Developing and applying the Mission-oriented Innovation Systems (MIS) approach

Building on the literature on Mission-oriented Innovation Policy, governance, transition studies and innovation systems, this paper develops an initial approach to studying the Mission-oriented Innovation System (MIS). Central to the MIS is the concept of a mission arena, in which actors formulate and govern the mission as well as mobilize and direct other, existing system components, in order to legitimize, develop, diffuse and adopt innovative mission solutions. The MIS approach involves a problem-solutions diagnosis and an analysis of structural, functional, and systemic barriers. To provide formative mission governance recommendations, the systemic barriers are contrasted with the mission governance actions that the arena undertakes to mobilize the MIS. A case study of the Dutch mission for sustainable shipping illustrates the value of the MIS approach.