Theorizing transformative innovations: the role of agency in real critical junctures

Abstract

On global scale, societies are facing a technological revolution that is expected to have a fundamental impact on their social, economic and political foundations. Theoretical frameworks analysing technological change seldom include political agency and rarely consider outcomes in terms of socio-economic inequality. We argue that transformative change requires transformative innovation involving cooperation of different actors around mission-oriented and experimental policies in various constellations at the micro-, meso- and macro-levels. How actors shape transformative change depends on the challenges and opportunities created by the context of critical juncture, balance of power and their capacity to restructure society. This chapter aims at contributing to further development and progressive problemshift of the neo-Schumpeterian research programme by theorising the role of actors in real critical junctures.