BOOK TIP: New directions for innovation policy (open access)

Innovation is often seen as the key to economic growth and social development. But what does it take to make new ideas actually work? And how can policies support innovation in a smart, inclusive and sustainable way?

The interdisciplinary anthology Innovations in Innovation Policy brings together experts in science, technology, innovation and policy to explore the future of innovation policy. The book takes a broad approach and shows that innovation does not happen in a vacuum. Instead, it requires a functioning ecosystem where public actors, business, academia and civil society interact. It discusses, among other things, the importance of local anchoring, diversity, cooperation across organizational boundaries and thinking beyond purely economic goals.

The authors also highlight the need for accountability in innovation policy – weighing the benefits of new technologies against the potential risks, and asking not only how we innovate, but also why.

The book is free to read via open access and is aimed at both researchers and practitioners. It provides concrete examples of how policy can help turn new ideas into reality, in a way that benefits more than the already established companies.