Regional Innovation Systems Research Articles

VET centres: from a traditional to a transformational role for students, enterprises and society

Vocational Education and Training (VET) has the potential to move from a traditional function to a transformational ones by extending their activities beyond teaching provision. The transformational role of VET is focused on non-traditional functions like applied research and technical services provision to enterprises supporting SMEs innovation and local and regional development. However, these non-traditional functions belong to a complex process and depend both on internal and external factors to the centres being driven by the need for innovation and problem-solving of those enterprises outside the scope of the traditional institutions. Therefore, applied research in the VET field can be defined as solving real problems in industry that posits VET as a key agent in the Regional Innovation Systems. The approach to non-traditional functions, in general, and to applied research activities are considered some of the key characteristics of excellence in the VET field.

Рейтинг инновационного развития субъектов Центрального Федерального округа

In a changing global world, innovation affects even the remotest regions. In today's geopolitical and economic environment, Russian regions are faced with global challenges that result in the need to respond to new circumstances. The priority task on the agenda is active innovative development, making the domestic economy attractive for investment. In areas where the region does face competition, it needs to innovate in order to remain competitive. In this context, consideration of regional innovation development issues becomes relevant and necessary. The object of the research are the regions of the Central Federal District. The subject of the research is the socio-economic relations that arise during the formation and development of the elements of the regional innovation system. The purpose of the research is to rank the innovation development of the regions of the Central Federal District. The set goal was solved by the following tasks: defining the essence of the process of innovation development of the region; identifying the characteristics of innovation development of regions; rating and mapping the results of innovation development of the regions of the Central Federal District.
 Methodology of work. The data from the Federal State Statistics Service and the RIA-Rating agency were used as materials for the research. The methodological basis of the research was provided by general scientific methods: analysis and synthesis, generalisation, economic and statistical methods.
 The results of the work and the scope of their application. The rating assessment of the innovative development of the Central Federal District regions has been carried out. The presented results can be used to develop a mechanism for the regulation of innovative development at the regional and macro-regional level.

Addressing inclusion, innovation, and sustainability challenges through the lens of economic geography: Introducing the hierarchical regional innovation system

The world is facing dramatic challenges related to environmental sustainability at an accelerating pace. In this context, the field of economic geography (EG) has been playing an important role in understanding both the socioeconomic and technological dimensions of these challenges, as it deals with a variety of complementary notions and perspectives. Departing from this lens, our aim is to explore a conceptual framework that can help us to understand environmental changes relating to multi-dimensional territorial development, notably in economic contexts where inequality is high, and stratification based on hierarchies regulate social and economic life. Based on the territory concept, we propose the original notion of a hierarchical regional innovation system (HRIS) that emphasises the pervasive role of hierarchies (powers) in regional innovation systems and illustrate its value with evidence and case studies from extant literature on sustainability transitions. The HRIS can help us understand and promote development paths considering the contribution of inclusive eco-innovations (another original conceptual amalgam). Through some empirical cases from other studies in low-carbon transitions, we show the application of the HRIS (and inclusive eco-innovation) framework. In conclusion, we provide incentives to explore new regional innovation systems, alongside the HRIS, adapted to different regions worldwide and centred on the inclusiveness of people and places.

Public biofoundries as innovation intermediaries: the integration of translation, sustainability, and responsibility

The emergence and evolution of engineering biology, and its potential to address multiple global challenges is associated with the rise of biofoundries. These innovation intermediaries are facilities that employ advanced automation and computational analytics to accelerate engineering biology applications. Yet, for biofoundries to fully achieve their promise of generating applications that address grand societal challenges, they need to meet three key challenges: translation of research technology and its commercialization, attention to sustainability, and responsible innovation. Using web content analysis and interviews, this paper explores the functions and capabilities undertaken by existing public biofoundries, the extent to which they address these three challenges, and opportunities and models for enhancement. We also probe the roles undertaken by three other contrasting types of innovation intermediaries to identify practices and opportunities for integration and partnering with public biofoundries. We find that public biofoundries exhibit relatively strong capabilities for research translation, whereas efforts toward sustainability and responsibility are generally less prominent. For biofoundry enhancement, we propose an organisational model based on external partnering where public biofoundries are positioned as intermediaries within regional innovation systems. The framework put forward is reproducible and could be used in other contexts for assessing innovation intermediary organisational functions and capabilities toward meeting societal challenges.

