Total innovation policy briefing
Published
May 2008
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Total Innovation policy briefing 84 (PDF, 84KB)
Description
Innovation is about more than product breakthroughs resulting from scientific and technological research. It is as much about new services, business models or organisational forms, and can occur in all sectors of the economy. Many of these activities are ‘hidden’ in that they are not captured by our traditional innovation indicators, which remain heavily focused on science and technology.
‘Total innovation’ is what businesses across all sectors of the UK economy do to stay competitive, drawing on both traditional and hidden innovation activities. Intensifying international competition has made total innovation increasingly important, as businesses strive to avoid becoming ‘locked-in’ to existing technologies and business models.
Policymakers and industry should work together to develop Total Innovation Strategies for the UK’s most important industries, informed by new measurements that capture total innovation. Government should ensure that people have the opportunity to develop the capabilities needed for contemporary innovation, including interdisciplinary skills and strategic business expertise.
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