The ontology of innovation : Human agency in the pursuit of novelty

In: Paper presented at the HETSA 2006, Ballarat, Victoria : 4th July, 2006 p. 164-181

Abstract

There is a lack of ontology in the study and explication of innovation. Does this matter? It matters because 'innovation' has become an important word in the 21st Century, reflecting all that is modern, progressive and exciting in a complex world. This is reflected in every phase of daily existence in modern capitalist economies. Firms are urged to be innovative to gain or sustain a 'competitive edge', consultants advertise their strategic advice as the essence of innovation, local communities' survival depend on the capacity building that comes from innovation, schools are exalted to have innovation in their curriculum, universities promote themselves as leaders in innovation. Politicians respond to the need for supporting all the above through policies for enhancing such innovation in the nation. ; E1