复杂系统理论在创新研究中的应用——兼谈复杂理论视角下创新的起源、结构和演化

Application of the complex system theory in innovation studies——Overview of the origin,structure and evolution of innovations

人类的创新过程作为社会活动的一部分具有复杂系统的特征.在此,综合介绍了学者们用复杂系统理论对创新活动研究的一些成果,特别介绍了近期在创新的起源、结构和演化方面的进展.然而,这方面大多数的研究都是基于复杂系统理论在生物系统中所建立的模型来诠释创新活动的规律,而社会系统和生物系统是完全不在一个层次的复杂系统.因此,在发现不同层次的复杂系统的通用规律之时,也需要思考社会系统,包括创新活动的独特规律.另外,创新研究是一个新兴的交叉学科,由于自然科学家和人文科学家知识结构互补,如果联合研究,将使该项研究迈上一个崭新的台阶.

The characteristics of a complex system are presented in the innovation activities of humankind. This paper summarized the recent findings of applying the complex system theory to study the innovation processes, with a special focus on the origin, structure and evolution of innovations. We noticed that many models and concepts used in the study of innovation systems are adopted from the biology systems, yet the social system and the biology system apparently are at very different levels of complexities. Therefore, this paper argues that while trying to explore the general rules that may apply to all complex systems, one should also keep mind open for the unique rules that apply only to the social systems, including the innovation activities. In addition,due to its interdisciplinary nature,it would be more fruitful for scholars from different academic backgrounds to join forces in the study of the innovation process under the complex system paradigm.