Title: Interaction between innovation systems, clustering and sustainability: regional implications

Authors: Rita Santos

Addresses: Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), SE 10044, Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract: The concept of innovation systems carries the idea that knowledge is generated not only by individuals and organisations, but also by their complex pattern of interaction. As the innovation systems perspective is primarily concerned with the flow of knowledge and its impact on economic growth, it makes sense to approach the presence of collective knowledge in a region with a tendency to stimulate spatial clustering of innovation. Sweden, in the international context, is an exemplar country in terms of social and economic development, presenting special performance in intensive knowledge sectors. In this paper, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) cluster-enabling technology for sustainability is illustrated from the Stockholm region experience. It also discusses the relations between innovation, knowledge, clustering and the integration of these aspects into potentially regional systems of innovation.

Keywords: economic development; knowledge spillovers; regional development; innovation systems; sustainability; innovation clusters; Sweden; ICT; information technology; communications; knowledge management; sustainable development; clustering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIP.2006.009322

International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 2006 Vol.2 No.2, pp.184 - 198

Published online: 17 Mar 2006 *

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