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A framework for mission-oriented innovation policy: Alternative pathways through the problem-solution space

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  • Wanzenböck, Iris
  • Wesseling, Joeri
  • Frenken, Koen
  • Hekkert, Marko
  • Weber, Matthias

Abstract

We aim for a better conceptualization of Mission-oriented Innovation Policy (MIP). Our starting point is an analytical decomposition of societal problems and innovative solutions based on the degrees of wickedness regarding three aspects: i) contestation, ii) complexity and iii) uncertainty. We argue that both problems and solutions can be diverging (contested, complex, uncertain) or converging (uncontested, well-defined, informed). Based on the resulting problem-solution topology, we suggest a process-oriented view on MIP and discuss three alternative pathways along which convergence between problems and solutions can be achieved to transform wicked problems into legitimate solutions. We illustrate the pathways with the examples of smoking bans, CCTV and wind energy. For policy makers, locating a societal challenge in this problem-solution space, and implementing policy strategies accordingly, is expected to accelerate both the legitimacy of a mission and the resulting solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Wanzenböck, Iris & Wesseling, Joeri & Frenken, Koen & Hekkert, Marko & Weber, Matthias, 2019. "A framework for mission-oriented innovation policy: Alternative pathways through the problem-solution space," SocArXiv njahp, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:socarx:njahp
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/njahp
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    2. Uyarra, Elvira & Zabala-Iturriagagoitia, Jon Mikel & Flanagan, Kieron & Magro, Edurne, 2020. "Public procurement, innovation and industrial policy: Rationales, roles, capabilities and implementation," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(1).
    3. Bauwens, Thomas & Hekkert, Marko & Kirchherr, Julian, 2020. "Circular futures: What Will They Look Like?," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    4. Salas Gironés, Edgar & van Est, Rinie & Verbong, Geert, 2020. "The role of policy entrepreneurs in defining directions of innovation policy: A case study of automated driving in the Netherlands," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).
    5. Klerkx, Laurens & Begemann, Stephanie, 2020. "Supporting food systems transformation: The what, why, who, where and how of mission-oriented agricultural innovation systems," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    6. Simon Baumgartinger-Seiringer & Johan Miörner & Michaela Trippl, 2019. "Towards a stage model of regional industrial path transformation," PEGIS geo-disc-2019_11, Institute for Economic Geography and GIScience, Department of Socioeconomics, Vienna University of Economics and Business.

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