Complex Adaptive Systems and the Evolutionary Triple Helix

Innovation dynamics are more and more considered to represent one of the most important processes in the development of modern economic systems. This perspective is at the root of the development of various innovation concepts. The systematic study of different systems of innovation has raised the awareness that each particular system has its own characteristics, and that it is not always possible to unilaterally define all the parameters that play a role in shaping innovation processes. The article describes the main obstacles facing public policy decision-making drawing on examples from innovation and research policy. It argues that Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) research can teach us a series of useful lessons, especially those features necessitating the consideration of innovation systems as complex adaptive systems.