Regional Smart Specialization Research Articles

The Impact of the Inter-Section Smart Specialization, Social Enterprise, and Innovation on Health Promotion and Equity

Smart specialization has been a central strategy for regional smart specializations (RS3s) across the European Union (EU), as a way to stimulate innovative development of the EU regions. The strategy aims to stimulate development in areas or regions that do not necessarily have the highest technological advancement but that have specialized and have had a comparative advantage to implement innovations based on research. This paper aims to initiate a discussion on the potential use of S3 as a platform for social entrepreneurship and innovation with the goal to promote and improve population health through the lens of health equity. Social entrepreneurship and innovation embedded within smart specialization presents a unique opportunity for health promotion and health equity in an agenda for regional development. However, empirical research is needed to develop new models for investigating the intersections between S3, SE and SI, and health promotion, health equity and sustainable development goal 3 (ensure healthy lives at all ages).

Потенційні напрями фінансового стимулювання розвитку науково-інноваційних кластерів

The purpose of the article is to study the mechanisms of support of cluster formations abroad. To reveal modern aspects of the national institutional environment to stimulate the genesis of scientific and innovative agricultural clusters and to identify the main possible areas of financial support for their development. Research methods. General scientific and specific methods of empirical research were used: comparative-historical and monographic, which allowed to assess the dynamics of state support for clustering processes in the European Union and Ukraine, as well as to identify sources of financial incentives; system approach - contributed to the study of the mechanisms of interaction of the cluster as a system with the social environment, to perceive the cluster formation with a dynamic integrity that is constantly evolving; analysis and synthesis provided an opportunity to reveal potential financial methods of cluster support and to integrate approaches to the formation of a mechanism for stimulating cluster associations; cognitive operations of comparison and description are used; the abstract-logical method is used for theoretical generalizations and conclusions. Research results. The implementation of current cluster policies in the countries of the European Union is analyzed. It is established that the studied approaches have some progressive similarities despite the specific development and implementation of cluster programs and their dependence on the context and validity of national/regional policy in different areas. The analyzed approaches have some progressive similarities. The priority opportunities of smart specialization of the region are given, in the development of which cluster formations are the main "blocks". The best European projects related to the socio-economic prosperity of the regions, which stimulate the development of clustering, are highlighted. The components of sustainable financing of regional cluster formations in Ukraine have been revealed, providing initial state support. The possibility of stimulating the process of clustering with funds allocated from the state budget to develop the regions and the financing of the Sectoral Policy Support Program was assessed. Possibilities of self-financing and self-crediting of scientific and innovative agricultural clusters to be formed based on interregional research centres of NAAS have been confirmed. Scientific novelty. The conceptual ambiguity of the formulation of the financial security of the establishment and elaboration of scientific and innovative cluster models adopted based on the interregional scientific centres of the NAAS has been developed. Based on successful European advice, the theoretical and methodological approach inspiring the financial mechanisms of clustering in Ukraine has been justified. Practical significance. The directions of financial stimulation of clustering processes within the limits of national, branch and regional strategies, particularly strategies of smart specialization of regions and territorial communities, strategies of support of small and medium business as the fundamental element of business initiative and the primary driver of clusters are offered. Tabl.: 1. Figs.: 1. Refs.: 20.

ФІНАНСОВА ПІДТРИМКА ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ ІННОВАЦІЙ В МСП У РАМКАХ СМАРТСПЕЦІАЛІЗАЦІЇ РЕГІОНІВ ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОГО СОЮЗУ

