Workplace Innovation and New Industrial Relations

Abstract

In his interesting paper, Matthias Trier clarifies the conditions for innovative behavior and its consequences both for the organization of work and for learning on the job and in educational institutions. His conclusion is that “the most important attitudes to the regulation of action conducive to innovation are knowledge, skills and value systems. At best they can develop into skilled work and working environments conducive to learning and activity.” This topic and the deliberations about it play an important role in the Netherlands too, both in economics and in research. This will be illustrated briefly. But first attention will be paid to the definition of social innovation, because some differences can be observed. Furthermore, we will expand Trier’s arguments with some more theoretical support. Finally, the dilemmas of stakeholders and consequences for research will be discussed.