Co-evolutionary coupling leads a way to a novel concept of R&D - Lessons from digitalized bioeconomy. (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Naveed, Nasir; Watanabe, Chihiro; Neittaanmäki, Pekka
• Is Part Of: Technology in society. Volume 60(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Co-evolutionary coupling -- Digitalized bioeconomy -- Novel R&D concept -- Circular economy -- Biological coupling; Technology -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 303.483
• DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2019.101220
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-791X

Abstract

Abstract: Given the increasing role of research and development (R&D) in competitive markets in the digital economy while confronting the dilemma between R&D expansion and a productivity decline, transformation of the R&D model has become a crucial subject for global digital leaders. The authors of this paper postulate that neo open innovation harnessing the vigor of external innovation resources which then developed into a new concept of R&D that self-transforms during an R&D process initiated by Amazon by coupling with users. The authors further develop these postulates by proposing the embedding of a growth characteristic identical to biological coupling. An empirical analysis focusing on the forefront endeavors of global bioeconomy firms and also by Amazon was conducted. A notable endeavor toward a circular economy initiated by its global leader UPM- Kymmene Corporation (UPM) demonstrated the significance of a coupling effect with downstream digital commerce leader Amazon. This effect can be attributed to harnessing the function of the growth characteristic identical to biological coupling through co-evolution of the dual coupling of bioeconomy and digitalization and of upstream and downstream operations. This co-evolutionary coupling is expected to provide a novel concept of R&D that grows its function in a self-propagating way during the R&D process. An insightful suggestion supporting to a novel concept of R&D in the digital economy is thus proposed. Highlights: Forefront endeavors of 50 global bioeconomy leaders were analyzed. UPM's leading role towards circular economy and Amazon's eco-oriented resonance to it were highlighted. UPM's sophisticated R&D-driven co-evolutional cycles utilizing external resources were appraised.