Table 1. Governance dimensions shaping... | Emerald Publishing

Table 1.

Governance dimensions shaping exploratory digital innovation trajectories

Governance dimension	Industrial governance logic	Exploratory (digital) innovation logic	Filtering effect in public-sector context
Innovation entry	Innovation begins with a clearly defined problem; predefined objectives required	Innovation emerges through problem–solution co-evolution; objectives evolve through exploration	Problem-first requirements privilege predefined needs and constrain exploratory entry
Process structure	Linear, stage-gated progression; sequential decision points	Iterative development; experimentation and feedback loops	Stage-gating reinforces convergence and discourages iteration
Evaluation criteria	Success measured by deliverables, predictability and broad applicability	Success includes learning, reframing and provisional outcomes	Learning-oriented outcomes struggle to gain legitimacy
Outcome ontology	Innovation culminates in stable, implementable solutions (often product-oriented)	Innovation produces evolving artifacts, prototypes and adaptive processes	Provisional outputs are reframed or narrowed to fit stability expectations
Legitimacy orientation	Emphasis on organizational fit, risk minimization, compliance	Emphasis on experimentation, adaptation and generativity	Innovation is adjusted to fit existing systems rather than transforming them

Governance dimension	Industrial governance logic	Exploratory (digital) innovation logic	Filtering effect in public-sector context
Innovation entry	Innovation begins with a clearly defined problem; predefined objectives required	Innovation emerges through problem–solution co-evolution; objectives evolve through exploration	Problem-first requirements privilege predefined needs and constrain exploratory entry
Process structure	Linear, stage-gated progression; sequential decision points	Iterative development; experimentation and feedback loops	Stage-gating reinforces convergence and discourages iteration
Evaluation criteria	Success measured by deliverables, predictability and broad applicability	Success includes learning, reframing and provisional outcomes	Learning-oriented outcomes struggle to gain legitimacy
Outcome ontology	Innovation culminates in stable, implementable solutions (often product-oriented)	Innovation produces evolving artifacts, prototypes and adaptive processes	Provisional outputs are reframed or narrowed to fit stability expectations
Legitimacy orientation	Emphasis on organizational fit, risk minimization, compliance	Emphasis on experimentation, adaptation and generativity	Innovation is adjusted to fit existing systems rather than transforming them