No 2017/4 Policy for system innovation - the case of Strategic Innovation Programs in Sweden

Abstract

System innovation policy refers to a horizontal policy approach that mobilises technology, market mechanisms, regulations and social innovations to solve complex societal problems in a set of interacting or interdependent components that form a whole socio-technical system. Even if policies start to be aimed at addressing these complex societal challenges, system innovation framing is still under-developed and it is unclear how to implement such policies. In this report we seek to contribute to both gaps. Firstly, we develop an analytical framework that allows to specify the conditions that enable and constrain system innovation. Secondly, we apply this framework on two Strategic Innovation Programs, a policy initiative by Vinnova, Sweden’s Innovation Agency, targeting system innovation.