Overview of concepts and themes related to innovation

Recently three Dutch authors wrote a book on innovating. I really recommend it (to those who understand Dutch). The book offers a good overview of topics related to innovation. The 1st part of the book gives an overview of the concept of innovation, the 2nd part is like an encyclopedia: you find an enormous list of concepts (from tacit knowledge and knowledge productivity to disruptive technology and creativity) and subsidy-arrangements. The 3rd part is the best part, there the authors elaborate upon some interesting themes, like:

• How Schumpeter sees innovation as new combinations (neue Kombinationen). Schumpeter makes the distinction between inventors and entrepreneurs. He also believes that “in der Durchfuehrung dieser neue Kombinationen liegt die eigentliche Funktion des Unternehmers”. In innovation it is all about the application (or better in German: Durchfuehrung) of new combinations. A new combination in itself (what the inventor would do) is not an innovation yet.
• The power of heterogeneous networks for innovation. Homogeneous networks come into existence very easily, mostly on the basis of existing structures like organisations, departments etc. Homogeneous networks however form the basis for serious breakthroughs. These homogeneous networks depend heavily on personal qualities and efforts of individuals.
• How disruptive technologies form a threat for existing technologies. Here the authors refer to some great examples (e.g. the 31/2 inch diskdrive).
• The idea that science should deliver to practice is out of date. The authors refer to Leonardo da Vinci (the first one to combine research and application), Bacon (who introduces the lineair innovation model), Popper, Newton and Decartes to explain how research and practice have related to each other. The gap between the two became clear in the 80s when organisations came up with radical innovations without having their own research department…

Groen, Th., Vasbinder, J.W., & Linde, E., van de. (2006). Innoveren, begrippen, praktijk, perspectieven. Utrecht: Spectrum.