Abstract
The aim of the paper is to answer the overriding question what is the role of ICT in implementation of smart specialization (SS) in EU regions (NUTS2 level)? This role can be dual and ICT is considered in this study both as an invention which has led to the emergence of new sector, and from the perspective of general purpose technology (GPT) properties where ICT plays the role of input in innovation process. There are used following methods and techniques: desk research, descriptive statistical analysis, the correlation measure and Hellwig’s method of taxonomic analysis. The main findings indicate that in practice SS in ICT is not focused on development ICT as invention and is not based on readiness to usage of ICT as GPT. However, the abilities of regions to take advantage of ICT as a driver of innovation (as GPT) are materially related to specialization in the ICT sector (development ICT as invention). The findings bring some improvements by evidence-based policy making. The research contribute to the better understanding of the innovation determinants during digital transformation and especially the base of specialization in ICT as GPT under SS assumptions.
Highlights
In times of pervasive technological revolution and transformation to a new model of digital economy, the prioritization of ICT and usage of its full potential is apparent
Some foundations of the application of the smart specialization (SS) concept in practice were verified, as well as its effects during the 2014–2018 period. This contributes to a deeper recognition of SS embedded in regional innovation policies by verification of empirical implementation of SS strategy in reference to ICT
It would be emphasized that ICT is general purpose technology (GPT) and as such is the core of innovation, productivity growth of virtually all kinds of economic activity and base of digital transformation, the majority of EU regions did not choose ICT as a priority in their RIS3
Summary
In times of pervasive technological revolution and transformation to a new model of digital economy, the prioritization of ICT and usage of its full potential is apparent. It was found that the main cause of the low and deteriorating competitiveness of the EU, especially against the US, has been the failure to effectively adopt and exploit ICT (Van Ark, 2014). After certain difficulties in reaching the goals of subsequent strategies, the EU proposed new unusual idea of smart specialization (SS) which has become a tool of policy.
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