To read this content please select one of the options below:

Innovation system dynamics in the Swedish telecom sector

Sven Lindmark (Head of division and Doctoral researcher at the Department of Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.)
Erik J. Andersson (An analyst at Volvo Group NAP, Gothenburg, Sweden.)
Erik Bohlin (Associate Professor at the Department of Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.)
Mattias Johansson (Research fellow at the Department of Technology Management and Economics at Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.)

info

ISSN: 1463-6697

Article publication date: 1 July 2006

2538

Abstract

Purpose

To analyse the evolution of the Swedish telecommunications sector (1970‐2003), with a focus on barriers and drivers of innovative activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Developing a functional approach to innovation systems analysis, where six basic interdependent functions need to be served for a new technology to be developed and diffused and for a supporting industry to evolve. The sector is divided into four major sub‐sectors: traditional fixed telecom; mobile telephony; fixed data communications (including internet); and mobile data communications (including mobile internet).

Findings

Relate to two questions: first, how did it happen that Sweden developed a leading innovation system for mobile telephony but not for data communication; and second, what are the strengths and weaknesses of the innovation system for mobile data communications? Findings include that early developments mattered, innovative search direction is crucial as are the provision of incentives for innovative activity.

Research limitations/implications

Functional analysis of innovation systems useful for guiding policy actions, which should have the purpose of strengthening weak functions, removing bottlenecks and stimulating inducement mechanisms, in particular if used to stimulate the transition from one phase to another. It needs further development, in particular with respect to the understanding of diffusion processes.

Practical implications

The stimulation of innovation in, and diffusion of, mobile and broadband data services is crucial to development of the innovation system, globally, in Europe and in Sweden. An innovation system which allows for entrepreneurial experimentation should be fostered. Early stage financing and diffusion of services are major system weaknesses. Regulatory authorities should consider addressing innovation explicitly.

Originality/value

New (adapted) approach for guiding policy action. Better understanding of dynamics in the telecom sector, and the comparative success and failure of Swedish industry in sub‐sectors.

Keywords

Citation

Lindmark, S., Andersson, E.J., Bohlin, E. and Johansson, M. (2006), "Innovation system dynamics in the Swedish telecom sector", info, Vol. 8 No. 4, pp. 49-66. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636690610676540

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles