Patterns of innovation in the EU-25 regionsa typology and policy recommendations

  1. Mikel Navarro 1
  2. Juan José Gibaja 1
  3. Ricardo Aguado 1
  4. Beñat Bilbao-Osorio 2
  1. 1 Orkestra-Basque Institute of Competitiveness
  2. 2 OECD
Journal:
Orkestra Working Paper Series in Territorial Competitiveness

ISSN: 1989-1288

Year of publication: 2008

Issue: 4

Type: Working paper

DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openOpen access editor

More publications in: Orkestra Working Paper Series in Territorial Competitiveness

Abstract

This paper depicts a typology of regions, capturing the diversity of regional innovation systems across the EU-25. Following the Regional Innovation Systems (RIS) literature, our research selects 21 variables related to the ability of a region to generate and absorb knowledge, and its capacity to transform R&D into innovation and economic growth. Based on the results of principal components and cluster analyses, we identify seven types of regional innovation system where the 186 regions group together according to their sectoral specialization, technological and economic capacity, and performance. By allowing us to identify similar and more advanced regions, the paper facilitates comparisons and benchmarking between homogeneous regions, thus enabling more accurate policy learning. For each group a number of policy recommendations are suggested, contingent to their local-specific characteristics. In short the contribution of this paper is twofold. In the first place it provides the first RIS typology for the EU-25 regions completed using a large number of variables. Secondly, the conclusions obtained from the analysis may be used to lead policymakers’ actions in the field of regional innovation policy in the EU.

