Innovation

WordNet defines 3 senses of the noun innovation:

1. invention, innovation (a creation (a new device or process) resulting from study and experimentation)

2. invention, innovation, excogitation, conception, design (the creation of something in the mind)

3. initiation, founding, foundation, institution, origination, creation, innovation, introduction, instauration (the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new) "she looked forward to her initiation as an adult"; "the foundation of a new scientific society"; "he regards the fork as a modern introduction"

The concept innovation is often associated with improvements based on research. Information science is interested in the role of information, documentation and communication in innovative processes.

Literature:

Daghfous, A. & White, G. R. (1994). Information and innovation: a comprehensive representation. Research Policy, 23(3), 267-280.

Netword: wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations. 5.ed. New York: Free Press.

See also: Diffusion research & Reception studies 

Birger Hjørland

Last edited: 08-02-2006

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