The intentions of the Ukrainian authorities to increase the competitiveness of regional economies based on smart specialization caused the study of the characteristics of financing projects of smart specialization of regions of the European Union. The introduction of innovations in the activities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to increase their competitiveness is one of the key areas of financial support for smart specialization. The aim of the study is to identify the effectiveness of financial support for smart specialization projects in the EU regions in terms of funding research, development and innovation aimed at improving the competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses. In the course of the study, we analyzed the databases of the European Structural and Investment Funds on the amount of funding for research, development and innovation aimed at increasing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized busi nesses, by areas of funding and EU countries. We also compared the level of use of funds and the level of achievement of the goals planned in the projects. EU countries and regions used the funds planned by the European Structural and Investment Funds to finance the implementation of innovations in SMEs only by a third due to weak interaction of SMEs with research centers, as well as due to insufficient projects to improve the efficiency of SMEs through implementation results of research, development and innovation. The main emphasis in supporting small and medium-sized businesses through the implementation of research advances has been placed in the smart specialization strategies of the Netherlands, Slovakia, Poland, the United Kingdom and Germany. However, the largest amount of funding for research, development and innovation in SMEs in 2014-2020 among EU member states was planned, in addition to Poland and Germany, for Italy and Spain. The analysis showed that by 2020 the level of implementation of only certain goals of smart specialization reached 50 % or more of the planned indicators. However, in the context of the EU countries, there was no homogeneity in achieving all the goals related to the development and functioning of small and medium-sized businesses through the implementation of research, development and innovation. The efficiency of using the financial resources of the European Structural and Investment Funds for the implementation of smart specialization strategies in the EU regions was not high. It is likely that by 2023 when the projects launched in 2014-2020 will be completed, the level of achievement by the EU regions of smart specialization goals in terms of implementing research, development and innovation in SMEs will increase. Nevertheless, in our opinion, it will not be possible to achieve their full implementation.

Determining the Smart Specialization of Russian Regions in the Context of Domestic and European Experience

Determining the Smart Specialization of Russian Regions in the Context of Domestic and European Experience

Machine learning and the identification of Smart Specialisation thematic networks in Arctic Scandinavia

ABSTRACT The European Union (EU) has recognized that universities and research institutes play a critical role in regional Smart Specialisation processes. Our research aims to identify thematic cross-border research domains across space and disciplines in Arctic Scandinavia. We identify potential domains using an unsupervised machine-learning technique (topic modelling). We uncover latent topics based on similarities in the vocabulary of research papers. The proposed methodology can be utilized to identify common research domains across regions and disciplines in almost real time, thereby acting as a decision support system to facilitate cooperation among knowledge producers.

Smart Specialization of the Region as a Tool for Modernizing Innovative Development

The article aims to study the international experience of smart specialization in regions and develop ways to improve it.The work uses methods of systematization, morphological analysis, graphic and empirical research.The authors investigated the essence, features and possibilities of smart specialization and schematically depicted it. The authors identified five principles of smart specialization, analyzed the foreign experience of smart specialization of regions. Based on the conducted studies of the European policy of unity and regional policy of the EU, they substantiated the expediency of introducing a model of smart specialization of regions to ensure sustainable regional development on an innovative basis and improve the living conditions of households.Based on the studied theoretical and methodological material, the authors developed ways to improve the smart specialization of regions, namely, an algorithm for substantiation of potential areas of smart specialization in the regions and the conceptual approach to the choice of strategic priorities for innovative regional development, taking into account the principles of "smart specialization".Recommendations are proposed for improving the processes of forming innovative regional strategies, taking into account the principles of the concept of "smart specialization", and the necessity of forming a map of unique, innovative competencies of regions and clusters of the country is substantiated.To visually reflect the state of smart specialization of regions, the authors proposed the use of two maps that neutralize each other's shortcomings and help make more balanced management decisions.

Digitalisation of Creative Industries Fostered by Collaborative Governance: Public Innovation Labs in Gipuzkoa

This article analyses the promotion of digitalisation in the creative economy through collaborative governance in the province of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain). In order to understand this initiative, two public innovation labs located in San Sebastian that influence audiovisual production in Basque and digital gastronomy, respectively, are used as case studies: 2deo–Basque Language Audiovisual Lab and LABe–Digital Gastronomy Lab. Based on sectoral contexts of fragmentation, public and private efforts to consolidate synergies and accelerate processes for the coordination of value chains, attraction of talent, experimentation, and innovation. The analysis has relied on qualitative methodologies, consisting of interviews with key actors and desk research. The results show the implications of a sub-regional collaborative governance model as a means to contribute to a regional Smart Specialisation Strategy. Although the initiative faces a consolidation process, public innovation labs in Gipuzkoa foster sectoral articulation and digitalisation in gastronomy and audiovisual production in the Basque language. Additionally, the acceleration of innovation and the involvement of quadruple helix agents in management tasks have been explored.

