Title: Designing and implementing regional innovation policy in the public sector: tools for triggering organisational process innovation

Authors: Paula Linna, Helina Melkas, Lea Hennala

Addresses: Poverty and Social Development Cluster, UNDP Vietnam, 25-29 Phan Boi Chau, Ha Noi, Vietnam. ' Lahti School of Innovation, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Saimaankatu 11, FI-15140 Lahti, Finland. ' Lahti School of Innovation, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Saimaankatu 11, FI-15140 Lahti, Finland

Abstract: This study focuses on how public sector organisations may improve their innovativeness by utilising tools that support especially process innovations. Findings are presented concerning utilisation of two tools – |innovation session| and |innovation catcher| – in development efforts in a Finnish region, and their outcomes. These tools concentrate on early front-end phases of innovation processes: management of openness to new ideas and capabilities. The study shows that an innovation session can result in a long development process that is innovative in various ways and levels. Time perspective is essential when assessing effectiveness of innovation activities. Short-term benefits may seem meagre, as in the public sector, innovations and innovation processes are typically complex. As to the innovation catcher, it is essential to first learn to understand the case organisation deeply, and personnel|s and managers| commitment is vital. This study contributes to benchmarking suitable tools for different innovation environments particularly in the public sector.

Keywords: public sector; regional innovation policy; case study; process innovation; innovation management; knowledge creation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIRD.2010.036988

International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development, 2010 Vol.2 No.4, pp.281 - 303

Published online: 20 Nov 2010 *

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