The challenge for innovation has shifted from meeting uncertainties to breaking through a waiting game. The topic of 'waiting games' - or technology impasses - has not been addressed in the innovation literature, while it is clearly important to understand the phenomenon, and to be able to do something about it. We call this a waiting game because it occurs over and above the strategies of individual actors, even if there is general acceptance that the technology is promising and innovation is necessary. This special issue explores the variety of waiting games and their dynamics, and offers suggestions about breaking through them.