Introduction to Innovation and Economic Organization Rögnvaldur J. Sæmundsson ABMS January
Overview Who am I? Defining the problem/topic The innovation process Economic organization Basic structure of the current model
Rögnvaldur J. Sæmundsson Electrical Engineering from UI. Sleep Research Unit at Landspitalinn. MS in Engineering from UI. Director of Software Dev at Flaga. PhD in Technology Man. from CTH. Associate prof. RU School of Business. Research on New Technology-Based Firms (NTBFs) and the growth of knowledge. Teaching entrepreneurship, strategy&innovation, and ABMS.
Defining the problem/topic
Technological innovation
Network of specialized activity
Changes in specialization Source: Soubbotina (2004)
Changes in taste/preferences
Summary of the problem/topic Innovation ∆Resources ∆Knowledge ∆Organization∆Wants
The innovation process
Definition of innovation New products or services New ways of developing, producing, distributing, marketing or selling products or services
The linear model ScienceTechnologyProducts Research Development Production Marketing
The chain-linked model Source: Kline and Rosenberg 1986
Characteristics of innovation processes Interaction of markets and technology Complex costs and benefits Different degrees of novelty Uncertain outcomes
Diffusion Time Market penetration Productivity of R&D $
Innovation in an industry Source: Utterback 1994
Economic organization
Basic objective of organization Coordinate economic activity - Production and distribution - Exchange Enable specialization
Basic governance structures Markets Hierarchy (firms) Hybrids (long-term contracting)
Distinguishing attributes Adapted from Williamson (1991)
Suitability of governance structure 0 Governance Costs Asset Specificity Market Hybrid Hierarchy Adapted from Williamson (1991)
Basic structure of the model
Basic modules Individuals Firm Individuals Firm Industry Product market Factor market External knowledge generation
Point to remember “This is the course in advanced physics. That means the instructor finds the subject confusing. If he didn’t, the course would be called elementary physics.” Luis Alvarez, Nobel laureate, 1964