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Charles Edquist
I am the Holder of the Ruben Rausing Chair in Innovation Research at CIRCLE, Lund University, Sweden. I have published many books and numerous articles on innovation processes, innovation systems and innovation policy. This includes the edited volumes entitled “Systems of Innovation: Technologies, Institutions and Organizations” (1997) and “Small Country Innovation Systems: Globalization, Change and Policy in Asia and Europe” (2008). They constitute major contributions to the development of the so-called Systems of Innovation Approach. So does the chapter in the Oxford Handbook of Innovation, entitled “Systems of Innovation: Perspectives and Challenges” (2005). I have also made many contributions to the field of innovation policy and governance of innovation systems, the latest ones being the articles in Industrial and Corporate Change (2011) and Research Policy (2012). The impact of the research is indicated by the fact that I am among the 50 (or so) most cited innovation researchers (out of the 6 – 7 000) in the world.
I have comprehensive international experiences. This includes longer stays at different universities, a large number of invitations as keynote speaker and sejours as a consultant in many countries. Many of the conferences have involved public policy-makers and firm representatives as well as academics. I have been involved in evaluation and consultancy tasks over decades and in almost all continents. This includes collaboration with numerous international organizations (such as OECD, UNIDO, EU, UNCTAD, ILO, UNDP, UNESCO) but also with Swedish organizations (such as the Ministry of Industries, NUTEK, VINNOVA) and firms (such as Astra-Zeneca, SAAB Aerospace, Volvo Trucks). Among the evaluations, I could mention an evaluation of a “technology bridging” organization (in Linköping, Sweden) and the comprehensive evaluation of the Finnish National Innovation System for the Finnish Government. Currently I am a consultant to Sweco Eurofutures (Stockholm) in three different evaluation projects.
Among my experiences in research management, I was one of the founders of CIRCLE (Centre for Innovation, Research and Competence in the Learning Economy) at Lund University in 2004 as well as its director during the first seven years (2004 - 2011), during which time the research staff increased from zero to 40 persons (representing 12 nationalities and 15 disciplines). By 2011, CIRCLE had established itself as a leading international centre for research and advice on R&D, innovation, knowledge creation, entrepreneurship and economic dynamics and one of the largest innovation research centra in Europe.
Currently I work mainly on issues related to innovation policy as a writer and as an advisor to governments and firms. One project is called the Rausing Project on Innovation Processes and Innovation Policies. It addresses theoretical, empirical and policy-oriented aspects of innovation processes in innovation systems. It includes analyses of the determinants (‘ten activities’, including entrepreneurship and demand-side instruments, such as innovation procurement) and consequences of innovations, as well as their measurement (innovation indicators). On this basis, the foundations of policies are focused, i.e. theory, rationales, objectives, instruments and practices related to innovation policies.
All the above is detailed in my full CV to be found at the CIRCLE home page: www.circle.lu.se Press ‘Staff’ and my name.
Last modified 17 Apr 2012
