Disrupting practices: New insights into innovation

Beckett, Antony

Abstract

In building theories to explain phenomena one of the key challenges is to identify the correct ‘unit of analysis’. This is fundamental if theory is to be useful in explaining the salient features of that phenomena and its broader impact. Within the field of innovation studies theorising has focused on two units of analysis; technology and value. In this paper those units of analysis are rejected. They need to be replaced it argues with a focus on ‘practices’. Using practices as the unit of analysis the paper articulates the links between innovation and the production and consumption of value arguing that such a focus generates new insights into how innovation changes the production and consumption of value. Building on those insights it develops a classification of innovation. Using that classification the paper concludes by developing a framework for innovation, suggesting ways in which firms can engage in innovation using a practice approach.

Citation

Beckett, A. (2012). Disrupting practices: New insights into innovation. Strategic Change, 21(5-6), 217-229. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.1905

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2012
• Deposit Date: May 10, 2012
• Journal: Strategic Change
• Print ISSN: 1099-1697
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 5-6
• Pages: 217-229
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.1905
• Keywords: practices, innovation, disruption
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/945047
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jsc.1905