Bibliographic References

  • Abascal Fernández, E.; Landaluce Calvo, M.I. (2002). Análisis Factorial Múltiple como técnica de estudio de la estabilidad de los resultados de un análisis de componentes principales. Qüestiió. Vol. 26, 1-2: 109-122.
  • Amin, A. and Cohendet, P. (1999). Learning and adaptation in decentralized business networks. Environment and Planning D: Society and Space n. 17: 87-104
  • Anderson, M. and Karlsson, C. (2004). Regional Innovation Systems in Small & Medium-Sized Regions. A Critical Review & Assessment. CESIS Electronic Working Paper Series n. 10.
  • Arundel, A.; Kanerva, M.; Cruysen, A. and Hollanders, H. (2007). Innovation Statistics for the European Service Sector. Pro Inno Europe INNO METRICS.
  • Asheim, B. (2007). Sistemas regionales de innovación y bases de conocimiento diferenciadas: un marco teórico analítico (pp. 65-89). In Buesa, M. and Heijs, J. (coord.) Sistemas regionales de innovación: nuevas formas de análisis y medición. Madrid: Fundación de las Cajas de Ahorros.
  • Asheim, B. and Gertler, M. (2005). The Geography of Innovation. Regional Innovation Systems (pp. 291-317). In Fagerberg, J. et al. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Innovation. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Azua, J. (2000). Alianza coopetitiva para la nueva economía: empresas, gobiernos y regiones innovadoras. Madrid: McGraw-Hill.
  • Bathelt, H. (2003). Geographies of production: growth regimes in spatial perspective (I) – innovation, institutions and social systems. Progress in Human Geography n. 27, 6: 763778.
  • Bathelt, H. (2004). Geographies of production: growth regimes in spatial perspective (II) – knowledge creation and growth in clusters. Progress in Human Geography n. 29, 2: 204216.
  • Bathelt, H., Malmberg, A. and Maskell, P. (2003). Cluster and knowledge: local buzz, global pipelines and the process of knowledge creation. Progress in Human Geography n. 28 (1): 31-56. [DRUID Working Paper 2002-12].
  • Baumert, T. (2006). Los determinantes de la innovación. Un estudio aplicado sobre las regiones de la Unión Europea. Doctoral thesis, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Downloadble from: http://www.ucm.es/bucm/cee/iaif
  • Bilbao-Osorio, B. and Rodríguez-Pose, A. (2004). From R&D to Innovation and Economic Growth in the EU, Growth and Change Vol. 35, n. 4, 434-455.
  • Braczyk, H.J., Cooke, P. and Heidenreich, M. (1998). Regional Innovation Systems. The role of governances in a globalized world. London: UCL Press.
  • Bruijn, P. and Lagendijk, A. (2005). Regional Innovation Systems in the Lisbon Strategy. European Planning Studies Vol. 13, n. 8: 1153-1172.
  • Buesa, M.; Baumert, T.; Heijs, J.; and Martínez-Pellitero, M. (2003). Metodología y resultados del índice IAIF de la Innovación Regional. Madri+d n. 16. Downloadble from: www.madrimasd.org
  • Buesa, M.; Martínez-Pellitero, M.; Heijs, J.; and Baumert, T. (2002). Los sistemas regionales de innovación en España: tipología basada en indicadores económicos e institucionales de las Comunidades Autónomas. Economía Industrial n. 347, 15-32.
  • Buesa, M.; Martínez-Pellitero, M.; Baumert, T.; and Heijs, J. (2007). Novel applications of existing econometric instruments to analyse regional innovation systems: the Spanish case (pp. 155-175). In Suriñach et al. (eds.) Knowledge Externalities, Innovation Clusters and Regional Development. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
  • Cheshire P. and Hay, D. (1989). Urban Problems in Europe, London: Allen and Unwin. Christopherson, S. and Clark, J. (2007). Power in Firm Networks: What it Means for Regional Innovation Systems. Regional Studies Vol 41.9: 1223-1236.
  • Clarysse, B. and Muldur, U. (1999). Regional cohesion in Europe? An analysis of how EU public RTD support influences the techno-economic regional landscape. European Commission, Directorate General for Science, Research and Development, Working Papers n. 1, January.
  • Cooke, P. (1992). Regional Innovation Systems: Competitive Regulation in the New Europe. Geoforum n. 23: 365-382.
  • Cooke, P. (1998). Introduction: origins of the concept (pp. 2-25). In Braczyk, H.J. et al. Regional Innovation Systems. The role of governances in a globalized world. London: UCL Press.
  • Cooke, P. (2005). Regionally asymmetric knowledge capabilities and open innovation. Exploring ‘Globalisation 2’ –A new model of industry organization. Research Policy n. 34: 1128-1149