Business and Regional Innovation Culture: An Overview of the Conceptualization of Innovation Culture

The primary aim of this paper is to identify key similarities and differences in the conceptualization of culture across the major theories of regional socioeconomic science, including economic, business, administrative, social, cultural and political dimensions acting at the regional and local scales. The second goal is to present an overview of the knowledge base and third to cohesively examine and partially recreate the topic using the semi-systematic review method. The final objective of examining the aforementioned issues is to clarify the dynamic correlation in the structuring of business and innovation culture, as well as to identify the characteristics that contribute to the sustainable culture of business and regional innovation systems, including long-term sustainable development. The research shows that the coexistence and combination of innovative culture at the business and regional levels should be perceived as a dynamic and co-evolutionary process involving a variety of factors. Local organizations and institutes that foster entrepreneurship are among the elements that enhance the innovation culture; however, having all of the resources in isolation is insufficient for an efficient ecosystem. This study proposes the establishment of a framework that will enhance the growth of innovation, cultural evolution and regional ecosystem performance. The Institutes of Local Development and Innovation (ILDI) are a policy idea that might give effective micro–meso-level solutions for the region. These policy proposals will diagnose the regional business culture under the prism of strategy, technology, and management levels. The specific investigation attempted in this paper demonstrates that several converging fruitful paths have already been created in the relative international literature. These paths could be combined and deepened further by studying the close evolutionary interconnection between business and regional innovation culture as it emerges at a global scale in the present.

Measuring the relevance and impact of innovation and social forces for Transnational Value Chain's embeddedness in a region.

This paper focuses on understanding and explaining TVC embeddedness with the theory of Regional Innovation Systems, Social Fields, and Qualitative Comparative Analysis, which allows us to show the sufficient and necessary conditions for TVC embeddedness in a region. A qualitative-comparative empirical study was conducted in 17 regions in the form of semi-structured, expert Focus Group Interviews. The participants were regional stakeholders, representatives of supportive regional institutions, businesses, and academia, accustomed to the regional innovation processes. The findings show that the strongest effect comes from the presence of the Support for Regional Innovativeness. The presence of Innovations and networks also have to be considered, meanwhile, when it comes to institutions, the results point out that the presence and absence of Institutional framework contribute to the Regional TVC Embeddedness. Lastly, we can also highlight the absence of Cognitive Frames, which are important for Regional TVC Embeddedness. The data presented in the paper does not separate the TIER levels. Different levels could influence the conditions for the embeddedness. Half-products that are closer to the end product tend to have higher added value and are more innovative. Based on a newly developed theory and model, which focuses on social field theory and innovation, the present paper aims to test them in real-life settings. This model explains how the social forces and innovation processes influence the company embeddedness by emphasising the necessary and sufficient conditions to have TVC embeddedness.

Regional innovation systems in tourism: The role of collaboration and competition

The paper explores the concept of Regional Innovation Systems (RIS) in the context of the tourism industry. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and competition among companies within regional systems to foster innovation. It also discusses the role of social capital, relational assets, and social relationships in driving innovation within RIS. The Campania Region recognizes the importance of tourism for its development and supports the digital transition, modernization of public administration, communication infrastructure, and production system. In this vein, the paper proposes a theoretical framework that combines dynamic capabilities, relational view, and resource-based theory to explain the mechanisms and dynamics of RIS. The co-creation of innovation and strategic plans within a system of regional assets is highlighted as a key aspect of RIS. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for collaboration, innovation, and the integration of various stakeholders' interests in the development of sustainable and innovative regional systems.

혁신 클러스터의 창업 지원 정책과 스타트업 성과와의 관계

This study is based on a regional innovation system theory based on Path Dependence Theory and Michael Porter's Cluster Space Theory. Path Dependence Theory explains that innovation clusters benefit from special access, relationships, better information, stronger incentives, and productivity gains that are difficult to connect at a distance (David, 1985; Arthur, 1989, Porter, 1998). Thus, the creation of clusters based on spatial concentration contributes to the creation of external economies through the specialisation of firms, the enhancement of inter-firm communication, and the 'sharing of factors of production' such as human resources and support institutions.
 In order to demonstrate this in a small-scale innovation cluster, this study uses a structural equation model to examine the effects of existing support policies and cluster agglomeration on business performance using 230 representatives of startups operating in the Songdo cluster in Incheon. The results show that the cluster's support system for investment, commercialisation and technology activation positively affects organisational member capabilities and technology development capabilities, but it fails to demonstrate the impact of public programme policies, funding and investment policies on firm profitability through organisational capabilities. This is because, due to the nature of start-ups, organisational capabilities do not immediately translate into firm profitability. Typical commercialisation support programmes often expect sales or hiring of employees in a short period of time, and the findings of this study suggest that this aspect needs to be further examined. On the other hand, the relationship between technology development capacity and profitability of public programme policies and technology development capacity and profitability of technology development policies was statistically significant, confirming their effectiveness. This suggests that there is a need for policy development that focuses on technology development capabilities rather than programmes that address the business pain points of entrepreneurs, such as training and mentoring. Therefore, innovation cluster policies should be conducted from a more long-term perspective, and only if policies for technology revitalisation are prepared in a timely manner will it be possible to achieve the goal of economic growth through startup revitalisation.

