The tree lives beyond its leaves: Freeman’s legacy on system thinking for innovation studies

ABSTRACT

In this short essay, I will discuss Christopher Freeman’s legacy using two axes: (i) the multidimensional vision that he has put forward in National Innovation Systems and (ii) the upmost importance of considering time as a structuring element of the systemic analysis of innovation. I identify some aspects of Freeman’s systemic thinking. This essay is closed by reflecting on the beautiful road ahead that Freeman has signalled for future generations of scholars.

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Correction Statement

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Notes

1 To be fair, I must state that Freeman proposes these dimensions linked to the historic evolution. I am deliberately taking the historic dimension out since I want to abord it in the next section of this essay.

2 I am being unfair when stating that the contribution of Latin American innovation scholars is of upmost importance for Latin American development. As a matter of fact, the insights that come from the region are part of the global knowledge that has increased the explanatory power of innovation systems analytical framework in Latin America and elsewhere. However, since at this moment I am unable to track its global impact, I am circumscribing it to the part of the planet where it was born: it remains only my bad.