The Realm of Legitimation and Innovation

At a time when our society faces complex challenges such as climate change, food security and health crises, innovation is crucial. On May 14, Richard Pretorius received his PhD from TU/e. His research offers deep insight into the relationship between innovation and its social acceptance.

Legitimacy

For his research, Pretorius focused on the Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) framework, which provides a process-oriented approach to understanding the development and diffusion of technologies. He discovered that the legitimacy of a technology, whether it is accepted in society, plays a crucial role in this process.

Niklas Luhmann's theory

Using Niklas Luhmann's theory of complex systems, Pretorius revealed that legitimation and innovation are closely linked. Legitimation appears to be not only a prerequisite for the acceptance of innovations, but also an engine that enables innovation.

“This research sheds new light on how we understand technological innovation,” Pretorius explained. “It shows that legitimacy is not only an outcome of innovation, but also a crucial factor that enables innovation.”

Implications for policy and practice

The research has important implications for policymakers and practitioners working to address societal challenges. By understanding and advancing the legitimation process, we can accelerate the development and diffusion of innovative solutions, allowing us to respond more effectively to the complex problems we face.

Asked for an example, Pretorius refers to the acceptance of electric cars: “Innovation in this field was made possible by gradually gaining legitimacy in society, first through a growing desire to see this more environmentally friendly technology on the market, and second as electric cars matched regulatory and safety standards while reflecting societal values.”

Richard Pretorius defended his PhD thesis ‘The Realm of Legitimation and Innovation’ on 14 May 2024. Promotors Bob Walrave, Madis Talmar and Gunter Bombaerts