  • Cooke, P. and Morgan, K. (1998). The associational economy. Firms, Regions, and Innovation. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Cooke, P.; Davies, C. and Wilson, R. (2002). Innovation Advantages of Cities: From knowledge to Equity in Five Basic Steps. European Planning Studies vol.10, n. 2: 233-250.
  • Cooke, P.; Heidenreich, M. and Braczyk, H. (2004). Regional Innovation Systems. London: Routledge.
  • Cooke, P.; Laurentis, C.; Tödtling, F. and Trippl, M. (2007). Regional Knowledge Economies. Markets, Clusters and Innovation. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
  • Crescenzi, R.; Rodríguez-Pose, A. and Storper, M. (2007). The territorial dynamics of innovation: a Europe-United States comparative analysis. Journal of Economic Geography n. 7: 673-709.
  • Doloreux, D. (2004). Regional Innovation Systems in Canada: A Comparative Study. Regional Studies vol.38.5: 481-494
  • Doloreux, D. and Parto, S. (2004). Regional Innovation Systems: A critical synthesis. United Nations University, Institute for New Technologies, Discussion Paper Series n. 17, August.
  • Dosi, G.; Llerena, P. and Labini, M.S. (2005). Evaluating and Comparing the innovation performance of the United States and the European Union. Expert report prepared for the Trend Chart Policy Workshop 2005.
  • Ecotec (2005). The Territorial Impact of EU Research and Development Policies. ESPON 2.1.2.
  • Edquist, C. (2005). Systems of Innovation. Perspectives and Challenges (pp. 181-208). In Fagerberg, J. et al. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Innovation. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Evangelista, R.; Iammarino, S.; Mastrostefano, V. and Silvani, A. (2002). Looking for Regional Systems of Innovation: Evidence from the Italian Innovation Survey. Regional Studies vol. 36, 2: 173-186.
  • Fernández-Satto, V. and Vigil-Greco, J.I. (2007). Clusters y desarrollo territorial. Revisión teórica y desafíos metodológicos para América Latina. Economía, Sociedad y Territorio vol. VI, n. 24: 859-912.
  • Freeman, C. (ed.) (1987). Technology policy and economic performance: Lessons from Japan. London: Pinter.
  • Fritz, M. (2002). Measuring the Quality of Regional Innovation Systems: A Knowledge Production Function Approach. International Regional Science Review n. 25: 86-101.
  • Hollanders, H. (2007). 2006 European Regional Innovation Scoreboard (2006 RIS). European Trend Chart on Innovation.
  • Hommen, L. and Doloreux, D. (2003). Is the regional Innovation System Concept at the End of Its Life Cycle? Paper presented to Innovation in Europe: Dynamics, Institutions and Values, Roskild University, Dinamarca.
  • Howells, J. (2005). Innovation and regional economic development: A matter of perspective? Research Policy n. 34: 1220-1234.
  • Lundvall, B-A. (ed.) (1992). National Systems of Innovation. Towards a Theory of Innovation and Interactive Learning. London-New York: Pinter.
  • Lundvall, B-A. (2007). National Innovation Systems-Analytical Concept and Development Tool. Industry and Innovation Vol.14, n. 1: 95-119.
  • MacKinnon, D.; Cumbers, A. and Chapman, K. (2002). Learning, innovation and regional development: a critical appraisal of recent debates. Progress in Human Geography n. 26: 293-311.
  • Malik, K. and Cunningham, P.N. (2006). Trans-national Policy Learning in Europe: attempts to transfer innovation policy practices, Innovation: Management, Policy & Practice Journal vol. 8(6): 262-272
  • Malmberg, A. and Maskell, P. (1997). Towards an explanation of regional specialization and industrial agglomeration. European Planning Studies n. 5 (1): 25-41.
  • Malmberg, A. and Maskell, P. (2001). The elusive concept of localization economies. Paper for the ‘Industrial Clusters’ Revisited: Innovative Places or Uncharted Spaces? Session, AAG Annual Conference, New York.
  • Markusen, A. (1999). Fuzzy Concepts, Scanty Evidence, Policy Distance: The Case for Rigour and Policy Relevance in Critical Regional Studies. Regional Studies vol.33 (9): 869-884.
  • Martínez-Pellitero, M. (2002). Recursos y resultados de los sistemas de innovación: elaboración de una tipología de sistemas regionales de innovación en España. IAIF working paper n. 34. Downloadble from: http://www.ucm.es/bucm/cee/iaif
  • Martínez Pellitero, M. (2007). Los sistemas regionales de innovación en Europa: tipología y eficiencia (pp. 215-256).
  • M. Buesa y J. Heijs (coord.) Sistemas regionales de innovación: nuevas formas de análisis y medición. Madrid: Fundación de las Cajas de Ahorros.