Needs Analysis of Local Talent Investment Agreement from the Perspective of Policy Failure Prevention: Implications for Regional Innovation System & Education

Needs Analysis of Local Talent Investment Agreement from the Perspective of Policy Failure Prevention: Implications for Regional Innovation System & Education

The Role of Non-Rooted Social Institutions in the Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Regional Innovation System

A plethora of recent studies have highlighted the importance of non-rooted social institutions in influencing the effectiveness of regional innovation systems (RIS), and therefore the development of formal and informal organizational and institutional innovations that contribute to socio-economic development. Non-rooted social institutions refer to various organizations, networks, and collaborations that are not directly involved in research or production activities, but still exert a significant influence on regional innovation processes. These institutions can include government agencies responsible for policy-making and funding allocations for innovation programs at the regional level, professional associations promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration among industry professionals across regions, venture capital firms providing financial resources to startups and entrepreneurs, incubators and accelerators offering support services to early-stage ventures, as well as non-profit organizations focusing on community engagement and entrepreneurship education. Our paper focuses on the main rooted and non-rooted social institutions of the RIS systems using a case study of the Russian Federation. Moreover, it determines the degree of their influence on the assessment of their effectiveness. Furthermore, the paper explains that under conditions of economic stability in a region with different levels of innovative potential, the influence of different social institutions on RIS is determined differently. In conditions of economic instability, unrooted social institutions begin to play a key and decisive role. Based on the results of our study, we draw some conclusions regarding the need to take into account external socio-economic factors in the development of tools for assessing the effectiveness of regional innovation systems.

Determinants and performance of the quadruple helix model and the mediating role of civil society

Civil society plays an essential role in regional innovation systems. It is considered fundamental for the success of innovation and the participation of civil society, social and human capital, and the part of public policies that can influence the generation of innovation. For this reason, this study aims to identify determining factors in a regional innovation model, considering civil society as a relevant component in the mediation of the process. To this end, we proposed a theoretical research model in which we empirically tested a partial structural equation model and a Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis using a sample of 233 Chilean quadruple helix relationship experts. The results have confirmed that successful cases of science, technology, and innovation public policies occur when there is greater citizen involvement and that human capital positively affects the participation of society and the development of innovation, among other relevant results. And from the fsQCA analysis, three solutions that generate innovation are configured. This research also provides relevant information for public decision-making and describes the influential role that local governments and civil society can play in innovation.

Proposal for a Comprehensive Tool to Measure Smart Cities under the Triple-Helix Model: Capacities Learning, Research, and Development

This paper discusses the measurement of smart cities using efficiency indices and proposes a comprehensive tool based on the triple-helix model to assess the learning, research, and development capabilities of smart cities. Existing smart city models are divergent and lack alignment, making it difficult to compare and evaluate cities. The proposed tool aims to contribute to science, technology, and innovation policies by assessing the capabilities of participants in the regional innovation system of smart cities. The study follows a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive methodology consisting of three stages: identification of variables, definition of variables, and construction of the tool. It finds that current smart city indicators focus primarily on technological aspects, efficiency, and management processes, overlooking important factors such as citizen engagement, their capacity to adopt technologies, and their research and knowledge-generation capabilities. This study makes a significant contribution to the field of smart city measurement and evaluation by using the triple-helix model as a conceptual framework. This approach strengthens the existing knowledge about this phenomenon and lays the foundation for future research in this area.

