Regional Innovation Systems Research Articles

Analysis of the impact of mechanisms of integration of university science into the regional innovation system on the spatial development of the Voronezh region

Relevance. University science is the basis for the progressive development of the regions of the Russian Federation, providing new knowledge and ideas, turning knowledge into technology and accelerated development of the cultural environment. The introduction of scientific research into the educational process is necessary and important conditions for maintaining the high professional level of teachers, the formation of professional competencies, and advanced training of future specialists. In the last few years, the main economic processes have demonstrated positive dynamics, which indicates the effectiveness of the implemented strategy of socio-economic development of the region, as well as an effective policy of spatial development of the territory are key factors in achieving a positive trend in the development of the region. Minister of Science and Higher Education V.N. Falkov in April 2024 He stated the need to transform the higher education system, focusing on specialized higher education based on an interdisciplinary approach that will more effectively integrate university science into regional spatial development and the national innovation system.The purpose of the study is to determine the mechanisms of integration of university science in the spatial development of the Voronezh region through the innovation system.Objectives: to analyze the impact of the mechanisms of integration of university science on the trends of spatial development; to analyze scientific and technological development; to formulate the main conclusions about university science as part of the socio-economic system of the territory.Methodology. The general scientific methods of logical analysis, method of desk research, method of systematization, descriptive method were used in the study. Results. The study revealed the key factors that contributed to the positive dynamics of the economy of the Voronezh region and considered the mechanisms of integration of university science into the regional innovation system.Conclusions. In the realities of scientific and technological development there is a need to improve the methods of integration of university science into the regional innovation system, and recommendations related to the optimization of spatial development of the Voronezh region in order to improve the quality and attractiveness of university science on the basis of innovative aspects functioning in the region have been proposed.

Challenge-oriented regional innovation systems

In this letter, we reflect on recent modifications of the regional innovation system (RIS) approach that have been prompted by persistent environmental, social, and economic problems. Scholars have begun to advocate a reorientation of the RIS framework towards addressing territorial sustainability challenges and have introduced the notion of challenge-oriented regional innovation systems (CORIS). While the CORIS approach holds promise given the challenges of our time, several unresolved issues remain. We elaborate on and discuss three themes that demand further research. Firstly, there is a need for in-depth studies of the geographies of problems. Systematic analyses of the origins and interrelations of territorial challenges are high in demand. Secondly, the geographies of challenge-oriented innovation-exnovation dynamics warrant more attention. We argue that future research should delve into questions around the development, testing and upscaling of innovative solutions, as well as the unlocking and destabilisation of unsustainable practices in various spatial contexts. Lastly, we contend that a better understanding of the geographies of RIS reconfiguration is necessary. This entails shedding light on various forms of system-level agency involved in reorienting or transforming historically-grown real-world RIS in different types of regions.

로컬기반의 창업교육 교육과정 및 교과목 개발 사례 연구 : T대학 「로컬콘텐츠 중점대학」 사례를 중심으로

Recently, efforts to foster young entrepreneurs who can settle in the region are expanding through the active introduction and activation of various local entrepreneurship education and support programs for balanced development of the community. This study attempted to present examples and implications of startup-based local content-focused universities that local universities plan to operate, based on previous research on regional innovation systems, domestic and international advanced cases, and the results of reviewing local government startup support policies. . As a result of the study, looking at local industrial trends, it is necessary to operate courses that can offset the obstacles to starting a business and difficulties after starting a business, and there is a need to open related courses for nurturing local creators and courses on analyzing startup market trends.In addition, more attention is needed on the government and local governments' support policies related to start-ups, and practical training such as mentoring should be supplemented so that those preparing to start a business can receive support through the relevant policies. In addition, there is a need to clarify the identity of future roles of those receiving training, and the areas of commercializing resources such as community, culture, and infrastructure should be reflected in the curriculum. The results of this study may provide implications for expanding local-based entrepreneurship education leading models and curricular and non-curricular programs under the regional innovation system in the future.

Basic principles and logical-functional model of moderation of interaction between participants of the regional innovation system

Basic principles and logical-functional model of moderation of interaction between participants of the regional innovation system

The role of scientists in regional innovation system transformation: shaping the direction to a biomass-bioeconomy

ABSTRACT Following evolutionary approaches, regional innovation systems (RISs) scholarship has begun investigating RIS transformation processes. Recently, the focus has shifted towards understanding more sophisticated changes needed to tackle grand societal challenges. So far, the changing roles of RIS actors within these processes have remained underexplored. This paper analyses the role of scientists in supporting transformative changes in RISs, drawing on existing literature on agency and asset modification. Taking the case of the bioeconomy in Lower Austria, the paper shows that scientists, expanding beyond their traditional roles as knowledge generators and disseminators, are crucial in modifying and mobilising regional assets to support the biomass-bioeconomy. The findings indicate that scientists’ activities in asset modification have influenced the development of the biomass bioeconomy path in the region.