  • Martínez-Pellitero, M. and Baumert, T. (2003). Medida de la capacidad innovadora de las Comunidades Autónomas españolas: construcción de un índice regional de la innovación. IAIF working paper n. 35, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Downloadble from: http://www.ucm.es/bucm/cee/iaif
  • Maskell, P. and Malmberg, A. (1999). Localised learning and industrial competitiveness. Cambridge Journal of Economics n. 23: 167-185.
  • Miles, I. (2005). Innovation in Services (pp.433-458). In Fagerberg, J. et al. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Innovation. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Morgan, K. (2004). The exaggerated death of geography: learning, proximity and territorial innovation systems. Journal of Economic Geography n. 4: 3-21.
  • Moulaert, F. and Sekia, F. (2003). Territorial Innovation Models: A Critical Survey. Regional Studies n. 37: 289-302.
  • Mowery, D.C. and Sampat, B.N. (2005). Universities in National Innovation Systems(pp. 209239). In Fagerberg, J. et al. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Innovation. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Muller, E. and Nauwelaers, C. (2005). Enlarging the ERA: identifying priorities for regional policy focusing on research and technological development in the New Members States and Candidate Countries. Final report COP6-CT.2004.00001.
  • Muscio, A. (2004). From Regional Innovation Systems to Local Innovation Systems: Evidence from Italian Industrial Districts. European Planning Studies Vol. 14, n. 16: 773-789.
  • Navarro, M. (2007). Los sistemas regionales de innovación. Una literatura con claroscuros. IAIF working paper n. 57.
  • Navarro, M. and Buesa, M. (dir.) (2003). Sistemas de innovación y competitividad en el País Vasco. San Sebastián: Eusko Ikaskuntza.
  • Nelson, R.R. (1992). National Innovation Systems: A retrospective on a Study. Industrial and Corporate Change vol. 1, n. 2: 347-374
  • Nelson, R. R. and Rosenberg, N. (1993). Technical innovation and national systems(pp. 3-21).. In Nelson, R. R. (ed.). National Systems of Innovation: A Comparative Study Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Niosi, J. (2002). National systems of innovations are “x-efficient” (and x-efective). Why some are slow learners. Research Policy n. 31: 291-302.
  • OECD (2001) Devolution and Globalisation. Implications for local decision-makers. Paris: OECD.
  • OECD (2007). Globalisation and Regional Economies. Paris: OCDE.
  • Oughton, C.; Landabaso, M. and Morgan, K. (2002). The regional innovation paradox: Innovation policy and industrial policy, Journal of Technology Transfer n. 27: 97-110.
  • Porter, M. E. (1990). The Competitive Advantage of Nations. London and Basingstoke: The Macmillan Press.
  • Porter, M. E. (1998). On competition. Boston: Harvard Business School.
  • Porter, M.E. (2003). The Economic Performance of Regions. Regional Studies, Vol. 37.6&7: 549–578.
  • Rodríguez-Pose, A. (1999). Innovation prone and innovation averse societies. Economic performance in Europe. Growth and Change n. 30: 75-105
  • Salom, J. (2003). Innovación y actores locales en los nuevos espacios económicos: un estado de la cuestión. Boletín de la A.G.E. n. 36: 7-30.
  • Schurmann, C. and Talaat, A. (2000). Towards a European Peripherality Index. Final Report. Mimeo. Downloadble from: http://www.raumplanung.unidortmund.de/irpud/fileadmin/irpud/content/documents/publica tions/ber53.pdf)
  • Scott, A.J. and Storper, M. (2003). Regions, Globalization, Development. Regional Studies Vol. 37.6&7:579-593.
  • Sharpe, S. and Martínez-Fernández, C. (2006). Measuring regional knowledge resources: What do knowledge occupations have to offer?. DRUID Summer Conference 2006.
  • Spiekermann y Neubauer (2002). European Accessibility and Peripherality: Concepts, Models and Indicators. Nordregio Working Paper 2002/9. Downloadble from: http://www.nordregio.se/Files/wp0209.pdf
  • Sterlacchini, A. (2006). Innovation knowledge and regional economic performances: regularities and differences in the EU. DRUID Summer Conference 2006.
  • Tödtling, F. and Kaufmann, A. (1999). Innovation Systems in Regions of Europe—A Comparative Perspective. European Planning Studies vol. 7, n. 6: 699-717.
  • Tödtling, F. and Trippl, M. (2005). One size fits all? Towards a differentiated regional innovation policy approach. Research Policy n. 34: 1203-1219.
Data source: Dialnet