From mission definition to implementation: Conceptualizing mission-oriented policies as a multi-stage translation process

The promise of mission-oriented innovation policies (MOIP) to address some of the grand societal challenges as a cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary approach to innovation policy with increased directionality has raised high hopes. However, the complexity attached to MOIP constitutes a challenge, both for policy-makers and innovation scholars. Seeking to enhance our understanding of MOIP and the diverse policy choices and challenges involved, we propose a conceptualization of missions as multiple, interconnected translation processes that span from a societal challenge as the starting point to impacts as the ultimate translational stage. We argue that adopting a process-oriented perspective is well-suited to account for the interdependencies and complex feedback dynamics among the different stages during the realization of MOIP. The proposed framework aims to support the development of frameworks for impact assessment, but also yields relevant insights for policy-makers implementing MOIP.