Title: Regions and innovation: a discussion of concepts illustrated with the German bioregional picture

Authors: Birgit Verworn

Addresses: Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus, Organisation, Human Resource Management and General Management, Erich-Weinert-Str. 1, D-03046 Cottbus, Germany

Abstract: Clusters and regional systems of innovation have, for decades, been considered as key success factors for innovation as well as key drivers of economic growth. Recently, policy strategies relying on cluster theory and the underlying concepts have been increasingly criticised. The aim of this paper is to discuss existing definitions and concepts like ||clusters||, ||national systems of innovation||, and ||regional systems of innovation||. We corroborate our arguments with findings from the German biotechnology sector. Overall, we come to the conclusion that the existing concepts still have merit. However, further clarification of the concepts and more complex multilevel approaches are needed to examine innovation processes within regions.

Keywords: biotechnology; clusters; regional systems of innovation; networks; innovation policy; national systems of innovation; Germany; regional development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2009.023842

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2009 Vol.9 No.1/2, pp.12 - 28

Published online: 16 Mar 2009 *

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