Innovation Capabilities and Firm Competitiveness Performance: Thinking Differently about Future Momaya Kirankumar S. Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai-400076, India Email: momaya@iitb.ac.in Online published on 27 November, 2018. Abstract In volatile and complex environment, importance of innovation is widely appreciated. Despite adverse situations worldwide, select countries such as India are trying hard to enhance their contributions to the world, including through innovation. There are concerns about how far such contributions can go without thinking differently to address gaps in competitiveness and linkages with innovation and other capabilities. Quick benchmarking indicated less efforts, inadequate capability building and low leverage of innovation and major gaps in understanding about problems, and their root causes. A diagnostics using a problem structuring method indicated that less clear linkages between innovation and competitiveness seems to be a root cause. Less responsible applications of innovation and ineffective research on the topics seem other root causes. Hence, based on review of ‘vibrant debates’ in ongoing research, we propose opportunities and cluster under select theme. Thinking differently, we review the concept, need and working definition of ‘Responsible Innovation’. It is becoming necessary for rapid break-out on capabilities, particularly for so many firms, institutes and cities. Top Keywords Corporate competitiveness, Innovation capabilities, Organizational sustainability, Problem structuring, Responsible innovation (े), Sophisticated capabilities. Top |