Introduction:

In contemporary society, there is a growing expectation for STI efforts to go beyond economic growth and actively contribute to environmental protection and social justice (transformation towards sustainability). To meet this demand, it is necessary to construct innovation systems that are specifically oriented towards sustainability, facilitating the transformation of sociotechnical systems. This perspective article presents a comprehensive framework that combines theoretical and practical perspectives for implementing innovation systems, incorporating the essential elements of normativity (directionality) and exploration required to drive such transformative processes.

Methodology:

We formulated a methodological approach that provides innovation systems with normative and exploratory dimensions by synthesizing concepts and methods from several schools of thought, using Systems Analysis and Decision Analysis as conceptual frameworks.

Results:

Within the context of sustainable development, the principles of sustainability serve as the guiding framework for innovation systems. To successfully implement this approach, it is crucial to integrate both normative analysis, which emphasizes the construction of a shared vision among stakeholders within the innovation system, and exploratory analysis, which aims to identify the most viable transformation pathways for realizing the desired future. Our proposed methodological perspective, referred to as Integrated Futures Analysis, is a step-by-step generalization built upon a synthesis of empirical approaches that combines normative and exploratory analysis. This approach aims to facilitate the understanding and implementation of sustainability-oriented innovation systems.

Conclusion:

In this article, a synthetic and pragmatic approach to implementing sustainability-oriented innovation systems (SIS) was introduced. The perspective outlined in this article can be effectively employed by consultant teams to aid stakeholders and decision-makers in formalizing and enhancing SIS. Additionally, it helps in identifying the most appropriate actions and methods for implementation of SIS.