Fashion innovation through an innovation ecosystem : a research agenda

Abstract

This paper employs the paradigm of an innovation ecosystem to stimulate fashion innovation. This study applies an integrative literature review on fashion innovation, innovation ecosystem and policy-driven innovation, proposes a theoretical framework–fashion innovation ecosystem and streams future research directions. The findings suggest the innovation ecosystem is an inclusive, constructive and systematic lens and contribute to the management of fashion innovation. A mechanism of policy-driven fashion innovation is proposed to stress the role of government as a key actor in the fashion innovation ecosystem. It identifies five research directions from the theoretical framework of the fashion innovation ecosystem, namely fashion innovation measurement, research methodology, policy-driven fashion innovation, fashion sustainability innovation ecosystem and open innovation. The study contributes to the theoretical development of fashion innovation management and innovation ecosystem; has practical implications for innovation strategy in the fashion sector; will benefit policymakers in formulating policy and fostering the institutional environment.