Solving the Puzzle? An Innovation Mode Perspective on Lagging Regions

The promotion of innovation-driven development in lagging regions is currently on the regional policy agenda, so a sound understanding of how learning and innovation can be successful under the conditions there is crucial. In this context, this paper demonstrates the potential of an innovation mode approach at the micro level of regional innovation systems. Based on a conceptual framework on the relationship between knowledge bases and innovation modes in the field of regional development, a systematic literature review is used to analyze whether this potential has already been exploited in previous innovation studies on lagging regions. The results show that some important steps have already been taken in this direction. However, the potential gains in terms of a better understanding of innovation in lagging regions have so far been limited. Against this background, the authors identify several avenues for future research.

A plan to promote the regional innovation oriented university support system(RISE) project from the perspective of the regional innovation system(RIS)

A plan to promote the regional innovation oriented university support system(RISE) project from the perspective of the regional innovation system(RIS)

TERRITORY'S INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM: TOOLS FOR MANAGING DEVELOPMENT IN THE DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT

Purpose of the study. The innovation ecosystem of the territory was set to be the format of adaptation of the regional innovation system to the digital environment. This management model is rapidly developing, based on the generalization of empirical experience and multidirectional theoretical research. However, the diversity of management concepts requires building a logical relationship in terms of their application to ensure the successful operation of the ecosystem. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to substantiate management approaches and tools that contribute to improving the performance of the territory's innovation ecosystem in the digital environment. Conclusions. It is proposed to use the model for assessing its maturity as an information basis for managing the development of the territory's innovation ecosystem. A comparative analysis of approaches to the assessment of ecosystem maturity has been carried out. The key aspects of assessment are defined, and the expediency of building a structured dynamic complex of assessment models is substantiated. Promising models of ecosystem management (hybrid orchestration, multi-orchestration, multi-tier orchestration) are identified, which allow for non-hierarchical coordination of relatively independent partners in the process of creating a common value. The landscape of trajectories of possible development of the innovation ecosystem of the territory is constructed, which defines a controlled transition between possible states depending on the ratio of maturity levels of each of the participants and the ecosystem as a whole. The importance of taking risks into account for the possibility of realizing the optimal development trajectory is emphasized. A methodological approach to ecosystem risk assessment is proposed, combining: 1) a map of risks of the territory's innovation ecosystem, structured by life cycle stages and management level (an individual participant and the ecosystem as a whole), 2) risk ranking based on the assessment of their impact on the performance indicators of the territory's innovation ecosystem.

Classification and analysis of the types of interaction of regional innovation systems

This article is devoted to a detailed study of the interaction between innovation systems and innovation processes. The application of the regional-national innovation system (RIS) model has been studied, and it has been revealed that it is a targeted strategy aimed at accelerating economic growth through the introduction of scientific developments into the production cycle. The importance of including distinctive regional characteristics in analytical models for a more adequate representation of the real innovative and competitive capabilities of the regions under consideration is substantiated. The need for modification of methodologies for the analysis of regional innovation systems (RIS), adapted to the specifics of local development and external integration, is emphasized. It has been established that an adequate assessment of the innovative capacities and positions of regions in the global economic space is hampered by the presence of divergence in classification standards. The need to include a new type of RIS in the classification is shown, which adequately reflects the initial stages of systems development in the context of unique Russian regional features. An analysis of the dynamics of interaction between key actors within these systems has been obtained, contributing to a deep understanding of the mechanisms of transfer of innovative knowledge among actors, providing tools for managing the development of regions, identifying the drivers of their competitive advantages and focusing on market participants.

Evolution of the regional innovation system in terms of the Covid-19 pandemic, financial and economic crisis: The long term perspective from Central European region