The modern concept of Special Economic Zones in Ukraine

Abstract . The article deals with special economic zones as a tool of a state policy of the countries, which are seeking to attract foreign investment and ensure economic growth. The aim of the article is to substantiate the new concept of special economic zones of Ukraine as stimulating regulatory regimes aimed at attracting innovative investments, developing new industries based on the smart specialization of regions and trends in the world economy. The regime is presented as the system of incentives and benefits, mandatory conditions and restrictions, and seeks to increase investment attractiveness, technological diversification of the economy of the regions and the country as a whole. Each component of the regime has been classified, taking into account best practices of other countries and the strategic goals of Ukraine regarding the need to ensure sustainable and innovative development, and to enter the world markets as a manufacturer of high-tech innovative products.

Applying of Regional Benchmarking in the Smart Prioritization Process

The article is devoted to the scientific and methodological aspects of regional benchmarking in the entrepreneurial discovery process as part of the development of regional smart specialization strategy. We present the results of using the author’s methodology on the example of one of the sectoral priority areas of smart specialization in European regions. The relevance of the implementation of regional benchmarking and the place of its incorporation into the process of smart prioritization, taking into account the existing methodological support for the development of regional smart specialization strategies have been substantiated. The methodology for regional benchmarking proposed by the authors includes the following main stages: (1) mapping and defining smart priorities for focal econo­mic activities; (2) analysis of regional priorities according to European policy objectives of smart specialization and study of their structure taking into account the innovative activity of the regions; (3) analysis of the content and goals of regional smart projects with the identification of intersectoral links; (4) analysis of attracting clusters to regional smart specialization and study their localization and selected priority areas; (5) analysis of interregional cooperation in selected thematic area of smart specialization; (6) processing and formalization of the obtained research results. The results of approbation of the proposed methodology are presented on the example of involving the chemical sector in the formation of smart projects. Using data from European internet platforms, we examined 90 smart priorities selected in 69 European regions. It was determined that the dominant goals of the smart specialization policy based on chemical production are Key enabling technologies, Sustainable innovation and Digital transformation. We found that these goals were chosen mainly by the innovation-active regions, while regions with a low level of innovation development, in addition to Sustainable innovation and Key enabling technologies, also focus on projects in the field of health and safety. It is concluded that the combination of knowledge and assets in the smart specialization process in Europe is the result of increased intersectoral and interregional cooperation, including using cluster technologies. Сross-sectoral linkages in smart projects are formed mostly within the existing value chains. At the same time, recently, new intersectoral partnerships, which are focused mainly on digitalization, diffusion of innovative biotechnologies and technologies for sustainable development, have emerged and are actively developing.

European experience in analyzing the directions of regional smart specialization (on the example of Polish voivodeships)

The elaboration of regional development strategies using the methodology of smart specialization is one of the most important areas of modern economics and economic practice. The aim of the article is to improve the methodological basis for selecting potential areas of smart specialization at the meso level based on the experience in regional strategizing. To achieve this goal, the article highlights the methodological approaches to the analysis of areas of smart specialization of Polish voivodeships. The article emphasizes that indicators that reflect innovation and socio-economic efficiency, competitiveness, and impact of each economic activity on economic development take the main place in the methodological approaches to assessing the areas of smart specialization of the regions of Poland and other EU countries. Potential niches of smart specialization are identified through a comprehensive analysis, which includes indicators that reflect the qualitative characteristics of each type of economic activity and are characterized by a high degree of objectivity. Indicators are mostly statistical, and surveys and expert opinions are involved in the analysis at the stages where they are relevant and have substantive value, complementing the statistics. Taking into account the approaches to the analysis of the smart specialization directions of the Polish voivodeships considered in the article will improve the methodological bases of the choice of potential smart specialization spheres of the regions of Ukraine. At the same time, the paper emphasizes that the methodological approaches to the analysis of areas of smart specialization used by Polish voivodeships, regions of other EU countries, as well as Ukraine, are not without drawbacks. In particular, a certain pattern in the choice of areas of smart specialization is the most characteristic negative feature of the vast majority of regional strategies.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ СПЕЦІАЛІЗАЦІЇ РЕГІОНАЛЬНИХ ЕКОНОМІЧНИХ СИСТЕМ У КОНТЕКСТІ СМАРТ-СПЕЦІАЛІЗАЦІЇ РЕГІОНІВ

