Innovation in practice and practicing innovation: making sense of a contested area - a conceptual framework for educators

Latin America represents one of the most dynamic regions of the World in terms of its business climate. With contributions from academics, business professionals, policy makers, and trade representatives and reflecting the outcomes of a major innovation and knowledge transfer project, Innovation Support in Latin America and Europe explores the need for training innovation professionals and then identifies appropriate strategies and best practice for ensuring its delivery. Reviewing the literature and existing practices of innovation, the authors explore the often misunderstood and contested terrain that surrounds innovation theory, policy and practice. Here is a comparative insight into Latin American and European approaches to innovation management and innovation in practice, and an examination of how innovative ideas are exploited in and for a specifically Latin American context. Arranged into sections, each with separate academic and practitioner focused chapters, the text addresses: Innovation and innovation systems; innovation and competitiveness in turbulent times; knowledge exchange, creativity, enterprise, and capacity building; the commercialization of innovation; and then the lessons learnt from innovation practice specifically in the Latin American arena. Offering a refreshing, contemporary and trans-national perspective and a clear, concise and enriching discussion on the interplay between research, policy and practice, this book will appeal to academics and researchers, higher level students, policy makers and business leaders, particularly those with any interest in Latin America.