This paper examines an assistive technology targeted to ageing people: a safety alarm and the related service system. A safety alarm is not only a technical device; with the related system, it can be seen as a holistic opportunity for innovation. The operation of safety alarm systems and services depends on many critical points. Potholes lying in safety alarm systems are identified in this stud...

This paper gives an overview of various approaches to how innovations affect economic growth: from standard macroeconomic equilibrium theory, growth accounting, new growth theories, catching-up theories, evolutionary theories based on theories of techno-economic paradigms and co-evolution to a systems of innovation approach. The paper focuses on approaches which sees growth as emanating from pr...

This study empirically tests a heuristic model of non-technical engineering competences. The results of factor analysis and regression analysis support the model proposing six non-technical competence domains consisting of 19 competences engineers use in their everyday work. Furthermore, the competence domains have a shared component with their neighboring competences. Engineers use more freque...

In light of the increasing importance of social innovation, this study looks at the theoretical concepts, areas of empirical research and observable trends in the field of social innovation. This trend study starts with an overview of the current situation and the perspectives of socio-scientific innovation research that have greatly contributed to the development and spread of an enlightened s...

Public organisations are normally overwhelmed with socio-technical challenges of Information Systems (IS) innovation at both organisational and institutional levels. However, most studies of these challenges adopt an organisational perspective, leaving the institutional perspective largely unanalysed. In this paper, the IS innovation challenges faced by a British local authority are analysed to...

The information technology (IT) and IT products industry has become the essential " first pillar " industry and an important force behind the growth of China's national economy. However, information technology-related electrical and electronic waste has also caused a considerable environmental burden to China. This paper focuses on the developing circular economy (CE) policy within China and it...