Abstract

The topic of innovation has an important tradition in the field of social sciences and a plurality of theoretical and analytical models of possible reference. Following a brief "excursus" within the so-called Innovation studies, this "Introduction" (as well as this special issue) presents the perspective of Science and technology studies (Sts), one of the liveliest current studies in the social sciences which has significantly contributed in the last thirty years to develop a critical perspective on the processes of innovation and to renew the conceptual toolbox with which to read these same processes. Taking a cue from the contributions that make up this special issue, the article then introduces the main concepts and issues that characterise the debate Sts, highlighting an interpretation of innovation phenomena such as heterogeneous never-ended processes, constructed in the crossreferences that tie public-institutional discourses, action-nets and connective and consumption infrastructures.