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The Contribution of Regional Networks to Innovation and Challenges for Regional Policy

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  • XAVIER GELLYNCK
  • BERT VERMEIRE

Abstract

In this article regional networking is defined as the set of interactions between companies and a diversity of regional partners by which the company acquires vital external resources. Previous research illustrates the positive effect of regional networking on innovation in the agribusiness sector. Furthermore, the embedded nature of networks and external resources opens opportunities for regional policymakers to enhance innovation and hence regional economic performance. Building further upon this vast literature and by interviewing food companies in a Belgian subregion, this article explores two research questions: first, the contribution of regional networking to different innovation types; second, whether, as regional policymakers aim at reinforcing these regional networks, differences in attitude towards public network support exist between the innovation classes. The discussion relates our findings to contemporary insights into the learning economy. We advocate a more targeted approach towards particular subgroups with respect to their behaviour in networking and their innovation capacity. In particular, the group of ‘followers’ is identified as a target group requiring appropriate support. Résumé Cet article présente les réseaux régionaux comme un ensemble d'interactions entre des sociétés et tout un éventail de partenaires régionaux à travers lesquels l'entreprise acquiert des ressources externes essentielles. Des recherches antérieures ont montré l'incidence positive des réseaux régionaux sur l'innovation dans l'agro‐industrie. En outre, réseaux et ressources externes étant par nature imbriqués, ils offrent aux décideurs d'actions régionales la possibilité de stimuler l'innovation, donc les performances de l'économie régionale. À partir de ces publications et d'entretiens dans des sociétés agroalimentaires d'une région belge, cette étude s'intéresse à deux aspects: d'une part, comment les réseaux régionaux contribuent aux divers types d'innovation; d'autre part, s'il existe, entre les catégories d'innovation, des différences d'attitude à l'égard du soutien public aux réseaux, les décideurs d'actions régionales cherchant à consolider ces derniers. L'article relie les résultats de l'étude aux perspectives contemporaines sur l'économie apprenante. Il préconise une approche plus ciblée vers certains sous‐groupes en fonction de leur comportement dans les réseaux et de leur capacité d'innovation. Il identifie notamment le groupe des ‘suiveurs’ comme cible nécessitant des mesures d'aide appropriées.

Suggested Citation

  • Xavier Gellynck & Bert Vermeire, 2009. "The Contribution of Regional Networks to Innovation and Challenges for Regional Policy," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(3), pages 719-737, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ijurrs:v:33:y:2009:i:3:p:719-737
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2427.2009.00887.x
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    2. Pippel, Gunnar, 2012. "The Impact of R&D Collaboration Networks on the Performance of Firms and Regions: A Meta-Analysis of the Evidence," IWH Discussion Papers 14/2012, Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH).
    3. Jose‐Maria Garcia‐Alvarez‐Coque & Francisco Mas‐Verdu & Mercedes Sanchez García, 2015. "Determinants of Agri‐food Firms’ Participation in Public Funded Research and Development," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(3), pages 314-329, June.
    4. Adele Finco & Deborah Bentivoglio & Giorgia Bucci, 2018. "Lessons of Innovation in the Agrifood Sector: Drivers of Innovativeness Performances," Economia agro-alimentare, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 20(2), pages 181-192.
    5. Sérgio Nunes & Raul Lopes & Nerys Fuller-Love, 2019. "Networking, Innovation, and Firms’ Performance: Portugal as Illustration," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 10(3), pages 899-920, September.
    6. Basit Shoaib Abdul, 2021. "The Effect of External Knowledge Sources on Organizational Innovation in Small and Medium Enterprises in Germany," Business Systems Research, Sciendo, vol. 12(1), pages 60-79, May.
    7. Brian W. Head, 2011. "Governance for sustainable regions: can government meet the innovation policy challenge?," Regional Science Policy & Practice, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 3(3), pages 219-230, August.
    8. João Lopes & Mário Franco, 2019. "Review About Regional Development Networks: an Ecosystem Model Proposal," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 10(1), pages 275-297, March.
    9. Moodysson , Jerker & Sack , Lionel, 2013. "Innovation under the protected label of origin: heritage, influence and expanding horizons in Cognac," Papers in Innovation Studies 2013/40, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    10. Henchion, Maeve M. & Sorenson, Douglas, 2012. "Formal Food-related Networks in Ireland: A Case Study Analysis," International Journal on Food System Dynamics, International Center for Management, Communication, and Research, vol. 2(4), pages 1-16, March.

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