Du « patchwork » au « canevas » : les rôles combinés des interactions et des outils de gestion autour d'un processus d'innovation dans le secteur du spectacle vivant

This article aims at exploring the concept of sectoral systems of innovation in performing arts. New original artistic productions in this field are accompanied by strong interactions between public institutions, organizations and professional networks. Hence, performing arts can be seen as a set of knowledge, organizations, networks and institutions. In other words, it can be seen as a sectoral system of innovation in accordance with Malerba (2002, 2004). More precisely, the objective of this article is to answer the following research question: how do the interrelated dynamics of both management tools and interactions between partners structure the artistic innovation in one performing arts organization? The institutionalized and innovative specificities of performing arts led us to mobilize management tool and neo-institutional theories as theoretical background to study the case of a highly innovative theatre. First driven by a public institutional partner, the studied theatre has implemented a new artistic programming, in cooperation with other arts and cultural organizations. We will show that the interactions built with the other organizations, gradually structured by management tools, have allowed this theatre to innovate at the process and product levels.