Preparedness for Innovation in Times of Crisis: Lessons From the Initial COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Christopher M. Durugbo, Soud M. Almahamid, Lulwa H. Budalamah, Odeh R. Al-Jayyousi and Batoul BendiMerad
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Christopher M. Durugbo: Department of Innovation and Technology Management, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
Soud M. Almahamid: Department of Innovation and Technology Management, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
Lulwa H. Budalamah: ��Ministry of Information Affairs, Isa Town, Bahrain
Odeh R. Al-Jayyousi: Department of Innovation and Technology Management, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
Batoul BendiMerad: ��Bahrain Institute of Public Administration, Manama, Bahrain

International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management (IJITM), 2022, vol. 19, issue 06, 1-30

Abstract: In this paper, we explore preparedness strategies for the initial response to crisis-driven innovation, in the context of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Using insights from semi-structured interviews with public health strategists, we apply analytic induction to investigate preparedness to innovate, and the main forms of crisis-driven innovation applied in the initial COVID-19 response. We thematically analyze measures of preparedness for the initial COVID-19 response and propose a framing aimed at boosting readiness for crisis-driven innovation. Our study finds themes on COVID-19 preparedness strategies involving combat-inspired public policies from assessed security, cyclic-oriented public projections of actionable safeguards, and continuity-driven public provisions for anticipated situations. The study also captures themes on crisis response as crisis-driven innovation in relation to digitalized, integrated, and tailored public services, initiatives, and systems. Our paper concludes with discussions on the implications of innovation intelligence for crisis preparedness, “ripple-inspired inside-out†view of crisis-driven innovation, “response as innovation†framings, and suggestions for further studies.

Keywords: Crisis-driven innovation; innovation management; crisis; COVID-19; coronavirus; public health; Bahrain; emerging countries; pandemics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1142/S0219877021400125

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