Distribution in control and innovation

In this paper an emerging trend towards distribution in the diverse disciplines of control systems engineering and innovation theory is identified. Developments in Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Innovation Theory are discussed and the correlations between trends in the two disciplines are highlighted. The practical implications of distribution are then considered through a case study analysis of a research and development project that is developing an integrated environment for specification and implementation of open control systems. The paper highlights technological and innovation management lessons which may be of use to practitioners.