Research Project "Innovation Dynamics in Practice (IDIP)"
The research project is summarized programmatically in the title. On the one hand, it indicates that business enterprises change ‘dynamically’. Thereby it is recognized that changes are not simply effected individually, but rather that they result from social construction processes. The project assumes, therefore, that there are organisations that- make decisions based on their own partially implicit rules,
- pursue certain directions they consider to be self-evident but which are poorly observable and thus virtually unpredictable, and
- distinguish themselves by means of a particular culture that is historically determined and which they are reluctant to abandon.
The term ‘dynamic’ also refers to the phenomenon of changes and innovations resulting from unforeseen ‘turning points’ that arise suddenly and are triggered by various people in different departments. This phenomenon is more frequent than the long-term plans and linearly, systematically applied planning processes of individuals.
On the other hand, the second part of the title, ‘in practice’, takes a closer look at everyday praxis. Figuratively speaking, the researchers look over the shoulders of the practitioners and find out how they experience, view and organize everyday events. Over the last few years, those working in the field of management research have come to realize that there has been an excess of theorizing about praxis, and that too often checks as to the stringency of researchers’ theories have been biased. The qualitative methods chosen by the project team enabled it to arrive at a better insight into these real daily routines in management.
Thus, the IDIP project adopted a new perspective: scientific theories such as system theory (Luhmann 2000 and Simon 2007), actor-network theory (Belliger / Krieger 2006) and structuration theory (Nagel 2001 and Ortmann 2001) are, in the context of this project, no more and no less than necessary instruments for thinking about and evaluating the empirical material. In terms of content, more interesting are the convictions, assumptions and perceptions that the innovation processes of these practitioners are based on. In this project this is considered to be practice-oriented research.
The IDIP project aims at
On the other hand, the second part of the title, ‘in practice’, takes a closer look at everyday praxis. Figuratively speaking, the researchers look over the shoulders of the practitioners and find out how they experience, view and organize everyday events. Over the last few years, those working in the field of management research have come to realize that there has been an excess of theorizing about praxis, and that too often checks as to the stringency of researchers’ theories have been biased. The qualitative methods chosen by the project team enabled it to arrive at a better insight into these real daily routines in management.
Thus, the IDIP project adopted a new perspective: scientific theories such as system theory (Luhmann 2000 and Simon 2007), actor-network theory (Belliger / Krieger 2006) and structuration theory (Nagel 2001 and Ortmann 2001) are, in the context of this project, no more and no less than necessary instruments for thinking about and evaluating the empirical material. In terms of content, more interesting are the convictions, assumptions and perceptions that the innovation processes of these practitioners are based on. In this project this is considered to be practice-oriented research.
Aims
The IDIP project aims at
- firstly, the formulation of a theoretical/conceptual understanding of ‘innovation dynamics’. Such an understanding will enable innovation processes and innovation practitioners in business enterprises to be studied over longer periods of time, during which their functionality, with regard to the strategic innovation capability of organisations, may be evaluated. On the one hand, this diagnostic/methodical framework contributes to the development of innovation theory, and on the other, it provides an applicable analysis tool for business enterprises.
- secondly, the development of case studies in innovative, growth-oriented and well-established business enterprises in central Switzerland. Such case studies enable innovation processes and their practitioners to be described concretely. It is essential to understand the progressions, criteria and dynamics of innovation processes, and to be able to extract the organizational conditions behind successful innovation strategies. This conceptual specification defines the focus of the current approach of the project.
- thirdly, the generation of data and knowledge that may be incorporated into both scientific publications (monographs, professional articles, conference papers) and the apprenticeship of Master Business Administration with Major Business Development and Promotion.
