From Reductionist Approaches to Systemic Transitions: Paradigm Changes and Conceptual Structure of Systems Innovation

Badin Dahesh, Mehran; Sarabi-Jamab, Atiye

doi:10.22075/mmsd.2026.42475.1048

From Reductionist Approaches to Systemic Transitions: Paradigm Changes and Conceptual Structure of Systems Innovation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mehran Badin Dahesh ¹

Atiye Sarabi-Jamab ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Innovation and Sustainability Governance, Faculty of Governance, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. badindahesh@ut.ac.ir

² Assistant Professor, Department of Innovation and Sustainability Governance, Faculty of Governance, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. asarabi@ut.ac.ir

10.22075/mmsd.2026.42475.1048

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The inefficiency of reductionist innovation models in the face of grand challenges like climate change has led to the emergence of the interdisciplinary approach of systems innovation. Given the fragmentation of the literature in this field and the limitations of traditional reviews, this study employs a scientometric approach to provide a comprehensive overview of its conceptual Structures and evolution to enhance policymaking.
Materials and Methods: This study utilizes bibliometric analysis and science mapping. A total of 245 English language articles related to "Systems Innovation" were extracted from the Web of Science database up to August 2026. Data processing and science mapping were conducted using R software and the Bibliometrix package. The analyses included life cycle assessment (logistic growth model), keyword co-occurrence networks, temporal trends of topics, and thematic mapping.
Results: Scientific production in this domain is in an accelerated phase with an 8.2% growth rate, and the upward trend is projected to continue until 2040. The knowledge structure was categorized into three main clusters: systems innovation and sustainability transitions, management and systems, and technology and organizational dimensions. Since 2011, the research focus has shifted from micro-organizational issues to macro-level challenges (sustainability). Additionally, technology and transformation were identified as motor themes, while innovation and knowledge emerged as basic themes.

Conclusion: Systems innovation has experienced three fundamental paradigm shifts: the dissolution of boundaries between engineering sciences and sustainability transition studies, the transition from a goods-dominant logic to value co-creation ecosystems, and the prioritization of technological transformation architecture over linear research. Based on the results of this science mapping, overcoming institutional lock-ins in developing economies with centralized structures (such as Iran) essentially requires a transition from siloed policymaking to cross-sectoral network governance. Additionally, establishing protective niches for the maturation of radical innovations and critically revising the boundaries of ecological assessments in macro-projects are among the key implications of this research for the successful management of future socio-technical transitions.

Keywords

Systems Innovation

Sustainability Transition

Socio-technical Systems

Socio-technical Transition

Bibliometric Analysis

Subjects