Transitions, evolution & history

Innovations do not arise out of a vacuum but are very much part of longer historical developments, in science, policy and society at large. As such, contemporary developments in science and technology cannot be understood without knowledge of the ways in which they build on previous work and configurations. Historical approaches explore continuities and discontinuities in the development of science and technology, drawing attention to trajectories, transitions and alternatives. Moreover, exploring how specific advances in science and technology unfold over time, including their interaction with research and science policy, can shed light on different approaches for fostering innovation and understanding their value

Projects

When is industry ‘sustainable’?

25 May 2023

In her latest article, Prof Smita Srinivas, economic development expert and Innogen member, presents an institutional theory framework to inform the assessment of fast-moving pandemic evidence. She argues that essential features of how some countries and industries adapted during the pandemic have been missed.

Innogen retreat 2019

10 October 2019

This year's annual meeting took place 3-4 October in Edinburgh and it brought together researchers from the Open University and the University of Edinburgh as well as colleagues from the Open University Scotland. 

Professor Andrew Webster (1951-2021)

29 September 2021

We have learned with the greatest sadness of the passing of Andrew Webster, Professor in sociology at the University of York.

Innogen annual meeting 2022

13 June 2022

Innogen researchers and PhD students at The Open University and The University of Edinburgh gathered at High School Yards Teaching Centre in Edinburgh on the 26-27th May to present their work and share future plans.

Seaweed research collaborations meet dance

20 September 2023

On the 7th September at the The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Innogen co-director Professor Niki Vermeulen, geographer Dr Marion Maisonobe and choreographer Brendan Le Delliou used the medium of dance to convey how international collaborations in seaweed research are forged.