ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a conceptual framework for describing the complex dynamics of innovation systems. The framework was used as a foundation for suggesting new requirements for the governance of transformation processes of innovation systems and the corresponding role of politics. The new characteristics of innovation processes in conjunction with the governance demands as formulated above can be translated into requirements for a conceptual framework to deal with the governance and innovation policy for sustainability. Science and technology studies have paid more attention to the detailed processes and actors involved in the shaping of new technology and innovation. A systems approach will be used as the basis for formulating such an integrative framework in a consistent way, i.e. as a platform for connecting different streams of research work. Transformation processes of complex innovation systems can in the first instance be captured in a descriptive way, by distinguishing phases of transformation and by analysing the aggregate, macroscopic features of the system.
