Innovation for sustainable development through the lens of thomas Kuhn’s paradigm shift

The study investigates a paradigm shift in innovation policy driven by the increasing integration of sustainability principles.Using Thomas Kuhn's theory of scientific revolutions, it examines whether the transition constitutes a paradigm shift.Design/methodology/approach: The study includes a historical-comparative analysis of EU innovation policy, tracing the transition from traditional neoclassical models to evolutionary and sustainability-oriented approaches and examining how the framing of innovation evolved in response to sustainability-related challenges.Findings: There has been a shift from growth-oriented to sustainability-oriented frameworks, which displays features of a Kuhnian paradigm change, including anomalies (e.g., climate crisis, inequality), competing research traditions, and redefinition of problem-solving standards.However, the transformation is uneven and coexists with older paradigms. Research limitations and implications:The study adopts a conceptual approach, which limits the assessment of the extent to which innovation frameworks integrating sustainability goals are implemented in policy and practice.Further research should explore how these frameworks operate in various institutional and national contexts and how they interact with or challenge traditional economic models that continue to support mainstream innovation policy.Practical implications: A paradigm shift in innovation policy requires adjustments in policy design, evaluation metrics, and funding mechanisms to support innovations that address environmental and social challenges.While the study does not propose specific commercial applications, its findings imply that aligning innovation policy with sustainability goals may influence how enterprises assess value creation, risks, and societal impact. Social implications:The study contributes to understanding how innovation can support societal transformation beyond economic growth.It emphasises the potential for innovation policy to address systemic environmental and social challenges, such as climate change and inequality.The research may inform public debate and policymaking.Originality/value: The paper reinterprets Kuhn's framework, highlighting the emergence of sustainability as a transformative force.It is particularly relevant to scholars in innovation policy, economic theory, and sustainability transitions, as well as policymakers interested in understanding the structural changes influencing innovation governance.