Innovation science: A primer

The term innovation resonates broadly in cyberspace, books and journals. A careful analysis of the vast open-source information indicates that the engineering literature on underlying science of innovation is limited. Innovations in any domain can be enhanced by principles and insights from different disciplines. However, the process of identifying the linkages between the diverse disciplines and the target domain is not well understood. The innovation process and conditions triggering innovation set the stage for economic progress. This paper contributes to better understanding of the process of innovation by introducing basic innovation models. The ideas outlined provide a roadmap for areas of future study, as innovation science can provide a pathway for industries to be able to successfully compete in the global market. Copyright 2007 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.