Isomorphic Differences? familiarity and distinctiveness in national policies for science, competitiveness and innovation

The research and innovation policy of different countries seem increasingly similar in terms of central arguments, investment models and focus areas. This may seem puzzling, since the countries have specific strengths and are in mutual competition. But are the similarities superficial or fundamental? And is that a good or a bad thing? In order to answer these questions, the project compares research an innovation policies from China, Denmark and USA. By analysing general tendencies and concrete initiatives in these policies, the project will be creating new knowledge about what is unique for Danish, Chinese and American research and innovation policy and what similarities they have. The project will also provide insight into how and where differences and similarities emerge and how the individual country balances between copying the innovation-promoting ideas of others and creating their own. A lot of money is spent on research and innovation. The project results will contribute to an important public debate about the ideas that drive these investments and how Denmark differs from the research and innovation policies of others.

period:40 months; grant:DKK 5,497,230

This project is funded by FSE and led by Professor Alan Irwin (CBS) will conduct a
comparative analysis of science and innovation policy-making in three settings: China, Denmark and the USA. Specifically, it focuses on the balance between duplication and difference in policy-making.