STI and DUI innovation modes in the ecosystem of computer solutions for Internet applications in Cuba

Abstract

The objective of this work was to characterize how innovation is managed in software development projects of the productive infrastructure of the University of Informatics Sciences. An exploratory case study was carried out to develop the behavior of the innovative process in the ecosystem of computer solutions for Internet applications in Cuba. In the analyzes carried out, it was possible to appreciate that, paradoxically, the relatively high levels of impact of the "outputs", measured in terms of income from the commercialization of software products, does not correspond, with the relatively lower levels of scientific results, seen as "inputs" of applied knowledge, measured in the traditional terms of publications, patents, registrations, etc. Compared to other universities that show more consolidated scientific results, this question leads us to criticize the traditional (linear) paradigm of innovation, focusing on a broad vision of the Make-Use-Interact type (DUI Mode) versus the narrow vision of the type Science-Technology-Innovation (STI Mode), conceptualized in the current theoretical developments of the Innovation Systems approach. For its operationalization, it is possible, based on international experience, a method of measuring the innovative activity of the DUI Mode through the adaptation, design and contextualization of a set of indicators for the selected case study. It was established that the free software communities and the facilitators represented in the specific roles of the Agile Methodologies are determinant to materialize learning and collaboration, adequate complements of innovation through the DUI Mode. 

Keywords: Innovation modes, DUI, STI, Innovation indicator, Learning process, Tacit knowledge, Digital transformation.