Research background: The evolution of the innovation system is not easy to explore due to the small number or selective nature of the international research about it. The natural trajectory is well known in a long time period but differs between regions and countries — more or less developed. If the impact of the external shocks on regional innovation system (RIS) is added here, the situation is even more complicated. The answer for the crises depends on the development level of a country and region, the maturity of the relationships between actors of the Triple Helix (entrepreneurship, science, government) — their strength and stability over time, some endogenous conditions specific to it. The knowledge about the evolution of the innovation system is crucial to understand how the system works, where it was, is and will be at the evolution trajectory. Purpose of the article: Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify the evolution of the RIS in the one of Central Europe’s regions (Lower Silesian in Poland) including the impact of the global financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic on the innovation technology there. Methods: Using microdata collected by the authors and the stepwise logit modelling, industrial enterprises were analysed in three time periods: 2004–2006, 2010–2012 and 2019–2021. Total 1649 questionnaires forms were collected. The research was made in the one of Poland's well advanced regional innovation systems — the Lower Silesian. The matrix of success and fail was used as long as the AUC curve and some statistical indicators to prove the usefulness of models. The dependent variables were the new technology pushed by R&D and the investment in new machinery and equipment. Findings & value added: The nature of RIS evolution in the one of the regions in Central Europe in a catching-up country in the context of financial crises and Covid-19 was examined. The analyses identified two alternative groups of conditions — high or low resilience to various market shocks. To the first group belongs: R&D and equipment interactions (the growing competence effect) and a cooperation along the supply chain in the industry. The low resilience is observed in the other categories, as follows: the cooperation with science institutes and business support organizations (the isolation effect), the lack of external sources of funding (the sinking effect), the short time reaction of entrepreneurs (the adaptation effect). As was pointed above in the catching-up country, some elements of the Triple Helix are more sensitive to external shocks, while others are not. The crisis situation can radically slow down an evolutionary development or change its direction. Knowing them will allow the local authority to react on time or with a low delay to reduce negative consequences of it to the regional economy. Authors have shown a new approach to the evolution process of regional innovation system. It could be useful to learn how, where and when the system is going to.

Genesis of regional innovation ecosystems: review and modern interpretation

The article deals with problems in the application of the innovative ecosystem concept. The research is based on systems theory, innovation system theory, the theory of regional innovation systems, and the concept of open innovation. The purpose of the study is to determine the theoretical basis for applying the ecosystem concept to the development of innovation systems in regions. In the course of the study the preconditions for the formation of innovative ecosystems in the regions (acceleration of innovation; complexity of the innovation process and interdisciplinary approach to innovation; application of the concept of open innovation; acceleration of introducing the innovation to the market; possibility of functional complementarity and cooperation; possibility of joint and more efficient use of resources and infrastructure; regional differentiation; innovation risks sharing) were identified. During the work the approaches to the concept of innovation ecosystem that reflect the multidimensionality of innovation ecosystems were revealed. The article clarifies the features of the innovative ecosystems (complexity, openness, interdependence and complementarity of elements, dynamism, non-linearity) and the innovative ecosystems principles (emergence, synergy, adaptability, self-development, sustainability, self-organization, co-evolution). The study highlights the mechanisms of interactions among subjects of the innovation ecosystem (cooperation, competition, coordination, regulation, joint management) that lead to a synergetic effect for the actors of the innovation ecosystem. The obtained results systematize knowledge about innovative ecosystems and form a theoretical basis for the features of their formation and development in the regions, which can find practical application when identifying instruments of regional innovation policy.

Regional innovation systems and entrepreneurial ecosystems: their value added to rethinking regional development policies

ABSTRACT Advances on the understanding the innovation process and phenomenon, principally coming from the regional innovation systems approach and from the theorization around the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems, have given an impulse to entrepreneurship promotion. The aim of this paper is two-fold. On the one hand, the first objective is to contextualize and clarify the concepts of regional innovation systems and entrepreneurial ecosystems that have been gaining a growing importance in terms of regional policy. It will also address their differences and complementarities, proposing an analytical filter to enhance their understanding, both theoretically and operationally. The second objective is to formulate a set of recommendations about the role both concepts bring to local and regional development strategies, opening the way for a set of public policy interventions.

Digital economy development and regional innovation resilience: mechanism and empirical analysis

ABSTRACT Improving the resilience of innovation systems is a prerequisite for achieving high-level self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology. This study defines a conceptual framework of innovation resilience. It delves into its theoretical and empirical aspects to thoroughly examine the impact and transmission mechanisms of digital economic development on the resilience of regional innovation systems. The research findings reveal that the digital economy positively impacts regional innovation resilience (RIR), a result that persists even after a series of robustness tests. Second, the digital economy can effectively enhance RIR by expanding the scale of the digital industry, strengthening intellectual property protection, and increasing innovation. Third, there is a threshold effect on the influence of the digital economy on RIR, which becomes more pronounced with the developing digital economy and increasing levels of innovation personnel, funding, and output. The conclusions of this study provide new policy tools to strengthen innovation resilience and promote the optimization of regional innovation policies.