Improving the System of Indicators for Assessing the Effectiveness of Modern Regional Innovation Systems

In the post-pandemic social and economic conditions, the proper assessment of the effectiveness of regional innovation systems (RISs) becomes a key endeavor. In our paper, we highlight the necessity to enhance the set of indicators used to evaluate the performance of regional innovation systems in countries with varying innovation capabilities. Specifically, we concentrate on examining case studies from the United States, Japan, China, and the Czech Republic, comparing their experiences with the current situation to innovations and innovation systems in Russia and drawing lessons for this country. Utilizing the Global Innovation Index (GII) rankings, we conduct an analysis of the characteristics of innovative progress and propose specific groups of indicators that can enhance the effectiveness of evaluating the innovative advancement of different regions. Moreover, we determine the need for uniqueness, flexibility, and adaptability of these based on the state’s strategic guidelines in the field of innovation and the innovative potential of the territory as well as the factors of external and internal influence. In addition, we conduct and present the results of the bibliometric network analysis of the research publications retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database using VOSViewer software and covering the role of regional innovation systems (RISs) in shaping up the national innovation systems (NISs) both in general terms and specifically applied to the case of Russia. Our results might be relevant for the stakeholders and policymakers who are engaged in promoting innovation, regional development, and sustainable economic growth, as well as for the academics working on the topics of innovation and economic development.

Universities in inclusive regional innovation systems: Academic engagement and uneven knowledge use in Brazil

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to spatially and regionally examine academic engagement within Brazil, identifying patterns. Moreover, our investigation can contribute to a better understanding of how knowledge can be turned into a tool to fight regional inequality. We depart from two hypotheses: first, universities situated in peripheral regions interact more with companies from relatively more dynamic regions, and second, in the absence of industrial knowledge demand, universities tend to collaborate more closely with a diverse range of stakeholders in the region. To evaluate these hypotheses and find empirical evidence, we consider 4497 research groups and 4603 nonacademic organizations as “nodes” connected by 8830 collaborations throughout all Brazilian regions. Social network tools are used to illustrate the spatial and regional dimensions of academic engagement more accurately. The results show that academic engagement is not regionally homogeneous, demonstrating essential differences regarding local nonacademic partnerships. Innovation policies, which encourage only university–firm interactions, perpetuate regional inequality.

The Regional Innovation System and Smart Specialisation in the “energy region” Lusatia

Lusatia, a rural-peripheral region in Eastern Germany, currently faces structural change due to the planned phase-out of lignite mining. Against the backdrop of the EU Smart Specialisation (S2) strategy, structural change funds need to be invested where it can strengthen Lusatia’s Regional Innovation System (RIS). With Lusatia’s history, energy seems a promising topic S2. However, it is questionable if there is a critical mass of actors and research for energy topics in the region that could enable regional competitiveness. This paper addresses this issue by analysing the current state of Lusatia’s RIS and the potentials for S2. I use empirical data from statistical offices and the “Förderkatalog” as well as data on new research projects and institutes for my analysis. The gathered data suggest that the region’s RIS is rather thin. While the proclaimed image of an “energy region” is not reflected in the data yet, this may change due to the structural change program and the strategic orientation of the region. S2 may be successful if the new institutes and research projects enable the attraction of skilled workers and firms and at the same time manage to increase the absorption capacity of existing firms in the region. Building a critical mass for cooperation and innovation is achievable, at least in the larger cities such as Cottbus. Monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of the invested funds will be crucial.

도심융합특구제도 추진동향과 토지공법적 과제

Inner city areas have been served as central places for business, commercial and cultural activities for a long time in the major cities. Recently, inner city areas receive great public attention as an innovative space for attracting young people throughout new jobs and restructuring urban functions. Based on these circumstances, Korean government announced the establishment plan for Urban Innovation District System in the inner cities last September of 2020 in order to secure local base for the regional innovation system. The main purpose of the establishment of Urban Innovation District System in the inner cities is providing base space for innovative activities using the network system between entrepreneurial activity, research activities, cultural activities and daily activities in terms of time and physical connection. To cope with this purpose government and lawmakers are pushing for the legislation of Special Act for Urban Innovation District Systems in the inner cities. Previous researches about the successful innovation districts in abroad indicates that excellent accessibility is the key factor of the districts. That is, excellent accessibility enables liberal contact and meeting between the companies and research centers including administrative agents. And these activities establish the confidential relationship between the innovative partners and this relationship can cause the proliferation of knowledge exchanges and strengthen the role of the districts to lead regional development. But Daeduk Special Research and Development Zone considered as a precedence case of the Urban Innovation District Systems in the inner cities is reviewed as a case of failure despite of the enough research outcomes. One of the reasons why the Daeduk Special Research and Development Zone considered as a case of failure is that the Special Research and Development Zone has no certain connection with the surrounding areas in terms of geographical, spatial, social context. Based on these findings this study suggests that in order to accomplish the purpose of the establishment of Urban Innovation District System in the inner cities both of the institutional arrangements and changeover efforts to minimize shortcomings and maximize strength the system are essential. For this reason, the Inner City Special District Act pending at the National Assembly needs to modify to secure enough leadership and financial resources align with the local characteristics and industrial conditions of the region.

