3. Developing Workplace Innovation Policies in the European Union

The chapter traces the emergence of workplace innovation in Europe, starting from the post-WWII era and its roots in Sociotechnical Systems Design. It discusses the various terminologies and approaches used to describe workplace innovation, such as ‘innovative workplaces’ and ‘high involvement workplaces’. The text also explores the evidence supporting workplace innovation, highlighting its impact on both organizational performance and job quality. It delves into the policy interventions at the European level, from the mid-1990s to the present, and the challenges faced in implementing these policies. The chapter emphasizes the need for workplace innovation to address broader economic, technological, and labor market developments, and the importance of social dialogue in its implementation. It concludes by highlighting the ongoing efforts to promote workplace innovation and the potential benefits it can bring to organizations and society as a whole.