Knowledge Ecologies and Ecosystems? An Empirically Grounded Reflection on Recent Developments in Innovation Systems Theory

Theo Papaioannou, David Wield, Joanna Chataway · 2009 · Environment and Planning C Government and Policy

Summary. This paper critiques the shift from innovation systems theory toward knowledge ecology and ecosystem frameworks. Using Cambridge's biotech sector as evidence, the authors argue these biological metaphors create conceptual problems including reductionism and functionalism. They contend that understanding innovation requires grounding analysis in historical socioeconomic development and the social division of labor, rather than applying abstract ecological concepts.

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@article{papaioannou-2009-knowledge-ecologies-ecosystems-empirically-grounded,
  title   = {Knowledge Ecologies and Ecosystems? An Empirically Grounded Reflection on Recent Developments in Innovation Systems Theory},
  author  = {Theo Papaioannou and David Wield and Joanna Chataway},
  journal = {Environment and Planning C Government and Policy},
  year    = {2009},
  doi     = {10.1068/c0832},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1068/c0832}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Knowledge Ecologies and Ecosystems? An Empirically Grounded Reflection on Recent Developments in Innovation Systems Theory
AU  - Theo Papaioannou
AU  - David Wield
AU  - Joanna Chataway
JO  - Environment and Planning C Government and Policy
PY  - 2009
DO  - 10.1068/c0832
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1068/c0832
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.1068/c0832

Countries

United Kingdom

Regions

Europe

Categories

innovation-theory, regional-innovation-systems, general-innovation

Added

2026-04-28