Research and technology organizations as entrepreneurship instruments: the case of the Institut National d’Optique in the Canadian optics and photonics industry

Research and technology organizations (RTOs) are studied in the innovation policy literature mainly as providers of R&D services and as intermediaries between universities and the private sector. Through the case of the Institut National d’Optique (INO), Canada’s leading RTO in the optics and photonics industry, we argue that RTOs can also act as entrepreneurs by generating technologies and commercializing them through licensing, technology transfers and spin-offs. By analyzing the broad range of activities undertaken by INO, we also discuss what characteristics make some RTOs more likely to embrace entrepreneurship than others. Those characteristics include the following: renewed access to government funding to build a strong in-house research infrastructure and scientific workforce; strategic R&D planning that incorporates commercial objectives and an environment that encourages a culture of entrepreneurship among employees; the ability to act as the driving force of a network of academic, government and private sector organizations. From a policy perspective, the INO case indicates that the main value of using RTOs as entrepreneurship instruments does not lie in profitability but rather in developing dynamic regional systems of innovation.

The Impact of Opening a High-Speed Railway on Urban Innovation: A Comparative Perspective of Traditional Innovation and Green Innovation

Transportation infrastructure is essential to regional innovation systems, and the high-speed railway (HSR) is reshaping China’s regional innovation pattern. Previous research lacks an analysis of the impact of opening an HSR on urban traditional and green innovation. This paper uses urban panel data from 285 prefecture-level cities in China from 2003 to 2019 to study the impact and mechanism of opening an HSR on urban innovation from a comparative perspective. The results of a multi-period difference-in-difference (DID) model show that opening an HSR can promote both traditional and green urban innovation, especially impacting urban green innovation. A further analysis of the mechanism of action found that high-quality talent and communication infrastructures are two crucial mechanisms of transmission for the opening of an HSR to affect urban innovation. In addition, heterogeneity analysis showed that opening an HSR promotes traditional urban and green innovation for cities in general. However, for central cities, the opening of an HSR has no significant impact on green innovation and has little effect on promoting traditional innovation. The policy inspiration of this paper is that, in the face of an innovation gap and the inequality of regional innovation and development, the construction of HSRs should be promoted according to local conditions. Construction and layout resources should be shifted from central cities to general cities to narrow the regional innovation gap. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to the roles of the flow of high-quality talent and communication infrastructure in promoting urban innovation and sustainable urban development.

From Silicon Valley to the Levant: Innovation in the Eastern Mediterranean

AbstractMarket economies in the eastern Mediterranean are not counted among ideal‐typical innovators. But this picture may be changing. This article explores the emerging innovation systems in the eastern Mediterranean by examining recent data and the literatures on varieties of capitalism and innovation systems. Through the cases of Cyprus, Israel, and Turkey, the study argues that the varieties of capitalism framework, by focusing on performance at the macro level, disregards the subnational performance of these outlier markets, which have promising regional or local innovation systems. Fostering cooperation among these emerging innovation systems could become a valuable instrument for overcoming deeply rooted conflicts in the eastern Mediterranean, which has turned into a “crisis zone” due to recent energy discoveries.

Do Innovative Provincial Policies Promote the Optimization of Regional Innovation Ecosystems?

Innovative provinces are essential to innovative countries and robust support for constructing national and regional innovation systems. Based on the panel data of 28 provinces from 2016 to 2019, this paper builds a regional innovation ecosystem performance evaluation system from five dimensions: innovation subject, innovation environment, innovation resource, resource flow, and interaction intermediaries. The index weighting is carried out using the principal component analysis method, and the innovation ecosystem performance of various provinces is evaluated and analyzed to determine the regional distribution status of innovation ecosystem performance. Based on a multi-period difference-in-differences model, this paper empirically tests the impact of innovative provincial policies on the innovation ecosystem performance of each region in the former innovation development stage. The results show that innovative provincial policies significantly positively impact the regional innovation ecosystems, which are multi-dimensional, long-term, and stable. The three secondary indicators, including ecological composition, resource input, and circulation flow, show a positive impact. Further research reveals that the main pathways of the effects are promoting the expansion of innovation inputs and the increase of interaction intermediaries among innovation subjects. Finally, combining the contents and impact of the previous innovative provincial policies, this paper puts forward corresponding thoughts and suggestions for the next phase of regional pilot-type innovation policies.