Abstract
Dominant innovation paradigms centre on productivity and technological advancement, often sidelining social and ecological dimensions of economic development. This paper addresses this gap by exploring how regenerative work can serve as a conceptual foundation for rethinking the relationship between work, innovation, and economic growth.
We present a conceptual model developed during the framing phase of a national foresight initiative in Finland. The model draws on early weak signal analysis and expert interviews to identify key elements of an alternative innovation logic grounded in human and ecological flourishing. It highlights how new priorities, structures, and productivity conceptions can emerge when innovation is viewed through regenerative principles.
As part of this contribution, we propose a tentative definition of regenerative working life. The paper offers both theoretical and practical insights, suggesting a conceptual basis for reflection on emerging alternatives in innovation policy and practice. While the results are tentative and based on early-phase inquiry, they lay a foundation for future empirical research aimed at testing and refining the model.
We present a conceptual model developed during the framing phase of a national foresight initiative in Finland. The model draws on early weak signal analysis and expert interviews to identify key elements of an alternative innovation logic grounded in human and ecological flourishing. It highlights how new priorities, structures, and productivity conceptions can emerge when innovation is viewed through regenerative principles.
As part of this contribution, we propose a tentative definition of regenerative working life. The paper offers both theoretical and practical insights, suggesting a conceptual basis for reflection on emerging alternatives in innovation policy and practice. While the results are tentative and based on early-phase inquiry, they lay a foundation for future empirical research aimed at testing and refining the model.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - 2025 |
| MoE publication type | Not Eligible |
| Event | 26th CINet Conference: Bridging Deep Tech and People-Centtric Innovation - Lucerne, Switzerland Duration: 7 Sept 2026 → 9 Sept 2026 https://cinet.org/events/conferences/2025.html |
Conference
| Conference | 26th CINet Conference |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Switzerland |
| City | Lucerne, |
| Period | 7/09/26 → 9/09/26 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Regenerative work
- innovation systems
- Economic growth
- Strategic Foresight
- Human-centric innovation
