Yujie ZHANG, Kaihua CHEN, Yanping ZHANG
As the scope, actors, forms, approaches, trends, and influencing factors of innovation inputs continue to evolve, the research objects, domains, and methodological perspectives of innovation inputs analysis are continuously expanding and becoming more refined. The optimal allocation, efficient management, and strategic decision-making of innovation inputs necessitate a systematic and scientific measurement framework. This study develops a theoretical framework for the innovametrics of innovation inputs, emphasizing their role throughout the innovation process. The framework aims to provide analytical perspectives and methodological tools for addressing key measurement issues related to the level, structure, and influencing factors of innovation inputs. Based on a review of the evolution of research on innovation input measurement, this study categorizes key measurement issues into three dimensions: development, structure, and dynamics. It further proposes the key issues and analytical approaches associated with each dimension. Additionally, considering advancements in innovation input management and practical demands, this study outlines future research directions in innovametrics. The development of this theoretical framework not only advances the theoretical and methodological foundations for optimizing innovation input allocation, management, and decision-making but also provides a systematic framework to guide academia, policymakers, and industry practitioners in understanding and effectively applying relevant measurement theories and methodologies.