Intermediaries in regional innovation systems: An historical event-based analysis applied to AI industry in Montreal

Abstract

This article combines intermediaries and regional innovation system literatures to develop an analytical approach to study the role of intermediaries using the case of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry in Montreal as a testing ground. More specifically, it explores what kinds of intermediaries dominate the Montreal AI innovation system, the functions and types of activities they perform in fostering and supporting the development of the AI industry, as well as their ability to link different actors both within and outside this configuration. Based on a historical event analysis, we found that there is a great diversity of intermediaries present in Montreal's AI innovation system and there is an association between the type of intermediary and the functions and activities they perform. We also find that while intermediaries are instrumental in both facilitating local and non-local linkages, their priority is to orchestrate local interactions.