Rethinking Innovation

"In these times of unprecedented global uncertainty and threat – when even the most established interests acknowledge needs to “transform our world” – there could hardly be a more important topic than the focus of this textbook. Engaging and authoritative, those committed to action in government, business, civil society or academia, could not hope for a more insightful, inspiring or pragmatic companion." - Andy Stirling, Professor of Science & Technology Policy, University of Sussex, UK "At a time when the challenges for ‘people and planet’ are more pressing than ever, innovation becomes a crucial matter of concern. Can it be part of the solution or only of the problem? Is it possible to imagine innovation working in more responsible, inclusive and transformative ways? Finally, we have a textbook which will inspire and inform a new generation of business and management students – and give the older generation much to ponder. This is an excellent, and much-needed, introduction to an essential field of contemporary research and practice." - Alan Irwin, Professor in the Department of Organization, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark Innovation is changing. Traditionally viewed as a tool for financial return and market growth, there is mounting pressure to rethink and reframe the theory and practice of innovation for the pressing sustainability and inequality challenges of our era. This textbook provides students with a research-informed dive into the emerging space of innovation for systems/transformative change. Combining real-world case studies with interdisciplinary theory, it shows how and why innovation for urgent global challenges requires a systems-based approach. Relevant for students and instructors of business and management, particularly innovation studies, development studies and related fields, this book is the first to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary and research-informed overview of alternative approaches to innovation focused on systemic change. Katie Ledingham is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Exeter Business School. Katie’s interdisciplinary teaching and research asks critical questions about how innovation can be made more equitable, just and inclusive. Sarah Hartley is Professor of Technology Governance at the University of Exeter Business School. Sarah researches and teaches the governance of emerging science and technology applications that seek to address societal challenges and yet generate controversy. Richard Owen is Professor in Innovation Management at the University of Bristol School of Management. Originally trained as an environmental scientist, his research sits at the intersection of innovation governance and science and technology studies as a critical, interdisciplinary scholar.