Theoretical and Conceptual Background
SOFIA (Social-Fields-Approach) conceptual framework
TIA2030 project is based on the SOFIA (Social-Fields-Approach) conceptual framework, where systems of technological innovations are continuously (re)shaped by institutions, social networks and cognitive frames.
The notion of fields in the social sciences originates from the concept of a field as the emergent and dynamic reality found in the domain of natural sciences (Wilkinson, 1970). Social fields have been generally understood as a concept clarifying how social actors can achieve stability as well as changes within specific social settings (Fligstein and McAdam, 2011). Each social field has its internal structural settings and establishes legitimate methods for attributing meaning to these structures and actions. J. Beckert states that internal settings are calibrated by three social forces: institutions, networks and cognitive frames. He used this approach to analyse markets as social fields; however, SOFIA could also be used to analyse other social fields (Rončević et al., 2022).
Various definitions of the concept of institution exist; more specific ones often encompass rules, regulations and laws, while broader interpretations also include organisations. D. North (1981) defines institutions as ‘‘… a set of rules, compliance procedures, and moral and ethical behavioural norms designed to constrain the behaviour of individuals in the interests of maximising the wealth or utility of principals” – the rules of the game (Sevatdal 2007, 78). With the help of political-administrative regulations, public authorities can impact economic actors and their behaviour (Jakobsen and Aarset, 2010). These regulations can foster or impede innovation processes and other associated activities (Rončević et al., 2022).
Institutions
Innovation systems are complex systems where the interaction among actors is unavoidable. Therefore, certain stakeholders must collaborate to achieve innovation, exchanging resources and knowledge and forming long-term alliances – a vital feature of the innovation process (Jakobsen and Aarset, 2010, 929). Social networks determine the positioning of individuals and collectives within the social space, either restricting connections with specific nodes or encouraging them (Rončević et al., 2022).
Social Networks
Acting as mental tool-kits, cognitive frames enable the interpretation of relevant strategies, suggesting social actions for the involved actors, helping them to provide a common understanding of the purpose, relationships and rules in a particular field (Rončević et al., 2022). Cognitive frames are usually also associated with perceptions (Beckert, 2010), but it is also important to consider the aspect of adaptability, which is essential for modern economies. In addition, market flexibility plays a significant role, along with the ability to respond to new challenges (Wachsen and Blind, 2016). Hence, fostering receptiveness to external ideas contributes to advancing R&D performance (Drechsler and Natter, 2012) and innovation.
Cognitive Frames
SOFIA approach (its acronym corresponds to the Greek word “Σοφία” – “wisdom”) was firstly employed by our team in 2011 when it was applied in the secondary analysis of technological innovation in seven regions on four continents (Rončević and Modic, 2011). Then, the approach was further developed and explored in other publications (Rončević and Modic, 2011; Rončević, 2012; Rončević and Modic, 2012; Rončević et al., 2018) so that the empirical base was increased and new sources of secondary data were introduced. The approach was used to research regional innovation systems and other spatial levels of ones. SOFIA approach was also included in the framework of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence “Technologies and Innovations in Regional Development for Europe 2020”, where it was the main theoretical and conceptual framework to develop operationalisation to collect primary data in empirical research for the first time.
Nowadays, the SOFIA approach provides possibilities not only for primary, but also for secondary research, helping to research other concepts and phenomena.