Debating Innovation

“For decades we have been told that innovation is a good thing, and that it will help us solve problems from hair loss to the climate crisis. But what if innovation is the problem? Fast capitalism relies on the whirlwind of the new, when now we seem to need slowness, nostalgia and steady state economies. In this provocative book, the authors encourage us to think beyond cliches about the shiny future and instead think harder about what it might mean to treat novelty with suspicion.”

— Martin Parker, Professor of Organisation, University of Bristol, UK
“This is a great book, as not just another praising of innovation, but offering critique, perspectives and nuances that are both refreshing and relevant. It will serve as a lens for the reader, making sense of innovation and the unfolding future thereof.”
— Christer Windeløv-Lidzélius, CEO at Kaospilot, Denmark

"An enjoyable and unconventional venture by a multi-vocal choir of scholars to question innovation critically. Mostly refreshing is the way the book doesn’t stop short at just critiquing but having the courage and ambition to push forward, providing both “musts” and “shoulds” for innovation studies."

— Marcus Lindahl, Chair of Industrial Engineering & Management, Uppsala University, Sweden

Despite its complexity, innovation is often depicted within academic literature as a phenomenon that is innately good and always necessary. This thought-provoking volume presents a more nuanced view – through a number of paired chapters for and against, as well as more general critiques of innovation and several suggested new lines of inquiry, the book will be of interest to all with a broader interest in innovation.

Alf Rehn is Professor of Innovation, Design, and Management at the University of Southern Denmark. He is also active as a strategic advisor and a keynote speaker. His research focuses on power and culture in creativity and innovation.

Anders Örtenblad is Professor of Working Life Science at the School of Business and Law, University of Agder, Norway, and Professor II at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway. He is the founder and editor of the book series Palgrave Debates in Business and Management.