“A Taxonomy of Innovation: Country Definitions and Supportive Efforts.”

Donna M. Schaeffer, PhD, Marymount University, Arlington VA 22207
703.284.5718 or email: Donna.schaeffer@marymount.edu

Patrick C. Olson, PhD, National University, San Jose, CA 95128
408.236.1152 or email pubs@aware.vg



Many economists agree that future prospects for growth are based in technology and innovation.

On the positive side, innovative activities can create employment and revenues.

However, innovation needs sustained and coordinated effort to insure that funding is available and intellectual property is protected.


The Economist Intelligence Unit (2009) index defines innovation as the “application of knowledge in a novel way, primarily for economic benefit.”



Table 1. Innovation Index (Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit, 2009)





Table 2. A Taxonomy of Innovation (Source: Adapted from Hod, 1986.)



Gov’t provides

Information, e.g. advice and training

Authority, e.g., regulation, license, patents

Finances, e.g., funding, taxes

Organization,

e.g., administration

Ministry of Science and Information and Communications Technology, People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Annual National Science and Technology Week

 

Publicity, education and training programs

Formulate policy

Grants

Liason with other countries and international organizations

National Innovation Foundation, India

Database of Innovations

 

portals and kiosks

 

domain experts

 

scouting and information gathering

Intellectual Property Mgt

 

Micro Venture Innovation Fund

 

National Innovation Agency, Thailand

 

Founded 2003

Information

 

Teaching

 

Coaching

 

 

 

Grants and venture capital

University Business Incubators

The State Agency for Investments and Innovation, Ukraine

 

Founded 2005

Training

Formulates policy

The State Innovation Finance % Credit Org.

 

 

Danish Council for Technology and Innovation, Denmark

Collaboration and dissemination of knowledge

Advises on policy

Grants

Business incubators

Office of the Chief Scientist, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, Israel

Database of projects

Advocates policy

 

Intellectual property protection

Grants

Technology Incubators

National Technology Agency (TEKES)

Finland

 

Founded 1984

Strategic Centrres for Science, Technology, and Innovation

 

Database of Innovations

 

Newsletters

 

Grants of >500 million Euro

 

CTI, Switzerland

 

Founded 1949

Venturelab – an advising and training program

 

CHF 100 million

 

Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation

 

Established as the Association for the Protection of Industrial Property in 1904, renamed in 1947.

Training

 

Dissemination

 

Experts

 

Invention Clubs for Youth