Fagerberg, Jan, ‘Innovation: A Guide to the Literature’, in Jan Fagerberg, and David C. Mowery (eds), The Oxford Handbook of Innovation (2006; online edn, Oxford Academic, 2 Sept. 2009), https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199286805.003.0001, accessed 12 Nov. 2023.

1. Innovation as a Fundamental Human Activity: Fagerberg argues that innovation is an inherent part of human history and development. He asserts that innovation has been a key driver behind societal advancements and has been present since the earliest human activities. The argument is that innovation is not a recent phenomenon but a continuous aspect of human evolution.
2. Shift in Academic Focus Towards Innovation: The author claims that there has been a significant shift in academic research, from previously overlooking innovation to now recognizing its central role in economic and social change. He argues that this change in perspective reflects a deeper understanding of innovation’s importance in shaping human progress.
3. Innovation’s Multi-Dimensional Nature: Fagerberg posits that innovation encompasses various forms, including technological, organizational, and social. He argues that understanding innovation requires looking at its diverse impacts across different sectors and how it shapes industries and economies in varied ways.
4. Interdisciplinary Approach in Innovation Research: The author asserts that innovation studies have become increasingly interdisciplinary, integrating insights from economics, sociology, history, and other fields. He argues that this cross-disciplinary approach is essential to comprehensively understand the multifaceted nature of innovation.
5. Innovation as a Driver of Economic Development: Fagerberg’s argument here is that innovation is not just a result of economic growth but a primary driver of it. He emphasizes innovation’s role in enhancing productivity, competitiveness, and economic progress.
6. Innovation’s Influence on Social Structures: The author contends that innovation has profound effects on social structures, norms, and values. He argues that changes in technology, policy, and social practices due to innovation lead to significant societal transformations.
7. Globalization’s Effect on Innovation: Fagerberg discusses how globalization affects innovation processes and policies. He argues that global interconnectedness has a substantial impact on the diffusion of innovation and the exchange of knowledge and technology.
8. Policy Implications of Innovation: The author examines how understanding innovation can guide policy decisions. He argues that effective policies can foster an environment conducive to innovation, benefiting economic development and social welfare.
9. Challenges in Measuring Innovation: Fagerberg highlights the difficulties in quantifying and analyzing innovation. He argues that the complexity and multifaceted nature of innovation make it challenging to measure its activities and outcomes accurately.
10. Future Research Directions in Innovation Studies: The author suggests potential areas for future innovation research, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches and new methodologies. He argues for the continuous exploration of innovation’s dynamics to deepen our understanding of its role in society.