Mapping and analysis of programs for diffusion of organizational innovations

Purpose and goal

The purpose was to map and analyze Swedish and international programs aiming to increase the innovativeness of existing companies through the diffusion of organizational innovations. In total 200 programs were identified and these were then analysed through a step-wise process, which resulted in a overview presentation of 28 programs followed by an in-depth analysis of seven programs. This analysis is presented in a Vinnova report: Steiber & Alänge (2013) ´Diffusion of Organisational Innovations: Learning from selected programmes´.

Results and expected effects

An overview was presented of 28 programs, from different parts of the World, aiming to increase the innovativeness of existing companies. Seven interesting programs have subsequently been selected and analysed in more detail with the purpose of presenting experiences and results of specific diffusion models. These analyses have been presented for Vinnova in workshops and are expected to provide inspiration and material for the design of future programs within the department of Organisation and Management (Arbetsorganisation och Ledning).

Approach and implementation

The mapping focused on programs with the goal of increasing the innovative capability in companies with more than 50 employees, through organisational innovations. Programs may involve several types of actors in society, e.g. government, industry and academy. The search for programs was conducted through various channels in parallel: through innovation authorities, personal networks, Internet, social media and existing data bases. In total 200 programs were identified. Seven programs were subsequently selected for in-depth studies, primarily through interviews.