UNU-MERIT Working Papers Series
Innovation pathways and policy challenges at the regional level: smart specialisation
René Wintjes & Hugo Hollanders #2011-027This 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
JEL Codes: O18, R11
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