Tuomo Uotila

Finnish Mosaic of Regional Innovation System—Assessment of Thematic Regional Innovation Platforms Based on Related Variety

European Planning Studies, 2011

ABSTRACT The emphasis of Finnish innovation policy has very much been on promoting actions that c... more ABSTRACT The emphasis of Finnish innovation policy has very much been on promoting actions that can be labelled as science–technology–innovation mode of innovation, which is based on the production and use of codified scientific and technical knowledge. However, recent research has emphasized also the importance of more experienced-based mode of learning and innovation, which can be labelled as doing–using–interacting mode of innovation. This study is an attempt to shed light on the current development phase of Finnish innovation system facing the new paradigm. The Finnish innovation system is seen as a mosaic of regional innovation systems. The regional innovation systems are analysed through a developed framework including elements of theories of innovation systems and cluster theories as well as two recent national-level strategy documents. One of the main concepts of the study is related variety in regional innovation platforms. This study also aims at creating a pragmatic framework for describing related variety at the regional level by combining aspects from two theoretical frameworks. The empirical data were gathered in a series of workshops in all the Finnish regions during the year 2008. The result maps Finnish thematic regional innovation platforms fuelled by related variety.

Dynamics of Openness in Innovation Processes-A Case Study in the Finnish Food Industry

Knowledge and Process Management, 2013

ABSTRACT Recent practical business discussion and academic studies highlight the collaborative na... more ABSTRACT Recent practical business discussion and academic studies highlight the collaborative nature of innovation activities. Today, almost all innovations are generated in cooperation with others in a systemic world. The role of openness is widely acknowledged, but the dynamics of openness in innovation processes is studied and discussed less. There is a lack of understanding about the open and closed phases during innovation processes. By observing such dynamics, this study extends the current theories from the point of open and closed phases in innovation processes. The analysis is based on a case study on a large Finnish food industry company and its long-term innovation process concerning the utilization of rye fibre since the early 1990s. The results show that it is very important to understand the interaction and the critical points during dynamic phases of innovation processes. Seizing the phases of openness and closure is crucial for successful innovation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Dynamics of Openness in Innovation Processes-A Case Study in the Finnish Food Industry

Knowledge and Process Management, 2013

ABSTRACT Recent practical business discussion and academic studies highlight the collaborative na... more ABSTRACT Recent practical business discussion and academic studies highlight the collaborative nature of innovation activities. Today, almost all innovations are generated in cooperation with others in a systemic world. The role of openness is widely acknowledged, but the dynamics of openness in innovation processes is studied and discussed less. There is a lack of understanding about the open and closed phases during innovation processes. By observing such dynamics, this study extends the current theories from the point of open and closed phases in innovation processes. The analysis is based on a case study on a large Finnish food industry company and its long-term innovation process concerning the utilization of rye fibre since the early 1990s. The results show that it is very important to understand the interaction and the critical points during dynamic phases of innovation processes. Seizing the phases of openness and closure is crucial for successful innovation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Contextualising weak signals: Towards a relational theory of futures knowledge

by Toni Ahlqvist and Tuomo Uotila

Futures, 2020

In this paper we propose a framework to re-think and widen the theoretical assumptions behind so-... more In this paper we propose a framework to re-think and widen the theoretical assumptions behind so-called weak signal theory in futures studies. This paper suggests that the present understanding of weak signals views the topic as a question of linear emergence, that is, a sequence of development that perceives the topic evolving from an embryo towards a full-blown future issue or trend. However, this viewpoint does not take into account the context and perspective – or
positionality – of the perceiver. This issue has, we argue, wide-ranging effects on the identification and interpretation of weak signals. Thus, as a response to this gap, we outline a relational theory of futures knowledge that aims to consider this missing theoretical baseline and widen the understanding of the nature and formation of weak signals. The theory builds on selected tenets of behavioural economics, psychology, human geography and anthropology. This paper outlines
the principles of current weak signal theory and depicts the relational theory. It also provides selected empirical examples to emphasise the points made.

Dynamics of openness in innovation processes - A case study in the Finnish food industry

by Tuomo Uotila and Martti Mäkimattila

Knowledge and Process Management, Dec 2013

Recent practical business discussion and academic studies highlight the collaborative nature of i... more Recent practical business discussion and academic studies highlight the collaborative nature of innovation activities. Today, almost all innovations are generated in cooperation with others in a systemic world. The role of openness is widely acknowledged, but the dynamics of openness in innovation processes is studied and discussed less. There is a lack of understanding about the open and closed phases during innovation processes. By observing such dynamics, this study extends the current theories from the point of open and closed phases in innovation processes. The analysis is based on a case study on a large Finnish food industry company and its long-term innovation process concerning the utilization of rye fibre since the early 1990s. The results show that it is very important to understand the interaction and the critical points during dynamic phases of innovation processes. Seizing the phases of openness and closure is crucial for successful innovation.

