Special issue of Int Jl Technology Transfer & Commercialisation Guest editors Peter Oeij, Diana Rus, Steven Dhondt, Geert van Hootegem

1. Special Issue on: WORKPLACE INNOVATION IN THE ERA OF DISRUPTIVE
TECHNOLOGIES, International Journal of Technology Transfer and
Commercialisation (2019)
Guest editors: Peter Oeij, Diana Rus, Steven Dhondt & Geert van Hootegem
Editorial: The digital transformation requires workplace innovation: an introduction
by Peter Oeij, Steven Dhondt, Diana Rus, Geert van Hootegem
This special issue of the International Journal Technology Transfer and Commercialisation contains
five contributions. Prior to developing this special issue, a symposium on WPI was held during
EURAM18, the yearly international conference of the European Academy of Management, in
Reykjavik, Iceland (June 2018), where a number of the articles where presented.
Workplace Innovation: A Review and Potential Future Avenues
by Diana Rus, Peter Oeij, Frank Pot, Peter Totterdill
Abstract: In this article, we present an overview of European workplace innovation policy, theory,
research and practice. In our review, we will first highlight the ways in which different policy, theory,
empirical, and practical approaches to workplace innovation diverge and converge. Second, we will
outline some potential future avenues for the field of workplace innovation to move towards greater
convergence in terms of policy, theory, research and practice. We will insist specifically on showing
how a closer integration between policy, research and practice could address some of the major
barriers to workplace innovation adoption in national, regional and EU policy as well as in
organizations.
Keywords: Workplace innovation; organizational performance; quality of working life; well-being at
work.
Unleashing Workplace Innovation in Scotland
by Rosemary Exton, Peter Totterdill
Abstract: The devolution of certain powers from the UK to an elected Scottish Parliament has
opened a different trajectory for economic development and industrial policy in Scotland. Low
productivity is a problem prevalent throughout the UK, but Scotland is unique in addressing it
through a portfolio of measures designed to enhance the spread of workplace innovation. This
article examines a specific pilot programme which supported workplace innovation in cohorts of
companies representing diverse sectors and sizes. It reports a wide range of successful outcomes for
the participating companies and their employees, as well as lessons for the design of future
programmes.
Keywords: Workplace innovation; organisational performance; quality of working life; well-being at
work; public policy; Scotland.
Innovation adoption of employees in logistics: Individual and organisational factors related to the
actual use of innovation
by Katarina Putnik, Peter R.A. Oeij, Steven Dhondt, Wouter Van Der Torre, Ernest De Vroome
Abstract: Introduction: Due to fast technological changes organisations need to adjust by
innovations to remain economically viable. However, as innovations do not always pass the
implementation phase, this study examines innovation adoption of employees. The assumption is
that workplace innovation positively associates with innovation adoption. The study looked into the
role of employee perception of innovation, as well as organisational and individual characteristics in

2. relation to actual use of innovation by employees. Methods: Managers of 110 Dutch organisations
from transport and logistics sector took part in the survey in May 2017. They were asked to evaluate
the behaviour of the employees they are supervising. Dependent variable was the actual use of
innovation as indicator of innovation adoption. Independent variables were organisational factors
(workplace innovation), individual factors (innovative behaviour, risk taking behaviour) and
perception of innovation (visibility of results, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and
subjective norm). Data was analysed using multiple regression (path analysis). Results: Workplace
innovation, ease of use of innovation and perceived usefulness of innovation have a direct relation
with actual use of innovation by employees, according to the answers provided by their managers.
Innovative behaviour has an indirect relation with actual use of innovation, as the relation is via
perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of innovation. Conclusion: Workplace innovation
and innovation related behaviours associate with innovation adoption. The practical implication is
that, besides making sure that innovation is easy to use and is perceived as useful, management
needs to ensure there is employee engagement in the process of renewal, if innovation is actually to
be adopted by employees, thus implemented effectively in organisations.
Keywords: Innovation adoption; logistics; transport; workplace innovation.
The human factor in innovation: implications for policies and practices
by Valentina Patrini, Stavroula Demetriades
Abstract: This article analyses innovation support measures that aim towards or have the potential
of strengthening companies structural (HR and work organisation-specific) or cultural characteristics,
employee involvement, performance and well-being in the workplace innovation context. It
examines how non-technological aspects of innovation are addressed in policy making, particularly
through the provision of innovation support. The article combines an analysis of evaluation evidence
of innovation policy measures in ten European countries with an examination of the contribution
certain workplace practices have on innovation, based on quantitative analysis (European Company
Survey 2013). A key finding of this work is that policy support measures at national (or regional) level
tend to focus on technological innovation but neglect non-technological innovation.
Keywords: public support; human dimension of innovation; HRM; European Company Survey.
Sociotechnical perspectives on digitalisation and Industry 4.0
by Ralf Kopp et al
Abstract: The sociotechnical systems approach and theory (STS) helps to deal with todays rapid
digital transformations in designing best suitable labour, organisations and jobs. Not surprisingly,
related approaches based on STS assumptions, such as Modern Sociotechnical Thinking (MST) and
Workplace Innovation (WPI) theory, are rapidly developing in Europe. Yet, research and (theoretical)
analyses that place STS in todays digital industry challenges and WPI are sparse. The basics of
sociotechnical concepts and new research, needs and perspectives for further development of STS in
todays context need to be explored. Therefore, against the background of empirical experiences in
logistics and process industry and in context of Industry 4.0, this article discusses firstly the model of
classical STS approach and the skill orientated work design. Secondly, MST and its derived concept of
WPI is positioned. Furthermore, a complementary practice theory perspective is introduced,
illustrated by an example design project. Finally, some future recommendations for research are
made.
Keywords: Digitalisation; Industry 4.0; Workplace Innovation; Sociotechnical System Approach; Skill-
orientated Work Design; Practice Theory; Material/Skills/Meaning.