Dynamic modelling for the analysis and support of systemic innovations and competition strategies:Dissertation

The research question of the Dissertation is to look for new possibilities of dynamic modelling related to systemic innovations and competition strategies. The dynamic modelling approaches considered include qualitative and graphical models (causal loop diagrams and stock and flow diagrams) as well as quantitative simulation models (system dynamics and agent based modelling). Simulation modelling is used to show the emergent behaviour due to the interrelationships between parts of a socio-technical system. Dynamic modelling is used as an analysis tool in combination with other tools from the fields of innovation studies and foresight. Methods are developed for evaluating the impacts of innovations with system dynamics modelling. In Article 1, system dynamics modelling is applied to show different impacts of an innovation and the interrelationships between different dimensions of impacts. In Article 2, a participatory process is created for supporting the development and adoption of systemic innovations. In the process developed, system dynamics modelling is combined with foresights tools. Dynamic modelling is also used as a tool for theoretical analysis. The effects of different sources of complexity are studied. Interdependencies between parts of an innovation are examined in Article 3. As indicated by the results, the best way of organising innovative activities depends on the decomposability of the innovation. Increasing returns mechanisms are examined in Article 4. Policies to overcome the undesired effects of increasing returns mechanisms related to digital platforms are also designed and tested. In Article 5, the effects of time delays on the competition between two firms are studied. As a result of the Dissertation, new case-specific results as well as theoretic insights are obtained. Based on these observations, it is concluded that there are rich opportunities for dynamic modelling combined with other tools in the domains of innovation studies and competition strategies