Edward Elgar Publishing Advanced Introduction to National Innovation Systems (Elgar Advanced Introductions series)

Innovation studies is an evolving interdisciplinary field that has moved away from the weaknesses of neoclassical thinking and embraced evolutionary theory. In this timely book, the authors offer a precise introduction to the nature of national innovation systems (NIS), examining the history of the concept and its use in today's world. This book uses language appropriate for both social science and engineering scholars to offer an accurate synopsis of the emergence of the concept, its theoretical core and its evolution. It analyses both developed and developing countries in terms of their NIS and its application to current societal challenges, such as economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability, in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. Key features include:? three authors from three different generations and countries offer an overview of NIS from around the world extensive use of examples from the Global North and Global South recommended in-depth reading after each topical chapter overview of future research challenges up-to-date review of the literature and engagement in current debates. Erudite and accessible, this unique book on NIS can easily be used for undergraduate and graduate teaching. It is a valuable, and much-needed resource for teachers, students and researchers at all levels. Review 'In the quarter century since it emerged, the innovation system concept has come to play a major role in efforts to shape public policies so as to better support innovation and economic growth, as well as being an important focuser of scholarly research on these topics. It has had a profound influence on policy makers as well as academic researchers. This book provides a lucid and broad introduction to the national innovation system concept, describing its beginnings and development, and the wide range of topics where it has come to play an important role.' --Richard R. Nelson, Columbia University, US 'This book represents a remarkable up-dating on the National Systems of Innovation perspective and offers to the academic and policy worlds in-depth and wide ranging analyses on the way it has evolved in the last 30 years and on possible ways ahead. It authoritatively covers world wide contributions on different aspects of the NSI literature, particularly those themes that gained importance during this period. Although aimed at introducing students and policy makers to the concept of national innovation systems, it is certainly a much needed companion to all those that want to better understand innovation in the present phase of human evolution.' --Jose E Cassiolato, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil About the Author Cristina Chaminade, Professor of Innovation Studies, Department of Economic History, School of Economics and Management, Lund University, Sweden, Bengt-Åke Lundvall, Professor of Economics, Department of Business and Management, Aalborg University, Denmark and Shagufta Haneef, PhD student, Department of Business and Management, Aalborg University, Denmark