A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Physical environment as a source for innovation: Investigating the attributes of innovative spaces
Authors: Oksanen Kaisa, Ståhle Pirjo
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Publishing place: Bristol, UK
Publication year: 2013
Journal: Journal of Knowledge Management
Journal acronym: JKM
Volume: 17
Issue: 6
First page : 815
Last page: 827
Number of pages: 13
ISSN: 1367-3270
eISSN: 1367-3270
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-04-2013-0136
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how physical spaces intersect with innovation and
innovativeness, and what the most relevant attributes of physical space are for innovation.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper reflects the changing nature of innovation, from
technological advancements to services and meaning changes, and argues that the development of
innovative spaces similarly embodies a diverse set of values such as collaboration, openness, and
sustainability. Using a literature review, interviews, and benchmarking data, the paper examines the
relationship between physical environment and innovation.
Findings – The findings from both the literature review and the interviews underline innovation as a
communicative and human-centred process. As a result five attributes of innovative space are
presented: collaboration enabling, modifiability, smartness, attractiveness, and value reflecting.
Originality/value – The results provide perspectives to the challenge of how to support innovation
creation by developing physical spaces. The paper adds to the conceptual development of innovative
space and outlines physical space as an innovative service.
Keywords Innovation, Creativity, Innovation environment, Innovative space, Physical space
Paper type Research paper
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how physical spaces intersect with innovation and
innovativeness, and what the most relevant attributes of physical space are for innovation.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper reflects the changing nature of innovation, from
technological advancements to services and meaning changes, and argues that the development of
innovative spaces similarly embodies a diverse set of values such as collaboration, openness, and
sustainability. Using a literature review, interviews, and benchmarking data, the paper examines the
relationship between physical environment and innovation.
Findings – The findings from both the literature review and the interviews underline innovation as a
communicative and human-centred process. As a result five attributes of innovative space are
presented: collaboration enabling, modifiability, smartness, attractiveness, and value reflecting.
Originality/value – The results provide perspectives to the challenge of how to support innovation
creation by developing physical spaces. The paper adds to the conceptual development of innovative
space and outlines physical space as an innovative service.
Keywords Innovation, Creativity, Innovation environment, Innovative space, Physical space
Paper type Research paper
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