ABSTRACT
This chapter presents some applications of technology dynamics, in particular how the various processes and organizational structures act in the innovation process starting with the generation of innovative ideas, their development until technologies are used as further sources of new technologies. Other applications concern statistical studies suggesting limits and new possibilities of such studies that are related to technology dynamics studies. In particular, statistical studies on research and innovation in territories have been taken into consideration, along with the necessity to also consider the efficiency of innovation activities, in addition to their amount for the formulation of policies of promotion of innovation. Another application concerns the relation between R&D investments and growth, which shows that the latter does not actually depend on R&D investments, but on the efficiency of the territorial innovative system to generate new ideas, and on adopted strategies and availability of capital to finance their development, joined with an effective industrial organization. Finally, the case of patents statistical studies has been considered, showing the complexity of the relation between scientific research and derived patents and the long periods of time that are necessary to estimate their values. In conclusion, indications on promotion policies for innovation are given that emphasize the importance of improving the efficiency of the innovation process, in addition to a simple increase in financial support.
