An Integrative Approach to National Innovation Systems: The Role of Multi-Level Perspective and Associated Theories

This study investigates the use of Multi-Level Perspective (MLP), National Innovation Systems (NIS), and Socio-Technical Systems (STS) theories to understand national innovation pathways. Through synthesising this framework and associated theories, a comprehensive MLP framework for NIS is developed, designed to analyse the holistic innovation ecosystem by considering the socio-technical landscape, actor alignment, institutional roles, and knowledge flows. Implementing the framework provides critical insights into innovation pathways and potential trajectories within a national context. The framework's adaptability allows it to fit various national ecosystems, making it a valuable concept for future research on national innovation systems. The findings highlight possible areas for improvement within any national innovation ecosystem, such as promoting academia-industry collaboration in R&D, improving knowledge flows, and expanding the pool of human resources for innovation. Using the developed framework as a case study can offer insights into Brunei's innovation pathways and potential trajectory. The findings demonstrate the framework's adaptability to specific national contexts, making it a valuable tool for future research on national innovation systems.