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Do innovation measures actually measure innovation? Obliteration, symbolic adoption, and other finicky challenges in tracking innovation diffusion

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  • Nelson, Andrew
  • Earle, Andrew
  • Howard-Grenville, Jennifer
  • Haack, Julie
  • Young, Doug

Abstract

Although innovation diffusion is a central topic in policy and strategy, its measurement remains difficult – particularly in cases where the innovation is a complex and possibly ambiguous practice. In this paper, we develop four theoretical mechanisms that may bias diffusion markers by leading to the understatement and/or overstatement of diffusion at different points in time. Employing the case of “green chemistry,” we then compare three different diffusion markers – keywords, database index terms, and domain expert assessments – and we demonstrate how they lead to differing conclusions about the magnitude and timing of diffusion, organizational demography, publication outlets, and collaboration. We also provide suggestive evidence of extensive “greenwashing” by particular organization types and in particular countries. Building on these findings, we point to potential challenges with existing diffusion studies, and we make a case for the incorporation of practitioners in construct measurement and for the integration of comparative metrics in diffusion studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Nelson, Andrew & Earle, Andrew & Howard-Grenville, Jennifer & Haack, Julie & Young, Doug, 2014. "Do innovation measures actually measure innovation? Obliteration, symbolic adoption, and other finicky challenges in tracking innovation diffusion," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(6), pages 927-940.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:43:y:2014:i:6:p:927-940
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2014.01.010
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    11. Georg von Graevenitz & Stuart J. H. Graham & Amanda Myers, 2019. "Distance (Still) Hampers Diffusion of Innovations," Working Paper series, University of East Anglia, Centre for Competition Policy (CCP) 2019-05, Centre for Competition Policy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK..
    12. Alptekin Durmuşoğlu, 2017. "Effects of Clean Air Act on Patenting Activities in Chemical Industry: Learning from Past Experiences," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-10, May.
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    20. Perilla Jiménez, Juan R. & Ziesemer, Thomas, 2022. "Technology adoption, innovation policy and catching-up," MERIT Working Papers 2022-024, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).

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