What is the process of innovation management?5 answersThe process of innovation management involves the development, introduction, and successful implementation of new products or ideas within an organization. It encompasses various aspects such as gap-elaboration and introduction of new products, modernization and improvement of existing products, and the removal of outdated products. Small businesses, especially in high-technology industries, face challenges in managing the innovation process due to resource constraints, necessitating a focus on identifying and utilizing resources effectively throughout the process. Innovation management is a dynamic and interactive process that involves the transfer of knowledge among team members to influence the final outcome. Educational institutions often view innovation management as a series of discrete processes with clear objectives, limited resources, and time constraints, typically managed through project management strategies. The introduction of innovations into higher education systems involves utilizing innovative methods and management models to drive social and managerial functions within educational processes.
What are some additional innovation core processes currently being developed?5 answersAdditional innovation core processes currently being developed include the KES-MI innovation process, which focuses on flexibility in innovation by incorporating artistic, experience-based, and playful elements while still maintaining planning and forecasting aspects. Furthermore, there is a growing interest in leveraging innovation to address global sustainability challenges, aiming to drive a paradigm shift towards more sustainable practices across various industries and academia. In the realm of engineering education, efforts are being made to evolve by experimenting with focus areas that facilitate the connection between markets and universities, with students playing a crucial role in transferring information between these entities. These ongoing developments highlight the diverse approaches and strategies being explored to enhance innovation processes in different domains.
What are the current trends and developments in eco-innovation?4 answersEco-innovation is a rapidly expanding field with a high degree of interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinarity. It contributes to a more sustainable environment through the development of green technologies, improving the performance of organizations and reducing environmental and social impacts. The development of eco-innovations is crucial for increasing the level of eco-innovativeness in individual enterprises, regions, and countries. Initiatives such as the Ecolabnet project aim to stimulate eco-innovative behavior and provide eco-innovation services to SMEs, categorized based on their eco-innovative attitudes. Digitalization is also playing a significant role in eco-innovation, transforming economies, societies, and jobs. The European Commission's Green Deal includes initiatives such as the Circular Economy Action Plan, Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and Zero Pollution Action Plan, which are linked to digital technologies and aim to drive the circular economy. Patent data analysis reveals significant progress in environmental technologies and climate change mitigation technologies, particularly in energy generation, transmission, and distribution, which are closely aligned with international environmental policies.
How to institutionalize innovation driven local economic development in municipalities?5 answersTo institutionalize innovation-driven local economic development in municipalities, several approaches can be taken. One approach is to utilize collaborative innovation, where local authorities engage in bidding for instrumental technology-based projects to address the challenges of austerity. Another approach is to tailor innovative solutions to local needs by using fit-for-purpose information and decision-making tools, such as the Rural Innovation Assessment Toolbox (RIAT). Municipal officials can also adopt different innovation approaches, such as those focused on end goals, perspectives, and logics, to make conscious decisions about their innovation practices. Additionally, the concept of long-term innovative development can be applied by forming innovative strategies based on active technology forecasting and aligning the strategic interests of science, business, and the local community. Finally, investment in innovation activities at the municipal level is crucial, and assessment methods for innovation and investment potentials can be used to identify and address financing issues.
What are the key factors that influence the adoption of innovation practices in municipalities?5 answersThe key factors that influence the adoption of innovation practices in municipalities include the presence of civic capacity and values-oriented organizations. Additionally, the geographical location of the municipality, particularly if it is a coastal region, can also impact the readiness for the development of an innovative economy. Municipalities are increasingly involved in experimental governance, which involves public-private partnerships and collaborative planning, leading to new opportunities and challenges in urban planning practices. The perceptions of municipalities regarding the level of threats, compatibility with existing procedures, and application complexity also affect the adoption of innovation practices. Furthermore, a higher willingness to adopt innovation is associated with higher cost-efficiency in service provision by municipalities.
What are the dimensions to institutionalization of innovation for local economic development at municipalities?5 answersThe institutionalization of innovation for local economic development at municipalities involves several dimensions. Firstly, the creation of a region's infrastructure, including material, institutional, and intellectual aspects, plays a crucial role in determining its competitiveness. Secondly, economic development practitioners in cities emphasize the importance of innovation in their strategies and recognize the role of local governments as facilitators of innovation. Thirdly, the development of an innovation economy is seen as a means to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and living standards at the municipal level. Additionally, municipalities can support local young technology firms in bringing energy inventions to market, contributing to the energy transition and fostering innovation-driven socioeconomic development. Finally, the use of fit-for-purpose information and decision-making tools, such as the Rural Innovation Assessment Toolbox, can help municipalities assess innovation in marginalized contexts and tailor innovative solutions to local needs.