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Innovation lives in ecotones, not ecosystems

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  • Ghazinoory, Sepehr
  • Phillips, Fred
  • Afshari-Mofrad, Masoud
  • Bigdelou, Nasrin

Abstract

Researchers tend to rely on metaphors to gain initial comprehension of complex systems. However, literature offers little guidance for this strategy. This paper presents criteria for using metaphors responsibly in this arena by applying them to evaluate ecological metaphors related to innovation systems. We develop the idea of innovation ecotone as the boundary between the knowledge ecosystem and the business ecosystem. We demonstrate why this ecotone better meets the criteria for a valuable metaphor for understanding innovation systems than the “innovation ecosystem” metaphor. This novel approach resolves many ambiguities and provides new implications for policymakers, particularly regarding the nature of innovation policy agencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Ghazinoory, Sepehr & Phillips, Fred & Afshari-Mofrad, Masoud & Bigdelou, Nasrin, 2021. "Innovation lives in ecotones, not ecosystems," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 135(C), pages 572-580.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:135:y:2021:i:c:p:572-580
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.06.067
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    3. Ilias Krystallis & Sarah Jasim, 2023. "Charting the path towards a long-term knowledge brokerage function: an ecosystems view," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-13, December.
    4. Elahe Hosseini & Alireza Rajabipoor Meybodi, 2023. "Proposing a Model for Sustainable Development of Creative Industries Based on Digital Transformation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-30, July.
    5. Massa, Lorenzo & Ardito, Lorenzo & Messeni Petruzzelli, Antonio, 2022. "Brokerage dynamics in technology transfer networks: A multi-case study," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    6. Gerald Midgley & Erik Lindhult, 2021. "A systems perspective on systemic innovation," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(5), pages 635-670, October.
    7. Sepehr Ghazinoory & Parvaneh Aghaei, 2024. "Metaphor research as a research strategy in social sciences and humanities," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 58(1), pages 227-248, February.
    8. Cobben, Dieudonnee & Ooms, Ward & Roijakkers, Nadine, 2023. "Indicators for innovation ecosystem health: A Delphi study," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).

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