Transformative change: What role for science, technology and innovation policy? An introduction to the 50th Anniversary of the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) Special Issue

This paper introduces a special issue marking the 50th anniversary of the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU). The authors trace the evolution of innovation policy through three distinct 'frames' of thought. The first frame, dominant post-WWII, focused on 'market failure' and public investment in science to drive economic growth. The second frame, which emerged later, emphasized the 'national system of innovation,' focusing on the complex interactions between firms, universities, and governments to foster competitiveness and incremental innovation.

The authors argue that while the first two frames have been productive, they have also contributed to systemic dysfunctions, including climate change, resource depletion, and rising inequality. They propose a 'third frame' of innovation policy designed to address these challenges. This approach moves beyond simple R&D or system-level optimization to focus on 'transformative change'—the fundamental restructuring of socio-technical systems such as energy, mobility, and healthcare. This frame prioritizes directionality (aligning innovation with social goals like the UN Sustainable Development Goals), inclusivity, and the co-evolution of social, ecological, and technological systems.

The shift toward a third frame represents a fundamental change in how policymakers view their role. Rather than merely fixing market failures or coordinating actors within a national system, the third frame calls for active, participatory, and reflexive engagement with the political and institutional orders that shape innovation. By highlighting the limitations of current 'innovation-led' growth models, the paper provides a framework for researchers and policymakers to rethink how science, technology, and innovation can be harnessed to solve urgent societal problems rather than just increasing GDP.