Innovation is widely acknowledged to be one of the key drivers for both business and economic growth. During recessions and periods of economic difficulty, the search for opportunities to innovate becomes a priority for business leaders across industry sectors, in order to help ensure firm survival, stimulate firm rejuvenation where required and appropriate, and if possible to secure continued business growth and success. Furthermore, redundancies and unemployment act as a stimulus for innovation and entrepreneurship at the level of individuals.
At such times too, the notion of innovation tends to rise to the top of government agendas at both regional and national levels as policymakers recognise its importance for regional sustainability, and seek to harness the potential of innovation for economic regeneration and growth. Social innovation tends to come to the fore also, as community cohesion, stability and sustainability become priorities when social deprivation, poverty and unemployment threaten.
Building on some of the core themes and topics presented and debated at the 6th European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ECIE 2011), Aberdeen, UK, this special issue is devoted to research exploring innovation as a means to regenerating businesses, communities or regions during, or in the aftermath of, straitened economic times. Within this overall context, papers are invited that cover types and sources of innovation, including social innovation, as well as issues associated with innovation impact.
The issue will carry revised and substantially extended versions of selected papers presented at ECIE 2011, but we also strongly encourage researchers unable to participate in the conference to submit papers for this call.
Suitable topics include but are not limited to:
- Innovation and regional sustainability or regeneration
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Entrepreneurial learning and innovation
- Innovation-driven industry and university partnerships
- Training initiatives for innovation stimulation
- Innovation and policy making
- Innovation networks
- Social business and social innovation
- Community-led innovation
- Case studies or review papers on relevant innovation topics
Deadline for submission of manuscripts: 19 March, 2012
Notification of acceptance/rejection to authors: 28 May, 2012
Submission of final manuscript: 9 July, 2012
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