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Building regional visionary capability. Futures research in resource-based regional development

by Vesa Harmaakorpi and Tuomo Uotila

Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Jan 1, 2006

In the present study, regional visionary capability is seen as a crucial factor in building regio... more In the present study, regional visionary capability is seen as a crucial factor in building regional competitive advantage under the present techno-economic paradigm. Regions are considered as strongly path-dependent entities needing to create new, even radical, paths to stay competitive in a rapidly changing world. The Regional Development Platform Method (RDPM) is presented as an innovative tool in developing regional innovation systems. The RDPM consists of eight phases and the focus of the present article is on the fourth phase of the RDPM: the search for new regional development paths and building regional visionary capability. The RDPM has been tested in the Lahti (Finland) regional innovation system revealing the need to develop the fourth phase further. D

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SUOMALAISEN INNOVAATIOJÄRJESTELMÄN MOSAIIKKIALUEELLISTEN TEEMA-VALINTOJEN TARKASTELU

by Hermans Raine, Vesa Harmaakorpi, and Tuomo Uotila

Discussion Papers, Jan 1, 2009

TIIVISTELMÄ: Viime vuosien aikana kaikilla alueilla Suomessa on laadittu useita alueellisia tekno... more TIIVISTELMÄ: Viime vuosien aikana kaikilla alueilla Suomessa on laadittu useita alueellisia teknologia-ja innovaatiostrategioita. Strategioiden laadinnassa käytetyt lähestymistavat, menetelmät ja niiden semantiikka ovat kuitenkin poikenneet toisistaan huomattavasti, mikä on tehnyt niiden keskinäisen vertailun hyvin vaikeaksi. Tämän raportin tavoitteena on esitellä, analysoida ja yhteismitallistaa jo olemassa olevia alueellisia innovaatiostrategioita käyttäen tarkoitukseen kehitettyä käsitteellistä viitekehystä. Viitekehys tukeutuu tuoreeseen kansallisen tason strategiadokumentteihin, mutta ammentaa elementtejä myös alueellisten innovaatiojärjestelmien ja kansainvälisen kaupan teorioista.

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Finnish Mosaic of Regional Innovation System—Assessment of Thematic Regional Innovation Platforms Based on Related Variety

by Vesa Harmaakorpi and Tuomo Uotila

European Planning Studies, 2012

ABSTRACT The emphasis of Finnish innovation policy has very much been on promoting actions that c... more ABSTRACT The emphasis of Finnish innovation policy has very much been on promoting actions that can be labelled as science–technology–innovation mode of innovation, which is based on the production and use of codified scientific and technical knowledge. However, recent research has emphasized also the importance of more experienced-based mode of learning and innovation, which can be labelled as doing–using–interacting mode of innovation. This study is an attempt to shed light on the current development phase of Finnish innovation system facing the new paradigm. The Finnish innovation system is seen as a mosaic of regional innovation systems. The regional innovation systems are analysed through a developed framework including elements of theories of innovation systems and cluster theories as well as two recent national-level strategy documents. One of the main concepts of the study is related variety in regional innovation platforms. This study also aims at creating a pragmatic framework for describing related variety at the regional level by combining aspects from two theoretical frameworks. The empirical data were gathered in a series of workshops in all the Finnish regions during the year 2008. The result maps Finnish thematic regional innovation platforms fuelled by related variety.

Incorporating futures research into regional knowledge creation and management

by Vesa Harmaakorpi and Tuomo Uotila

Futures, Jan 1, 2005

This article focuses on future-oriented knowledge within regional innovation networks. Concrete r... more This article focuses on future-oriented knowledge within regional innovation networks. Concrete regional tools and institutional settings aiming to enhance knowledge creation and management in such networks are needed. To enable planning for the future, there is a need for regional visionary capability. Resource-based futures research may make an important contribution in reducing the insecurity that regions face in the turbulent environment. When foresight processes are not absorbed into the regional strategy making processes, 'black holes of regional strategy making' come into existence, and future scenarios are built without taking into consideration the path-dependency of a region.

