Application of Systemic-Structural Activity Theory to Evaluation of Innovations

摘要

This paper discusses methodological issues related to the innovation process. Generally, the approach to the determination of innovation efficiency consists of comparing the effect of innovative activities and the cost of innovations which provide this effect. Here we examine the innovation efficiency from the perspective of human performance. Systemic-structural activity theory offers analytical methods for studying how innovations impact productivity, complexity and reliability of task performance. Systemic-structural activity theory approach concentrates on reducing the complexity of work, enhancing reliability of task performance, evaluating innovations, determining the most efficient versions of software or equipment and on developing the efficient strategies of performance. The results of this study suggest that SSAT offers methods of evaluation of efficiency of innovation at the design level. The use of these methods allows to determine if innovations increase productivity and reliability of performance, and reduce the rate of human errors without costly development process.