Distribution sensitive innovation policies: Conceptualization and empirical examples

Amos Zehavi, Dan Breznitz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Innovation is essential to economic growth. However, it appears that the ways in which we pursue innovation policies generate economic inequities. In this paper, we explore policies that could be devised and employed with the aim of increasing growth while taking into account economic distribution. We call these policies distribution-sensitive innovation policies (DSIP). Following an exploratory theoretical approach, the paper focuses on a specific set of DSIP which are focused on particular groups of disadvantaged producers and consumers. We first categorize such programs into four types, and then employ a comparative approach to analyze existing programs in terms of these types, first, in our primary case study, Israel, and, then, using the United States, Germany, and Sweden as limited shadow cases to elaborate on the finding from our primary case. We conclude by arguing that although these programs are currently driven primarily by a concern for economic efficiency and not distribution, they show that our approach utilizing innovation policy to reach dual economic and social policy goals has potential for success.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)327-336
Number of pages10
JournalResearch Policy
Volume46
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2017

Keywords

  • Distribution
  • Equity
  • Growth
  • Innovation policy
  • Science and technology

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Management of Technology and Innovation
  • Strategy and Management
  • Management Science and Operations Research

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