InnovaGEIST

The central concern of the project is the development of a broader, socially anchored concept of innovation. Innova.GEIST aims to develop an inclusive regional innovation strategy that addresses both technical and social solution potential and contributes to the successful transformation of Lusatia.

The theoretical framework is based on:

• problem-oriented research
• socio-ecological research
• feminist theories
• spatial and sustainability research

Particular attention is paid to the investigation of linear versus cyclical innovation concepts, whereby the thesis is pursued that social innovations more frequently contain cyclical elements.

The project pursues a transdisciplinary, problem-oriented research approach with cooperative research and practice partners. The methodology includes:

• Development of heuristics for technological and social innovation spaces
• Comparative analysis of these spaces
• Recording of innovation narratives of different actors
• Evaluation and comparison of innovation histories

• Analysis of structural change-related social innovations in the region and their economic and non-economic utilization
• Experimental linking of research and business partners to determine the need for social innovations in the technical-technological business environment
• Development of recommendations for action based on scientific synopsis
• Translation of the research results for regional innovation stakeholders and the Lusatian Life & Technology Alliance

• Development of a "toolbox" for inclusive innovation strategies
• Practical insights into the interaction framework of local actors and objects
• Intervention possibilities for economic actors to better integrate their innovations into the social space
• Sustainable business concept as a model for the region

The project aims to critically scrutinize the prevailing innovation imperative and integrate elements of cyclical innovation concepts into economic models. The results are to be transferred to future innovation and value creation processes in regional clusters and serve as a model for sustainable corporate development in the start-up sector.