The article considers the economic essence of smart specialization of the region and identifies the impact of such specialization on increasing the competitiveness and innovation activity of the region. It is established that the main advantage of smart specialization at the regional level is to increase its competitiveness and innovation activity, as the presence of innovation in today's globalized world is a major factor in economic growth. The necessity of introduction of the concept of smart specialization in Ukraine in the field of regional policy is substantiated, first of all in the direction of involvement of universities, other educational establishments and research centers in definition of comparative advantages of regions and formation of strategies of their development on the basis of specialization. Smart specialization involves identifying strengths and developing the competitive advantages of regions based on the existing structure of the regional economy. In order to develop the economy and technology through innovation in the face of global competition, it is necessary to avoid duplication of research and innovation activities by different regions. In a broader context, smart is a specialization that includes the process of developing an innovative concept, identifying competitive advantages, and defining strategic priorities. The main principles of regional smart specialization were outlined. This model of regional development is aimed on solving such problems as: boosting the region innovation and competitiveness potential, as a basis for a sustainable growth model; increasing interregional cooperation, which is a key element in globalized economies; strengthening the focus on less developed and industrial transition regions. The examples of smart specialization were provided in the article. It is substantiated, that smart specialization is a new model of regional and interregional partnership, which has significant potential for providing the sustainable development of the Ukraine’s regions. The priorities of this model’s implementation were grounded.

Смартспеціалізація європейських регіонів – лідерів у сфері інновацій: систематизація підходів

The article is aimed at analyzing and systematizing the approaches to determining the smart priorities of the regions of the European Union, which are leaders in innovative development, to develop recommendations for improving the process of formation of regional strategies for smart specialization in Ukraine. Smart priorities of the top 10 innovatively active regions of the EU according to the Regional Innovation Board were studied using the information provided by the European platform for smart specialization. Certain methodological problems and limitations for the analysis of regional smart specializations related to certain changes in the NUTS classification and different periods of adoption of regional strategies are identified. It is noted that smart priorities in many regions are based on the innovative development of traditional types of economic activity. It is displayed that the processing industry is most involved in the formation of regional smart specializations, also widely involved are the sectors of scientific-technical activities, information and telecommunications, transportation, and education. It is defined that a large proportion of priorities are of complex nature. This is connected with the cross-sectoral cooperation, as well as the use of horizontal-type instruments (digitalization, increasing the value of knowledge, spread of advanced technologies, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals, social innovations). It is emphasized that the leading regions most often choose digital transformation, sustainable innovations and KETs for the goals of their smart specialization policies. The strategy of smart specialization of the Western Netherlands, which is the result of the collaboration of a number of research institutions, public and private companies and local authorities, is considered. It is concluded that when determining the priorities of Ukrainian regions, it is necessary to focus on the fore-mentioned EU goals and deepen the analysis of scientific-technological specializations of territories, as well as to formalize the role of science and education in regional strategies of smart specialization.

Regional smart specialization in Ukraine: JRC methodology applicability

Regional development is related to the effective management of disruptive industries on the local level. In the European Union, the innovation regional development policy is based on a smart specialization strategy, which neighboring countries try to apply as well. In their regional strategies, they notice the goals which are designed within the Joint Research Center methodology. It allows revealing the most efficient industries in the region, leading to a new level of regional competence on the global level. The study aims to identify smart specialization priorities based on JRC methodology in certain Ukrainian regions and assess its applicability in emerging markets (Ukrainian case) and develop the set of recommendations considering the specificity of the national economy. The methodology is based on the static and dynamic analysis of economic (the indicators of the growth of average salaries and the number of employees indicators are calculated) and innovation (the indicators of productive, process, organizational, and marketing innovations are analyzed) potential of the region, which is examined in the article. It is revealed that the JRC methodology in identifying the smart specialization priorities has limited application in Ukraine. The restrictions related to the lack of data on innovations and other economic indicators. The analysis of certain regions shows what industries should be recommended as the priorities of smart specialization. However, discussions of the calculated results with the key stakeholders have differences which are not acceptable in the regional innovation policy development. As a result, the experts’ opinions are recommended to consider the priorities of different regions in Ukraine and other developing countries, which are on the path of smart specialization during stakeholders’ communication sessions.

