Title: Towards a localised and comprehensive innovation policy in the EU

Authors: Jan Franke; John Dodd

Addresses: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Rue de l'Hectolitre 28, 1000 Brussels/Bruxelles, Belgium, Germany ' University of Newcastle, 12 Morpeth Ave., Wideopen, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE13 6ND, UK.

Abstract: This paper argues that EU policy makers must draw together market, social and public innovation, often already supported at the local level, if contemporary and future challenges are to be successfully addressed. Innovation has increased in importance for European policy making over many years, particularly as the post-recession search for economic growth gathers pace. Yet until now the focus has emphasised market actors and economic outcomes, ignoring the potential of social and public innovation. A new bottom-up approach based on a comprehensive understanding of innovation will have local authorities at its core, due to the existing excellence displayed at this level in supporting and delivering innovation today.

Keywords: EU innovation policy; public innovation; social innovation; European Union; local authorities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIRD.2011.043460

International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development, 2011 Vol.3 No.6, pp.535 - 550

Received: 03 Jun 2010
Accepted: 24 Jun 2011

Published online: 29 Nov 2014 *

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