System Thinking in Managing Technological Innovation Systems in Manufacturing Companies

Abstract

This paper discusses models for managing Technological Innovation System (TIS) in a manufacturing setting. It reviews the existing six models for managing TIS: Technology Push, Market Pull, Coupling Innovation Process (CIP), Functional Integration Innovation Process (FIIP), System Integration and Networking Innovation Process, and System of Innovation models. Major drawbacks of the model for managing TIS in manufacturing settings were identified. System thinking approach was then proposed as a suitable alternative for addressing these drawbacks. The basic principle of system dynamics on which system thinking is hinged is used to explain the proposed model. However, understanding and using this model are premised on the availability of knowledge and skills in computer modeling and simulation software (e.g., Ithink, Vensim, and Powersim). Key words: Nigeria, technology, innovation, Technological Innovation System model, manufacturing, simulation, system dynamics, system thinking. PovzetekČlanek obravnava modele za upravljanje tehnološkega informacijskega sistema (TIS) v kontekstu proizvodnje. Preučuje šest obstoječih modelov za upravljanje tehnoloških informacijskih sistemov, t.j. tehnološko vzpodbujene inovacije, tržno vzpodbujene inovacije, proces združevanja za inovacijo, funkcijska vključitev v proces inovacije (FIIP), sistemska vključitev in mrežni proces, model sistemskega inoviranja. Članek identificira glavne pomanjkljivosti modela za upravljanje tehnološkega informacijskega sistema v kontekstu proizvodnje. Kot ustrezno alternativo reševanja teh pomanjkljivosti predlaga pristop sistemskega razmišljanja. Za razlago predlaganega modela je uporabljen osnovni princip sistemske dinamike, na katerem temelji sistemsko razmišljanje. Vendar pa razumevanje in uporaba tega modela temelji na dostopnosti znanja in spretnosti za uporabo programske opreme za modeliranje in simulacije, kot so med drugim Ithink, Vensim in Powersim.