The framework for an innovation system

A closer examination of the case studies reveals the extreme complexity and inter-hnked nature of the processes in an innovative system. Determining, which were the decisive factors that were manifest by a particular example of substitution, tended to be irresolvable in view of this complexity. A top-down analysis of the systems view of the simple model assists in orientation. In addition, some phenomena that are important for iimovation processes can only be revealed from a systems view, e.g. system inertia and system ambience , which is frequently referred to as the innovation chmate . Decisively, phenomena such as emergence are only discemable at a systems level. Emergence is of central importance for the comprehension of innovation processes, where development of a new element is the core feature. Emergence means that a novel, impredicted and usually complex feature is produced in the system (or by the system) which no individual contributor had planned or could conceivably plan. In most cases, new elements can neither be commanded externally nor can they be negotiated in a discourse between the participants from their estabhshed interests. Creativity is required here. 

In our experience it is not the target or the motive for innovation that contributes fundamentally to the flexibility or inertia of innovative systems, but rather the level of innovation. In accordance with our experience, hazardous substance substitution does not differ from other innovation processes that are driven by more economic or technical factors. Even comparatively simple substance-related innovations are not undertaken just to reduce risk. It is usually a technical matter of formula optimisation or a substitution of raw materials that has become too expen- 

the texts in the theme Transition strategies in Okologisches Wirtschaften 

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New theories or frameworks need to be developed to identify patterns within or between industry sectors and product development project types. Several attempts have been made in the past, while new challenges have also emerged. In this chapter CE has been described as an innovation system aimed at generating a production system that is capable to sustainably produce the new product envisioned. The production system is often also a complex system of collaborating companies, for example in a supply chain. Based on this view a framework has been proposed that can be used to describe CE processes and its resulting production system for farther analysis. Examples of innovation in the food industry have been presented, which show that several innovation systems may co-exist and interact. In addition, specific properties of food production systems, in particular integration and coordination, have been presented that need to be taken into account when developing a production system. 

Public policy decisions are necessarily made in a dynamic, even turbulent, social landscape that is continually changing. In the face of these perturbations, complex sociotechnical systems must be robust. Rasmussen (1997) developed an innovative framework for risk management to achieve this goal (Figure 3). 

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