Innovation policy in the modern world

This briefing looks at the challenges facing innovation policy, and how they can be met.

This briefing looks at the challenges facing innovation policy, and how they can be met.

Key challenges for innovation policy:

  • Basing policy on an up-to-date understanding of innovation.
  • Building effective metrics to measure the innovation that matters to the UK.
  • Ensuring that thinking and learning skills are taught alongside technical skills.
  • Encouraging innovation across government.
  • Making the most of universities and playing to their individual strengths.

Innovation has changed dramatically since the model of 'Big Science' in the mid-20th century. Globalisation, new technologies and growth in the service sectors are all combining to quicken the pace of change.

 

The innovation research community has tracked many of these trends, but few governments yet reflect them in their innovation policies.

 

The matter is now urgent. Innovation policy needs to move beyond its comfort zone and respond to the five challenges set out here. Not all will be achieved, but innovation policy needs to take on more of the characteristics of innovation itself.

 

Author:

Nesta