Tradition and innovation: Between dynamics and tensions

Abstract

Tradition is certainly not new to the domain of innovation research. However, the interplay between the two has attracted less nuanced attention than it should have. Drawing on institutional theory, the purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics and tensions between traditions and innovations, by proposing an analytical framework. It also applies the framework using a case study approach, where the practices involved in the innovation process constitute the unit of analysis. The findings of the paper show that the interplay between the tradition and innovation is seldom a linear process; rather, there are dynamics and tensions related to both, with the enabling or restricting nature of tradition in innovative processes and the contribution of innovation to the preservation of tradition, be it in the form of knowledge or local cultural values.

Keywords:

• tradition
• innovation
• institutionalism

Acknowledgement

The data were collected and analyses conducted within the framework of the 7th Framework programme, the International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES): Crossing Boundaries: Knowledge and Technology Transfer and Innovation.

ORCID

Cristina de Sousa http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8051-3943