Innovation pathways and policy challenges at the regional level: smart specialisation

Rene Wintjes and Hugo Hollanders

No 2011-027, MERIT Working Papers from United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT)

Abstract: This paper highlights the great diversity in development pathways and trajectories of innovation across European regions. A regional knowledge-based economy has multi-dimensional aspects. It includes a variety of knowledge activities and multiple interactions among a range of actors including universities, research institutes, enterprises, knowledge workers and institutions. The spatial patterns and trends for the different aspects of the knowledge-based economy vary significantly across Europe. Most aspects show convergence and generate catching-up processes, while some show divergence between European regions. Overall, absorption capacity has increased in importance and education is an important challenge for future regional development. Place-based innovation policy is essential to enhance synergies among co-evolving knowledge capabilities and encourage smart specialisation.

Keywords: innovation pathways; regional development; innovation policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O18 O31 O38 R11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (16)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:unm:unumer:2011027

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