constitute the conceptual roots of a ‘weakness’. We apply a knowledge-based perspective and propose that many—albeit not all—system weaknesses may root in four types of knowledge problems: uncertainty, complexity, equivocality, and ambiguity. Employing these as sensitizing concepts, we study system weaknesses by analysing data from a biorefinery TIS in Sweden. This analysis results in novel implications for the TIS literature and for achieving a better match between system weaknesses and the design of innovation policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Johan Frishammar & Patrik Söderholm & Hans Hellsmark & Johanna Mossberg, 2019. "A knowledge-based perspective on system weaknesses in technological innovation systems," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 46(1), pages 55-70.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:scippl:v:46:y:2019:i:1:p:55-70.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/scipol/scy037
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    Cited by:

    1. Gama, Fábio & Sjödin, David & Parida, Vinit & Frishammar, Johan & Wincent, Joakim, 2022. "Exploratory and exploitative capability paths for innovation: A contingency framework for harnessing fuzziness in the front end," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).

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