Research on innovation processes suggests that the most significant activities and decisions are made in the initiation phase, i.e., what is often termed as the “fuzzy front-end” (FFE) of innovation, and at the finalization phase, i.e., commercialization. If these assumptions are valid, one...

In innovation, the role of aesthetics is important, possibly paramount, but this factor is not reflected in mainstream innovation theory and research. The paper suggests that aesthetics, supported by serendipity, imagination, and creativity constitute the core, i.e., the “soul” of...

Many science support mechanisms aim to combine excellent research with explicit expectations of societal impact. Temporary research centres such as "Centres of Excellence" and "Centre of Excellence in Research and Innovation" have become widespread. These centres are expected to produce research...

Local research units, this article argues, play a very important role for the scientific field they belong to, for example by mobilizing financial support, offering job opportunities, attracting talented recruits, and providing adequate training. Little is known, however, about such units, at...

Building upon insights from earlier investigations of innovation collaboration from a regional perspective as well as the triple helix perspective, local/regional innovation systems and open innovation approaches, this study explores whether cooperation between firms, universities and government...