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Chasing black swans through science fiction: Analysing the dimensions of surprising future events in the materials of a writing competition initiated by the Finnish state

In the paper we analyse the notion of ‘black swan’ as popularised by Taleb (2007). We propose tha... more In the paper we analyse the notion of ‘black swan’ as popularised by Taleb (2007). We propose that in the context of the futures’ imagination, a black swan can be defined as hybrid
that integrates local knowledge with multiple temporal scales, combining past, present and future tenses. As empirical material, we analyse the short stories from a writing contest held by the Finnish Parliament’s Committee for the Future. The material contains 132 short stories. The analysis gives intriguing insights into how Finnish people – from different locales, of different ages and with differing educational and professional backgrounds – imagine different futures.

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Combining Foresight and Innovation: Developing a Conceptual Model

by Tuomo Uotila, Vesa Harmaakorpi, and Martti Mäkimattila

Practice-Based Innovation: …

Foresight and innovation are activities closely linked with each other, the former providing inpu... more

Challenges of multi-actor involvement in the public sector front-end innovation processes: Constructing an open innovation model for developing well-being services

by Tuomo Uotila and Satu Parjanen

European Journal of Innovation Management, 2011

- Constructing an open innovation model for developing well-being services ... Purpose Studies ... more

Environmental Knowledge Management of Finnish Food and Drink Companies in Eco-Efficiency and Waste Management

by Tuomo Uotila, Virgilio Panapanaan, and Lassi Linnanen

Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, Knowledge, and Management, Dec 2013

Environmental knowledge management helps organizations to achieve their environmental, business, ... more Environmental knowledge management helps organizations to achieve their environmental, business, and economic goals. This paper, through the analysis of semi-structured interviews from 11 Finnish food and drink companies, presents how they acquire, share, create, use, and accumulate their environmental knowledge eco-efficiency and waste management from a product life cycle perspective. The findings indicate dominance of tacit over explicit knowledge approaches and greater development of knowledge on raw materials compared to energy efficiency and waste management. Learning by doing, learning from others, formal and informal meetings, measuring and optimizing production parameters are the most important activities in reducing environmental impacts and increasing eco-efficiency. The paper identifies two more findings relating to gaps in knowledge sharing and retention and it proposes some solutions how to overcome them. The main contribution of the paper is demonstration of the life cycle and knowledge management approach that could help companies to identify and understand their eco-efficiency and waste management aspects. Furthermore, this paper outlines how companies could integrate these aspects into their organizational and technological structure.

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Creation and alignment of eco-innovation strategy model to regional innovation strategy: a case from Päijät-Häme Region, Finland

European Planning Studies, 2013

Facilitating collaborative knowledge creation by using ’Research-Based Theatre’ in organizational innovation: Experiences from a Finnish wood-processing company

Futures, 2013

Foresight and Innovation: Emergence and Resilience of the Cleantech Cluster at Lahti, Finland.

In “Reframing regional development. Evolution, innovation and transition” (ed. Philip Cooke). Pp 203-233. Routledge. Taylor & Francis Group. London and New York. ISBN: 978-0-415-68646-4 (hbk); ISBN: 978-0-203-09748-9 (ebk), 2013

Finnish Mosaic of Regional Innovation System—Assessment of Thematic Regional Innovation Platforms Based on Related Variety

European Planning Studies, 2012

ABSTRACT The emphasis of Finnish innovation policy has very much been on promoting actions that c... more ABSTRACT The emphasis of Finnish innovation policy has very much been on promoting actions that can be labelled as science–technology–innovation mode of innovation, which is based on the production and use of codified scientific and technical knowledge. However, recent research has emphasized also the importance of more experienced-based mode of learning and innovation, which can be labelled as doing–using–interacting mode of innovation. This study is an attempt to shed light on the current development phase of Finnish innovation system facing the new paradigm. The Finnish innovation system is seen as a mosaic of regional innovation systems. The regional innovation systems are analysed through a developed framework including elements of theories of innovation systems and cluster theories as well as two recent national-level strategy documents. One of the main concepts of the study is related variety in regional innovation platforms. This study also aims at creating a pragmatic framework for describing related variety at the regional level by combining aspects from two theoretical frameworks. The empirical data were gathered in a series of workshops in all the Finnish regions during the year 2008. The result maps Finnish thematic regional innovation platforms fuelled by related variety.

Kohti kuntaklusteria: verkostoitumisen logiikka kuntien palvelutuotannossa

… aikakauskirja 33 (2005): …, Jan 1, 2005

PÄIJÄT-HÄMEEN PALVELURAKENNETULEVAISUUS-TARKASTELU

paijat-hame.fi

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