Title: Measuring impact from policy interventions - a theoretical and practical framework depicting structural change

Authors: Håkan Ylinenpää; Henry Tham; Emilia Johansson; Magnus Klofsten

Addresses: Luleå University of Technology/CiiR SE 971 87 Luleå, Sweden ' Ledningskonsult M Tham AB, Skärviksvägen 37, SE 182 61 Djursholm, Sweden ' Oxford Research AB, Norrlandsgatan 11, SE 111 43 Stockholm, Sweden ' Linköping University/CIE, SE 581 83 Linköping, Sweden

Abstract: In this article, we propose a framework for better understanding how structural change may be conceptualised and measured. In 2012, Oxford Research AB was assigned by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth to study the impact of EU structural funds on structural change. For this purpose, we have developed a framework for measuring structural change. The framework is deducted from previous research and highlights six factors depicted as critical for understanding structural change and policy interventions aiming to stimulate such a change: 1) changing the structure of regional business and industry; 2) strengthening the regional culture for entrepreneurship and innovation; 3) developing collaboration for development; 4) building a more effective support structure; 5) strengthening a region's infrastructure; 6) developing an attractive and pluralistic region. This article elaborates this research endeavour and discusses the empirical experiences gained from a first application and comprehensive test of the model.

Keywords: structural change measurement; policy intervention impact; policy interventions; EU structural funds; European Union; regional business; regional industry; regional culture; entrepreneurship; collaboration; support structure; regional infrastructure; regional development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIRD.2014.066583

International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development, 2014 Vol.5 No.6, pp.481 - 499

Received: 28 Nov 2013
Accepted: 29 Apr 2014
Published online: 30 Dec 2014 *

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