Workplace innovation as a process: Examples from Europe

Abstract

Presenting a study in ten EU Member States, this chapter discusses the implementation of workplace innovation (WPI) by European companies. Central questions are: (1) Why do companies apply WPI and are there different strategies that they use? (2) How do these companies implement WPI interventions and provide employees a role in that process? (3) What types of WPI interventions are being implemented, and what are the (expected) effects of such interventions? The chapter concludes that successful WPI is a subtle interplay of management-driven business goals and employee-driven quality of work life goals. The main take away message is that constructive cooperation between management and employees is key for innovation, competitiveness and good quality jobs.