1The Firm, Knowledge and Capital: Toward the Definition of Knowledge Capital
In this chapter, we investigate the meaning of words. The term innovation is plural and its sense has evolved over time. Here, we examine the current typologies, the modalities of organization of activities that intertwine to give rise to innovation and the indicators used for its measurement (section 1.1). In order to grasp the knowledge capital of an enterprise, it is also useful to review the relationship between information and knowledge. The productive use of a set of information and knowledge produced, acquired and mobilized by a company makes it possible to understand the transformation of knowledge into capital and thus the formation of knowledge capital (section 1.2). The analysis of knowledge capital is based upon the contemporary theoretical developments of the firm and knowledge, which are associated with the contributions of some pioneer authors. We refer to them in section 1.3 of this chapter.
1.1. Innovation: definition, organization and measurement
1.1.1. “From vice to virtue”: the evolution of the definition for innovation
While the concept of innovation is everywhere today, and symbolizes the very latest in modernity, it is nonetheless very old and has not always been associated with progress and growth. According to Godin [GOD 14], the concept of innovation goes back to antiquity and was then used by Greek philosophers in their political theories. This political sense would remain ...