National Systems of Innovation and Path Dependency

Science and Technology Ventures in India: Integrating NIS, SSI and Ecosystem Perspectives

“…The systemic and national character of innovation has been elaborated and advanced by scholars over several decades now (Freeman, 2004;Peters, 2006). However, the research on the systemic perspective to innovation has taken two trajectories: one embodying the NIS perspective (e.g., Nelson, 1993;Patel & Pavitt, 1994) and another adopting an ecosystem approach (e.g., Audretsch et al, 2021;Spigel & Harrison, 2018).…”

“…For instance, radar and communication technologies that emerged from the MIT Radiation Laboratory played a central role in enabling the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) revolution (Buderi, 2022). In another example, Peters (2006) narrates how the convergence of semiconductors and liquid crystal display technology played a key role in heralding the information age. Also, Patel and Pavitt (1994) observe how basic research in photons led to a revolution in data storage through laser-etched compact discs.…”

“…As is evident from Table 1, the Indian state has continually attempted to nurture a scientific mindset from the grassroots. In the course of advancing S&T research, the Indian government has initiated several policy frameworks (such as Redesigned programme into four tracks with decentralised, bottom-up approach and sectoral focus TPS and STIP) and enacted institutional mechanisms (such as NIF and SERB), which align with the NIS perspective discussed by scholars (Nelson, 1993;Peters, 2006). This enactment of an NIS-driven approach by the Indian government can be seen as unfolding in a sequence of stages.…”