Table 1 Innovation system functions and potential innovation diplomacy actions
Innovation System Function | Relevant Dimensions | Innovation Diplomacy Actions (examples) |
|---|---|---|
1. Entrepreneurial discovery | Capacity to turn potential of new knowledge, technology, networks, and markets into business opportunities. | Support industry in development of (global) innovation networks, value chains, etc. Promote and protect national champion projects and industries. |
2. Knowledge development | Institutions and resources for education, skills development and research (universities, research facilities). Including less formal learning such as “learning by doing”. | Support international collaborative research and education. Support IPR. Access to strategic research facilities. |
3. Knowledge diffusion through networks | Maximise the effects of new knowledge, feed policy processes for standards and regulation. | Support development of an innovation culture. Develop strategy for inclusion/exclusion (e.g. non-proliferation for security reasons). |
4. Guidance of the search | Selection of specific foci for investments in STI. Building the long-term vision. Identifying needs and wants. Priority setting. Mostly done between different types of actors in a country, region or hub. | Identify potential collaborators and competitor’s strategies. Develop position and strategy for common or global challenges. Develop vision and strategy for national strengths. |
5. Market formation | Create or support (public) demand (e.g. favourable tax regime, innovative procurement). Create a (protected) space for testing, piloting and possibly niche markets. | Strategies to improve access to foreign markets for innovative products/services: - Import/export tariffs - Innovation mercantilism - Room for experimentation (legal and regulatory conditions) |
6. Resources mobilisation | Capital availability in different stages of innovation. Human resources (including foreign specialists). | - Access to Public Private Partnerships - Exchange programs - Special mobility and tax-rules for knowledge workers. |
7. Creation of legitimacy; fighting resistance to change | Build coalitions. How to deal with vested interests and frictions of transition? Is new legal framework required? | - Standards - Policy consistency (e.g. GMOs) - Responsible Research and Innovation rules |