How can a regional innovation system meet circular economy challenges? Conceptualization and empirical insights from Germany

Abstract Promoting the circular economy (CE) increasingly draws on regional approaches. But in particular the potentially supportive role of regionally provided innovations requires more exploration. This paper suggests an expanded categorization of innovation demands for the regional CE and integrates them into an enriched conceptualization of the challenge-oriented regional innovation system (CORIS). How the proposed framework can guide regional analysis and strategy building is then illustrated by the empirical case study of the German ‘Circular City’ Aachen. Structuring obtained information according to CORIS components reveals which requirements are met, but also which innovation deficiencies should be tackled locally.

Regional Innovation Systems as a Remedy for Structurally Affected Regions—Empirical Evidence from the Czech Republic

Regional Innovation Systems as a Remedy for Structurally Affected Regions—Empirical Evidence from the Czech Republic

Innovativeness of Japanese forest owners and municipalities regarding the valorization of forest ecosystem services: Quantitative evaluation of mutual influences

The valorization of forest ecosystem services requires actors to innovate and tackle difficulties in realization. We conducted two questionnaire survey series in Japan with forest owners and municipalities—important actors in implementing valorization—to investigate their innovativeness. We measured owners' innovativeness regarding valorization by asking whether they were interested in, planning for, or had implemented four types of valorization: (1) multifunctional payments, (2) habitat payments, (3) non-wood forest products (NWFP) marketing, and (4) forest service industries. Based on spatial autoregressive regression (SAR) analyses of 312 responses, we found that ownership type, age, holding size, and purpose of forest ownership were associated with owners' innovativeness indices. For example, younger owners and the ones with NWFP ownership purpose are more innovative in one or several types of valorization. We also asked municipalities how innovative they were toward using forest environmental transfer tax, a national funding scheme, for implementing or assisting the valorization methods mentioned above. Based on the SAR analyses of 664–670 responses, we identified correlations between innovativeness and several municipal factors such as population size, population changes, areas of private plantation forest ownership, forest ratios, and the importance of agriculture and forestry. Specifically, the coefficients for forest ratio and agriculture/forestry/fishery added value variables were positive in the NWFP model. Relying on the results of the SAR analyses, we evaluated the influences of regional systems of innovation on respondents' innovativeness and found that the influences are statistically and substantially significant.

A Dynamic Analysis to Examine Regional Development in the Context of a Digitally Enabled Regional Innovation System: The Case of Western and Central Macedonia (Greece)

The significance of Regional Innovation Systems (RIS) as a strategic tool for enhancing a region’s competitiveness has been increasingly recognized. This paper presents a model of RIS that was developed using the system dynamics (SD) methodology. The goal of this model is to amalgamate the systemic approach with computer modeling and simulation disciplines into a comprehensive dynamic framework for analyzing RIS. Within this framework, the paper explores the impact of smart technologies on regional development through the RIS. Specifically, the SD model serves as an ‘experimental tool’ for conducting extensive what-if scenario analyses concerning smart technologies. The efficacy of these technologies is examined in terms of their dynamic influence on regional development, with insights derived from simulation outcomes. Data from two Greek regions provides a strategic analysis over a designated time horizon.

Rethinking Regional Embeddedness and Innovation Systems for Transitions Towards Just, Responsible, and Circular Bioeconomies

Few studies have explicitly explored regional embeddedness and both the inconsistencies and injustices of circular bioeconomy (CBE) innovations. To better navigate the normative dimension of these innovations and CBE transitions in general, our article presents a threefold argument for the relevance of the regional level of analysis. First, CBE innovations are influenced by and affect regional metabolisms and actor constellations, assets, and (biophysical) resources within regional innovation systems (RIS). Second, thoroughly exploring these dimensions of regional (un)embeddedness can reveal ethical concerns, including potential "dark sides" and injustices, such as exclusivity and exploitation. Third, to address these concerns in CBE research and governance, we outline four facets: complementing the RIS as a framework and policy approach, balancing creative and destructive measures, addressing the need for more inclusive regional CBE policies, and establishing dedicated intermediaries to better govern regional CBE transitions. In summary, this conceptual article provides starting points for further research and proactive measures that help govern the normative dimension and the design of CBE transitions at the regional level, promoting inclusivity, justice, responsibility, and legitimacy for both innovation and exnovation.

Policy Analysis and Evaluation from the Perspective of Collaborative Governance on the Regional Innovation System & Education(RISE)

Policy Analysis and Evaluation from the Perspective of Collaborative Governance on the Regional Innovation System & Education(RISE)

An Anticipatory Practice for the Future of Science Parks: Understanding the Indices and Mechanisms on Different Spatial Scales of Regional Innovation Systems

An Anticipatory Practice for the Future of Science Parks: Understanding the Indices and Mechanisms on Different Spatial Scales of Regional Innovation Systems