Title: Driving forces for innovation: are they measurable?

Authors: Maria Teresa De Noronha Vaz, Marisa Cesario

Addresses: Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8000 Faro, Portugal. ' Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8000 Faro, Portugal

Abstract: This paper outlines a synthetic framework based on the concept of the learning process as a driver to redress stakeholders| attitudes and strategic choices. The discussion is focused on the advantages that may result from institutional proximity, knowledge diffusion and coordination for the specific building up of a territorial knowledge base and the consequent achievement of sustainable regional development. This theoretical framework is applied to an empirical exercise identifying a number of variables supposed to be able to characterise firms and regional performances towards different forms of innovation. Modelling techniques are used to demonstrate that firms| capacity to innovate is a complex attribute whose determinants change. The results permit to conclude causal links that may be useful for a better understanding of innovation and as support instruments for policy-makers which intend to search for specificities in the regional development process.

Keywords: innovation determinants; development conditions; technological learning; institutional proximity; entrepreneurial strategy; innovative behaviour; entrepreneurship; learning process; knowledge diffusion; knowledge coordination; knowledge base; sustainable regional development; modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIP.2008.016905

International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 2008 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.30 - 50

Published online: 28 Jan 2008 *

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