IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/ssi/jouesi/v11y2024i4p368-386.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

An Actor-Network Theory conceptualization for smart specialization strategies (S3): creative brokerage towards sustainability transition

Author

Listed:
  • Christopher Meyer

    (Hochschule Wismar, University of Applied Sciences, Technology, Business and Design, Germany)

Abstract

Smart Specialisation Strategies, their planning and implementation are becoming more important in Europe's transition but also bring up several challenges, especially when it comes to complex innovation processes and requirements arising from the call for sustainable development on several levels. Even though the concept of Smart Specialisation has been elaborated on in a lot of research, the literature still lacks sufficient theoretical justification for the policy concept, resulting in a gap between theory and practice in terms of Smart Specialisation Strategy design and implementation. In this context, this paper provides cross-linkages to evidentially drivers of sustainability transition such as social innovation, cross-border cooperation, Entrepreneurial Discovery Processes and creative innovation. The exploration of synergies towards these concepts under S3 is still scant. The conducted research is based on an extensive literature review and uses a comparative analysis of Smart Specialisation and Actor-Network Theory. By applying Actor-Network Theory within Smart Specialisation Strategy research discourse, known problems of the concept might be overcome, Entrepreneurial Discovery Processes can be improved, and critical concepts for sustainability transition can be well incorporated into S3 understanding. In this, conducted research is also breaking new ground in theoretical conceptualization by providing the analysis and crosslinks of Actor-Network Theory with Smart Specialisation Strategies. Moreover, the integration of essential aspects towards sustainability transition under S3 can be enabled through the Actor-Network Theory application as it opens further research streams to be integrated into Smart Specialisation, such as social innovation and creative industries.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Meyer, 2024. "An Actor-Network Theory conceptualization for smart specialization strategies (S3): creative brokerage towards sustainability transition," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 11(4), pages 368-386, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:ssi:jouesi:v:11:y:2024:i:4:p:368-386
    DOI: 10.9770/jesi.2024.11.4(23)
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://jssidoi.org/jesi/uploads/articles/44/Meyer_An_ActorNetwork_Theory_conceptualization_for_smart_specialization_strategies_S3_creative_brokerage_towards_sustainability_transition.pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://jssidoi.org/jesi/article/1209
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.9770/jesi.2024.11.4(23)?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. João Lopes & João J. Ferreira & Luís Farinha, 2019. "Innovation strategies for smart specialisation (RIS3): Past, present and future research," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(1), pages 38-68, March.
    2. Alexander Kleibrink & Carlo Gianelle & Mathieu Doussineau, 2016. "Monitoring innovation and territorial development in Europe: emergent strategic management," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(8), pages 1438-1458, August.
    3. Jacques Defourny & Marthe Nyssens, 2010. "Conceptions of Social Enterprise and Social Entrepreneurship in Europe and the United States: Convergences and Divergences," Journal of Social Entrepreneurship, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 1(1), pages 32-53, March.
    4. Alexandre Dubois & Iryna Kristensen & Jukka Teräs, 2017. "Outsmarting geography: implementing territorial innovation strategies in sparsely populated regions," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(8), pages 1316-1333, August.
    5. Igor Dubina & Elias Carayannis & David Campbell, 2012. "Creativity Economy and a Crisis of the Economy? Coevolution of Knowledge, Innovation, and Creativity, and of the Knowledge Economy and Knowledge Society," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 3(1), pages 1-24, March.
    6. Schot, Johan & Steinmueller, W. Edward, 2018. "Three frames for innovation policy: R&D, systems of innovation and transformative change," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(9), pages 1554-1567.
    7. Damian Grimshaw & Marcela Miozzo, 2021. "Human Capital and productivity: a call for new interdisciplinary research," Working Papers 006, The Productivity Institute.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Magdalena Kogut-Jaworska & Elżbieta Ociepa-Kicińska, 2020. "Smart Specialisation as a Strategy for Implementing the Regional Innovation Development Policy—Poland Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-21, September.