Assessment of innovation and investment potentials as a strategic basis for identification of Smart Specialization of regions of Ukraine

Introduction. The key role in maintaining the competitiveness of economic systems belongs to the innovative specialization of economic activity, which diversifies economic activity. The existing methodological approaches to determining the strategic priorities of Smart Specialization of a particular region do not fully take into account the assessment of innovation and investment potential, taking into account the environmental component of sustainable development.
 Aim and tasks. The purpose of the proposed study is the formation of scientific approaches to assessing innovation and investment potential in the context of the formation of strategic regional environmental policy in the context of the methodology of Smart Specialization.
 Results. The article substantiates the methodological provisions for combining the methodology of Quintuple helix, Smart-specialization and Sustainable Development Goals. The institutional essence of investment and innovation policy of nature management at the regional level as a modern model of Quintuple helix is determined. An assessment of the innovation potential of the regions as a component of investment and innovation policy of nature management. The dynamics of implementation of environmental innovations by enterprises of Ukraine, the concentration of higher education institutions by regions, in particular, subordinate government agencies are analyzed. The number of students, specialists in higher education institutions majoring in natural sciences, employment in the field of nature management has been determined. The strengthening of the ecological component in the scientific and educational spheres is established for the further implement the borrowed knowledge in the formation of investment and innovation policy of nature management of individual regions. The natural resource potential of the country in terms of regions according to the statistical database is studied.
 Conclusions. The presented research proposes the author's vision, which allows not only to outline the dominants of Smart Specialization of кegions in order to determine the strategic priorities of investment and innovation policy of the national sphere of nature, but also to explore the uniqueness of regions based on scientific and technical potential. Implementation of the Smart Specialization Strategy, which will combine the methodology of Quintuple helix and Smart Specialization will provide an opportunity to determine the approach to the formation and implementation of state regional policy. A methodological approach to determining the dominants of investment and innovation regional environmental policy has been developed, taking into account the methodology of "Smart Specialization" and in the context of existing European experience.

Theory-based evaluation criteria for regional smart specializations and their application in the Podkarpackie voivodeship in Poland

ABSTRACT The article proposes a conceptual framework that can be used to identify and verify priority areas selected under the Regional Innovation Strategies in the European Union for the purposes of their evaluation. Five blocks of criteria for evaluation are proposed, referring to specialization and critical mass, diffusion of knowledge, related diversification, international competitiveness and entrepreneurial discovery. For each block, a set of indicators is defined. These were applied to the evaluation of the smart specialization priority areas in the Podkarpackie voivodeship of Poland. This article addresses a need for a more complete list of evaluation criteria for smart specialization areas.

Specialization Integrated Strategy of Innovations: Effective Model for Emerging Regional Economy Development?

Purpose: The purpose of our work is to propose a strategic model of smart specialization identification around the concept of regional knowledge and cognitive transfer (Double Helix Matrix, DHM). Design/Methodology/Approach: While operationalization of smart specialization-oriented policy is still rather limited because of the lack of agreed development policy tools, we proposed the DHM model developed in order to provide the implementation of regional smart specialization oriented strategy. The model has been statistically verified by multidimensional comparative analysis on the example of a chosen weak innovative emerging region in Poland (Opolskie). Findings: The proposed methodology let us to find the need of redefining the smart specialization concept as a part of regional innovation strategy. Practical Implications: The new approach to the regional innovation policy has been proposed.. The findings have been used to construct the regional policy directives for potential smart specializations development within 2027 perspective. Originality/Value: The new model to conduct regional innovation strategy for smart specialization has been proposed and verified on the example of the weak innovation region.

