Directionality for transformation: Analytical dimensions and illustrations of selected policy approaches

Transformative innovation policies argue for directionality in science, technology, and innovation (STI) activities, in the sense that activities should respond to addressing societal challenges. This paper answers two questions: How can directionality be defined and operationalised to support policy practice and evaluation? To what extent can selected policy approaches (transition arenas, the EU’s missions, the EU’s just transition initiatives, the entrepreneurial discovery process (EDP), and policy integration and coherence) be used to advance directionality, and what are their benefits and drawbacks?