Extraordinary LED installations: events for user–innovation interaction. Issue 7 (9th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schulte-Römer, Nona
• Is Part Of: Industry and innovation. Volume 25:Issue 7(2018)
• Page Start: 699
• Page End: 727
• Publication Date: 2018-08-09
• Subjects: Innovation users -- field-configuring events -- trade fairs -- festivals -- LED lighting; O3; Industries -- Periodicals; Industrial management -- Periodicals; Industrial policy -- Periodicals; 338.005
• DOI: 10.1080/13662716.2017.1345678
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-2716

Abstract

Abstract: Recent innovation research describes events as mechanism for innovation diffusion but does not explore their socio-material dimension. This study compares and conceptualises event settings that allow professional technology users to engage with an innovation before they adopt it. The focus is on temporary installations of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in lighting trade fairs and light festivals. LEDs are currently transforming the lighting field. This study focuses on the time when LED products were already on the market but demand was still low. Based on ethnographic research, it shows that in this critical situation, events offered professional users formats for trying and evaluating LED technology in event-specific ways. While trade fair displays promoted the adoption of LED products, festival projects allowed professional LED users to creatively adapt and shape the new technology. Theoretically, this study combines social-scientific innovation research on events with social-constructivist studies on user–innovation interaction in a multi-level conceptual framework.