Application of the innovative smart specializations approach for regional development in Ukraine

Problem setting. In the context of integration into the international economic system and modification of the factors of competitiveness of the national economy, the regions of Ukraine present new opportunities to apply effective innovative mechanisms and tools to stimulate regional development. Smart specialization is a stimulating innovative approach which, through the implementation of a system of specific measures, should promote the development of regional potential, including innovative. Analysis of recent researches and publications. The research of the issues related to the implementation of regional smart specialization is mainly devoted to the work of economists, among which are the works of J. Brzuszk and J. Pika, T. Bresnakhan, D. Van Ark, O. Berezina, O. Yatsyuk. Article’s main body. Smart specialization is an innovative EU tool for building regional capacity through two key approaches, in particular local conditions and the knowledge economy. In practice, this approach involves identifying the competitive advantages and assets of the region, utilizing its innovative and scientific potential. However, success in implementing smart specialization can only be achieved through effective collaboration and synergy between local government, business, academia, and civil society. The key benefit of smart specialization at the regional level is to increase its competitiveness, ensure the effective use of innovation potential and innovation activity, since the availability of innovation in today’s globalized world is an important factor for economic growth. Conclusions and prospects for the development. The application of the new smart specialization methodology to the strategic planning process in Ukraine should contribute to the efficiency of the processes of developing appropriate strategies and management of innovation processes in the regions, the development of innovations in certain sectors of the economy, the increase in the level of innovation and investment activity and investment attractiveness of the regions.

Do anchor infrastructures matter for regional Smart Specialisation Strategy? The case of Alentejo

ABSTRACT Do anchor infrastructures matter for regional Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3)? This paper investigates the potential of anchor infrastructures to leverage RIS3. An exploratory case study approach is employed. The data are derived from a huge infrastructure project in the Portuguese region of the Alentejo. The study reveals the effectiveness of investment in anchor infrastructure and its contribution to leveraging RIS3. The findings provide insights into the contribution of large public investments in RIS3, identifying key impacts along several important dimensions, shedding a light on one important dimension in Smart Specialisation studies hitherto ignored.

A System for Personalized Clothing Production as a Model for Supporting the Competitiveness of SMEs on the Example of Lodz Province

Abstract Poland’s accession to the European Union has given many opportunities both in terms of access to the EU economy and European funds. Owing to the set sustainable development goals, the business sphere faces the challenge of their implementation through, among others, activities in the area of social and human capital, and environmental protection. It is important to model solutions that enable sustainable production and consumption. The introduction of innovative product and process technologies may contribute to increasing the competitiveness of SMEs in the Textile and Clothing sector, which in consequence should also contribute to the implementation of objectives of the Regional Smart Specializations for Lodz Province. An example of such solutions is the system for personalized production of clothes presented in the article. The aim of the article is to determine the current situation of the Polish clothing industry in trade with the European Union by analyzing comparative advantages for CN 61 and 62 (related to the clothing industry) and presenting the level of innovation of Lodz Province against the background of Poland as a region specializing in the production of clothing under the adopted Regional Smart Specializations for Lodz Province. It is assumed that the presented system for the personalized production of clothing may affect the competitiveness of this industry and the region.

ORGANIC FARMING AS REGIONAL SMART SPECIALIZATION IN PODLASIE IN LIGHT OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

The article aims to present the results of research on the prerequisites for the development of organic farming in a region recognized as Regional Smart Specialization. Due to growing consumer interest in the standards of food available on the market, the list of National Smart Specializations includes an entire section dedicated to “High quality food” and under it the “Production of organic, traditional and regional food”. Only few Polish voivodeships placed this sector on the regional list, thus giving organic farming priority in the process of financing research and investment. The voivodeship, which not only excels in the statistics of organic production in the country but, what is important, treats this activity as its smart specialization is the Podlaskie voivodeship. To assess the conditions for the development of organic farming in Podlasie, the data regarding the number of certified organic farms as well as the opinions of local stakeholders concerning the future of this sector in the region were analyzed. Including qualitative research results in the analysis process allowed to indicate the prognosis for the possible development of this sector in the voivodship.