This paper aims to systematically review the literature on the roles and functions of different types of innovation centers. The review seeks to develop a conceptual–functional typology of innovation centers and to clarify how governance arrangements and strategic orientations shape their roles within innovation ecosystems and across the broader innovation value chain. It further examines the positioning of different types of innovation centers across Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and explains how they complement one another within innovation ecosystems.
This study adopts a qualitative research design based on a systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis of 42 selected studies. Following the methodology proposed by Gusenbauer and Gauster (2025), the review synthesizes fragmented evidence and examines innovation centers through two analytical dimensions: governance structure and strategic orientation.
The analysis identifies four distinct types of innovation centers: knowledge-driven, industry-driven, mission-driven and hybrid innovation centers. Although all four types share core functions related to networking, commercialization, infrastructure provision, capability building and fostering an innovation culture, each exhibits specialized functions and occupies a distinct position across technology readiness levels (TRLs).
This study contributes to the literature by proposing a function-based typology that moves beyond conventional classifications based on ownership or spatial form. By linking governance structure and strategic orientation to the functions and ecosystem roles of innovation centers, it provides a more integrated framework for theory development and offers practical implications for policymakers, institutional designers and innovation center managers.