    2. Calderini, Mario & Fia, Magali & Gerli, Francesco, 2023. "Organizing for transformative innovation policies: The role of social enterprises. Theoretical insights and evidence from Italy," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(7).
    3. Magdalena Kogut-Jaworska & Elżbieta Ociepa-Kicińska, 2023. "Practical Implications of Smart Specialization Strategy: Barriers to Implementation, Role of the Public Sector, and Benefits for Entrepreneurs," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(2), pages 21582440231, June.
    4. Hongyi Mao & Zongjun Wang & Lin Yi, 2021. "Does Entrepreneurial Orientation Lead to Successful Sustainable Innovation? The Evidence from Chinese Environmentally Friendly Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-19, September.
    5. Pietro Moncada-Paternò-Castello, 2022. "Top R&D investors, structural change and the R&D growth performance of young and old firms," Eurasian Business Review, Springer;Eurasia Business and Economics Society, vol. 12(1), pages 1-33, March.
    6. Barbara Bradač Hojnik & Katja Crnogaj, 2020. "Social Impact, Innovations, and Market Activity of Social Enterprises: Comparison of European Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-15, March.
    7. Janssen, Matthijs J. & Abbasiharofteh, Milad, 2022. "Boundary spanning R&D collaboration: Key enabling technologies and missions as alleviators of proximity effects?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    8. Xiaoran Zheng & Yuzhuo Cai, 2022. "Transforming Innovation Systems into Innovation Ecosystems: The Role of Public Policy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-26, June.
    9. Allen, Darcy W.E. & Berg, Chris & Markey-Towler, Brendan & Novak, Mikayla & Potts, Jason, 2020. "Blockchain and the evolution of institutional technologies: Implications for innovation policy," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(1).
    10. Nghia Thi Thu Nguyen & Cheng-Tao Tang & Chun Yee Wong, 2021. "The Impacts of Social Enterprises on Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Vietnam," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-13, September.
    11. Esparza Masana, Ricard & Fernández, Tatiana, 2019. "Monitoring S3: Key dimensions and implications," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    12. Krammer, Sorin M.S., 2022. "Human resource policies and firm innovation: The moderating effects of economic and institutional context," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    13. Jelena Vapa-Tankosić & Vera Miler-Jerković & Dejan Jeremić & Slobodan Stanojević & Gordana Radović, 2020. "Investment in Research and Development and New Technological Adoption for the Sustainable Beekeeping Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-17, July.
    14. Carlo Borzaga & Silvia Sacchetti, 2015. "Why Social Enterprises Are Asking to Be Multi-stakeholder and Deliberative: An Explanation around the Costs of Exclusion," Euricse Working Papers 1575, Euricse (European Research Institute on Cooperative and Social Enterprises).
    15. Laima Gerlitz & Christopher Meyer, 2021. "Small and Medium-Sized Ports in the TEN-T Network and Nexus of Europe’s Twin Transition: The Way towards Sustainable and Digital Port Service Ecosystems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-24, April.
    16. Švarc, Jadranka & Dabić, Marina, 2021. "Transformative innovation policy or how to escape peripheral policy paradox in European research peripheral countries," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    17. Anne Rainville, 2022. "Green Public Procurement in Mission-Orientated Innovation Systems: Leveraging Voluntary Standards to Improve Sustainability Performance of Municipalities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-22, July.
    18. Jukka Teras & Viktor Salenius & Laura Fagerlund & Lina Stanionyte, 2018. "Smart Specialisation in Sparsely Populated European Arctic Regions," JRC Research Reports JRC114273, Joint Research Centre.
    19. Ian Merrell & Frances Rowe & Paul Cowie & Menelaos Gkartzios, 2021. "‘Honey pot’ rural enterprise hubs as micro-clusters: Exploring their role in creativity-led rural development," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 36(7-8), pages 589-605, November.
    20. Hristina Blagoycheva & Andriyana Andreeva & Galina Yolova, 2020. "Social Economy in the Context of Sustainable Development and Social Inclusion (Economic and Legal Aspects)," Economic Studies journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 5, pages 79-98.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    economic theory; regional innovation; research and innovation strategies; entrepreneurial discovery process; creative brokerage; cultural and creative industries; cross-border cooperation; social innovation; quadruple-helix;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth
    • P25 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:ssi:jouesi:v:11:y:2024:i:4:p:368-386. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Manuela Tvaronaviciene (email available below). General contact details of provider: .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.