Narrative Economics perspective on modeling national innovation system

Abstract

The paper proposes a conceptual framework for studying Russian innovation system through the lens of a narrative economics approach. Applied narrative analysis involves five stages: 1) defining the range of influential media sources; 2) highlighting relevant narratives; 3) measuring the virality of narratives and revealing their connection to certain rules and institutions; 4) identifying problem situations related to key research issues; 5) assessing the influence of narratives, ideas, rules and institutions on the problem situations. We conducted a literature review relying on the co-occurrence method, and compiled mental maps to identify three domains associated with narrative economics: financial markets; the institutional environment of economy; science and education. The narratives are proposed to be classified as a) the sources of qualitative data on certain behavioral patterns, and b) simplified models related to particular scholar traditions. The research findings show six key issues featuring Russian innovation system: public administration of innovation activities; the selection of research areas; demand-based innovation; institutional structure and competitive environment; personnel for research and innovation; human resources in research and development; intellectual property. We distinguish between two approaches that complement formal modeling. Within the ex ante approach, narrative analysis precedes modeling, allowing to make related assumptions. Ex post approach deals with the conclusions resulted from a particular model application. Relying on the research findings, we use relevant narratives to supplement the explanatory hypotheses and interpret the problem situation.

Sustainable organizational development and human capital in the context of soft systems methodology

“…At its core, institutional economics posits that the performance and sustainability of organizations are not merely outcomes of market forces but are significantly influenced by the institutional environment (Volchik and Maslyukova, 2021;Altman, 2023). This includes formal institutions such as laws and regulations, as well as informal norms and conventions that govern individual and collective behavior.…”

“…Moreover, institutional economics offers valuable insights into how organizations can influence their institutional environments in favor of more sustainable practices (Banerjee et al, 2021;Volchik and Maslyukova, 2021). Through strategic actions such as advocacy for policy changes or through pioneering new business models that challenge existing norms (e.g., circular economy models), organizations can become agents of change within their institutions (Bocken and Konietzko, 2022).…”