Title: A systemic framework for the analysis of regional innovation systems

Authors: Sotiris Zygiaris

Addresses: URENIO Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University, Univ. Box 491 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract: The systemic analysis of innovation systems conceives complex analytical frameworks, with intense socio-technological aspects of knowledge generation and encompasses a detailed analysis of system failures. These frameworks are not suitable for benchmarking a wide range of regions, due to low availability of such elaborate data sources. On the other hand, metric regional innovation micro data offer the opportunity for large-scale cross-regional benchmarking exercise illustrating mainly the market failures of the innovation systems although this type of analysis does not provide any detailed systemic envisioning. Is the combination of these two analytical approaches possible? This study presents the integrated innovation interactions (3I) analytical framework, which is aligned with the demand of policy makers for periodical benchmarking of regional innovation systems combined with a systemic endoscopy in the innovation processes. This analytical framework is used to present an example of the proposed analysis, by comparing the innovation agglomeration capacity among the North-Western European and the Mediterranean regions in the periphery of Europe.

Keywords: innovation system analysis; systemic analysis; regional innovation systems; innovation system failures; regional agglomeration of innovation; integrated innovation interactions; innovation agglomeration capacity; Europe.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIRD.2010.036987

International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development, 2010 Vol.2 No.4, pp.259 - 280

Published online: 20 Nov 2010 *

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