Innovation projects need resilience

摘要

In this paper we examine what enables (or hinders) innovation project to create innovation whilst being part in a system of innovation. By using complexity theory and the notion of resilience, we show that the complexity in innovation projects stems from being knowledge intensive, having multiple stakeholders involved, and that time lags occur during the project. To handle these constant challenges, there is a need of supporting resources that enable projects to be resilient, i.e., able to respond constructively without "cracking under the pressure". Our conclusion is that key, and external, actors should strive to create an environment that enables resilience.