Overview

This book examines the nature of social innovation processes which determine the economic and social performance of nations, regions, industrial sectors and organizations.The current transformation of the world economy underlines the importance of systemic adjustment capacity for the long-term success of industrial economies. The expert contributors outline a theory of social innovation which differentiates between incremental and radical change processes, and suggests areas where policy makers can facilitate proactive changes. Case studies highlight the various rigidities of structural adjustment processes, the economic importance of systemic adjustment capacity, and the challenges of social innovation and structural change in different societies, regions and sectors. An important contribution to the emerging research on social innovations, this book offers invaluable insights for all decision makers struggling with structural adjustment challenges. As such, it will prove essential reading for scholars and students focussing on social and economic innovation and change processes, national and regional development, and economic competitiveness and growth. National, regional, sectoral and organizational policymakers and strategists will also find much to interest them within this book.

Full Product Details

Author:   Timo J. Hämäläinen ,  Risto Heiskala
Publisher:   Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Imprint:   Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Edition:   illustrated edition
ISBN:  

9781847202536

ISBN 10:   1847202535
Pages:   352
Publication Date:   26 June 2007
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   To order  
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Table of Contents

Contents: Prefatory Chapter: Institutions and Social Innovation W. Richard Scott 1. Introduction: Historical Transformation Challenges Established Structures Risto Heiskala and Timo J. Hämäläinen PART I: THEORETICAL, EMPIRICAL AND POLICY PERSPECTIVES TO STRUCTURAL CHANGE 2. Social Innovation, Structural Adjustment and Economic Performance Timo J. Hämäläinen 3. Social Innovations: Structural and Power Perspectives Risto Heiskala 4. Social Innovation or Hegemonic Change? Rapid Paradigm Change in Finland in the 1980s and 1990s Risto Heiskala and Timo J. Hämäläinen 5. Policy Implications: How to Facilitate the Structural Adjustment and Renewal of Advanced Societies? Timo J. Hämäläinen PART II: ADDITIONAL PERSPECTIVES TO STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT IN SECTORS, REGIONS AND NATION STATES 6. Structural Adjustments and Conflicting Recipes in the US Auto Industry J.-C. Spender 7. From Path Dependency to Path Creation? Baden-Württemberg and the Future of the German Model Gerd Schienstock 8. Divergence Among Mature and Rich Industrial Economies – The Case of Sweden Entering a New and Immediate Economy Gunnar Eliasson 9. Social Innovation and Institutional Change in Ireland in the Late 20th Century: From ‘The Poorest of the Rich’ to ‘Europe’s Shining Light’? Julia S. O’Connor Index

Reviews

'A much needed examination of a neglected issue - how societies, regions and institutions adjust to our rapidly changing economic world.' - W. Brian Arthur, Santa Fe Institute, New Mexico 'This is a marvellously rich work of synthesis, bringing together a very wide range of theoretical perspectives to make sense of contemporary patterns of economic and social change. Its range of reference is remarkable - and it is further proof that much of the most interesting theoretical and empirical work today is being done on the boundaries of disciplines.' - Geoff Mulgan, Director, The Young Foundation, Founder, Demos and formerly Head of Policy, Prime Minister's Office, UK 'A very relevant and insightful perspective on institutional change and economic renewal in regions, countries and corporations.' - Yves L. Doz, INSEAD, France

Author Information

Edited by Timo J. Hämäläinen, Sitra Fellow, the Finnish Innovation Fund, Finland and Risto Heiskala, Institute for Advanced Social Research, IASR, University of Tampere, Finland

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