Vinnova explains innovation words

Innovation system

An innovation system is a network of public and private actors where innovations and new knowledge are produced, disseminated and used. The innovation system looks different depending on the challenge that the actors are solving.

Complex problems

Complex problems, compared to complicated problems, are characterized by a high degree of uncertainty and have points of contact with the whole of society. One solution is not enough to address the problem. Complex problems are often interconnected and interdependent on each other, therefore it is difficult to know in advance what a change will lead to.

• Complicated: Building a bridge, flying an airplane
• Complex: Gang crime, skyrocketing healthcare costs, switching to a fossil-free transportation system.

Missions

Missions are ambitious goals that describe a desired future. Actors from multiple sectors of society agree on a common inspiring, ambitious, measurable objective with broad societal relevance. The goal creates direction for efforts.

Example of mission

• A man on the moon
• Vision Zero
• All children should finish school.
  
  

Mission-oriented way of working

A  mission-oriented way of working is a method for changing entire systems towards a transformation goal, a mission. It requires commitment from actors at different levels with different perspectives, all working towards the common goal. The approach breaks up habitual patterns and allows actors who otherwise do not meet to discuss problems and solutions towards the mission.

Regulatory sandbox

A regulatory sandbox is a tool that, in its simplest form, means that new technologies, products or services receive a time-limited exemption from current legislation.

Technology developers and regulators work together to test how the regulations surrounding the new technology can work in practice. Sandboxes can help to reduce the gap between a slow legislative process and the extremely rapid technological development. Risks are limited, while it is faster for new technologies to reach the market. Conditions are created to develop regulations in smaller steps, which can accelerate the path from an innovative idea to implementation.

Strategic foresight

Strategic foresight is about exploring, preparing for, and shaping the future. The method involves paying attention to signs in the present that say something about the future, using them as a starting point to create scenarios that provide insights into the opportunities and challenges that different futures may entail.
With this as a foundation, decision-makers are given the tools to act today, to help shape the future.

System demonstrator

A system demonstrator is a tool designed to test solutions to complex challenges in a real-world environment. It is tied to a location that reflects how the system around the challenge looks, feels, and works. Here, innovative solutions can be tested against laws and regulations, culture and norms, infrastructure, and business models.

By testing system solutions in a real, controlled environment, obstacles become visible and thus possible to overcome. The goal is to scale up the solution, for example from a city district to a national level.
Examples: self-driving vehicles, drones, Reel – electrification of heavy transportation climate-neutral cities, etc.

System innovation

Systems innovation is a way of working to solve complex problems that require collaboration between multiple actors and interventions, such as the climate crisis, the threat to biodiversity and unequal health.

To succeed, we need to understand what needs to be improved, who is affected, and what changes are needed in the system. Often, efforts are required at multiple levels, such as technology, business models, infrastructure, policy, and culture.

It may sound difficult, but it is possible! With systems innovation, we have succeeded in developing a Covid vaccine, fossil-free steel and a system for recycling packaging.