The Impact of Innovation Investment Volatility on Technological Innovation of Enterprises in Different Life Cycles

Empirical findings from the impact of innovation investment volatility on enterprise technological innovation are mixed. Based on the punctuated equilibrium theory, this study explores the impact of innovation investment volatility on enterprise technological innovation in different life cycles and whether innovation subsidy has expected effects on enterprises’ technological innovation. By using the 205 Chinese listed enterprises in strategic emerging industries from 2010 to 2019 as the research sample, the results show that the innovation investment volatility has a positive impact on technological innovation of enterprise in the growing stage, while it has no significant effect on enterprise technological innovation in the mature and declining stages. In addition, the negative moderating effect of innovation subsidy on the relationship between innovation investment volatility and technological innovation is the most significant for enterprises in the growing stage, weakly significant for enterprises in the mature stage, and insignificant for enterprises in the declining stage.

Between incrementalism and punctuated equilibrium: the case of budget in Poland, 1995–2018

Incrementalism and punctuated equilibrium theory (PET) have secured their standing in public policy research when studying change in budgetary data. On the other hand, however, new empirical evidence is constantly developed to confront it with theoretical assumptions. In line with the above, the aim of the paper is threefold. First, it is examined if budgetary outlays in Poland follow either incrementalism or PET's core premises. Second, the paper aims at facilitating discussion on identifying punctuations. It is claimed that any cut-off point should be data-driven, category-responsive, and generalizable across different types of outliers. And third, it is investigated which of the budget categories have the most punctuations. Methodologically, the study is based on descriptive and distributional statistics provided to tackle the above two issues comprehensively. Consequently, the paper aims at filling the gap in theory-driven literature on Polish budget shifts and their empirical rigorous explanations. Thus, it is claimed that the Polish case study contributes to the debate on the verification of empirical research on public policy agendas and public policy change.

Why We Should Use the Gini Coefficient to Assess Punctuated Equilibrium Theory

Punctuated Equilibrium Theory posits that policy-making is generally characterized by long periods of stability that are interrupted by short periods of fundamental policy change. The literature converged on the measure of kurtosis and L-kurtosis to assess these change patterns. In this letter, we critically discuss these measures and propose the Gini coefficient as a (1) comparable, but (2) more intuitive, and (3) more precise measure of “punctuated” change patterns.

Technology Evolution and Multiplier Innovation Through TDNA Analytical Model

Few papers have dealt with disruptive technology from a technological evolutionary perspective. This article analyses disruptive innovation activities in terms of the new concept of technological DNA (TDNA). To pursue the research aim, evolution theories and a case methodology were utilised. We find that evolutions in technology are due to changes in environmental conditions. Parallels may be drawn between technology discontinuity and the punctuated equilibrium theory in evolution. When seen from that perspective, TDNA has not been disrupted but has evolved within the new market environment, and technological evolution gives birth to a new industry. New products or services are created through the changing or reconfiguring of TDNA. Over time, technology evolves, but its inherent nature remains. For that reason, TDNA is not disrupted even if disruptive innovation occurs. Rather, through the process of disruptive innovation, new functions are created by the substitution or replacement of the architecture surrounding the technology which determines how it actually functions. Thus we may refer to this phenomenon as a ‘Multiplier innovation’ rather than a disruptive innovation in that it involves the birthing of new products. This article seeks to contribute to innovation studies in expanding its methodological framework.

Disrupting institutional reproduction? How Olympic athletes challenge the stability of the Olympic Movement

SummaryThe recent years have seen a surge in elite athlete activism. This article examines how Olympic athletes are currently challenging the stability of central institutions of the Olympic Movement as collective political actors. The study builds on explanations of stability and change stemming from punctuated equilibrium theory and path dependency. Applying a multiple mini case study design, it is first illustrated how these mechanisms have been in play in the reproduction and disruption of historic Olympic institutions. The main analysis then shows how Olympic athletes, through their different organizational forms, challenge institutions that are detrimental to their interest. The findings illustrate that Olympic athletes have increased their power resources and apply strategies to defy institutions, which are reproduced on the basis of path-dependent explanations. In doing so, athletes have the potential to severely destabilize the system if their interests remain unaccounted for by those governing the Olympic Movement.