CULEST Research Seminar on Innovation and Transformation with Koen Frenken

Monday, January 26, 2026 (9:00–18:00), University of Hohenheim, Aula

This seminar is organized by Dr. Michael P. Schlaile, Department of Societal Transition and Agriculture (430b), as part of the CULEST project, in cooperation with Prof. Dr. Andreas Pyka and Dr. Matthias Müller at the Department of Innovation Economics (520i).

To register for the CULEST research seminar, please fill out this registration form by January 18, 2026.

Note: Participation is limited to 35 persons.

We invite paper presentations (to be held after the keynote and in the afternoon) on innovation, transformation, and change from various perspectives.  

Program (subject to changes and updates)

9:00 UhrArrival and Welcome
9:30Keynote Koen Frenken (details: see below)
10:00 Discussion about keynote
10:30Coffee Break
11:00Paper presentation slot 1
12:30Lunch break (self-paid)
13:30Paper presentation slot 2
15:00Paper presentation slot 3 (depending on number of presenters) or workshop
16:30Coffee break 
17:00Final discussion
17:45Closing words
18:00The End

For directions and details on how to reach the venue, please see click here.

Please note that coffee will be provided during coffee breaks (courtesy of the Department of Innovation Economics), lunch in the Mensa is self-organized and must be paid. 

Keynote speaker: Prof. Dr. Koen Frenken

Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University

Title: A new view on radical innovation

Abstract: In innovation studies a fundamental distinction lies between incremental and radical innovation. However, our understanding of radical innovation faces limitations in two respects. Firstly, research generally has concentrated on technological innovation by firms diffusing through markets. Secondly, current theorizing lacks a clear definition of radical innovation, with terms like 'radical,' 'breakthrough,' and 'disruptive' often being used interchangeably. To address these shortcomings, we propose a broader approach to radical innovation based on an institutional-theoretical perspective. In particular, we start from the notion of the 'categorical imperative', penalizing innovations that don't align with established categories individuals use to comprehend the world and establish expectations. This institutional approach facilitates the theoretical differentiation between innovations taking place within existing categories and those that redefine categories or establish new categories, thereby unifying concepts of incremental, breakthrough, disruptive, and radical innovation under a comprehensive theoretical framework. We argue that this approach offers a framework to distinguish and compare various innovation terminologies and theories. Furthermore, it allows for more comprehensive innovation theories, extending beyond biases towards technology, firms and markets.

Co-author: Matthijs B. Punt

paper DOI: https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/6cr5t