Spatial-relational mapping in socio-institutional perspectives of innovation

In recent years innovation studies have extended key discussions beyond scientific knowledge into more symbolic and cultural forms, and with it brought cultural and creative industries to the centre stage of economic innovation. However, the development of more wide ranging research approaches has failed to keep pace with the advancements occurring in conceptual debates. In this paper, the author draws on the original arguments of the social innovation discourse to highlight the importance of more socialized approaches to the study of innovation, an approach which highlights the importance of understanding more about social networks, local institutions, local scenes and environments, and relational capital. It is known that in practice, and especially with non-scientific knowledge, new ideas are mediated by social relations, institutions and all manner of other intangibles such as conversations; all of which are acknowledged in some literature but have never been part of the mainstream. In this vein, the paper outlines the contribution that spatial–relational mapping can make to the study of innovation by illuminating the social spaces of innovation in and around Coventry and Birmingham, UK, and by raising new patterns of relationships, which emphasize the existence of sector convergence, underground scenes and path lock-in.