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On Regional Systems of Innovation: Illustrations from the West Midlands

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  • Mark S Freel

    (Department of Management Studies, University of Aberdeen, Edward Wright Building, Old Aberdeen AB24 3QY, Scotland)

Abstract

The data presented here were collected as one component of a project aimed at developing a regional innovation strategy for the West Midlands region of England. Like most regional policy measures the regional innovation strategy programme was driven by concern over widening economic performance differences between (European) regions and was intended as a means of closing observed cohesion and technology gaps [Commission of the European Communities, 1998 Reinforcing Cohesion and Competitiveness Through Research, Technological Development and Innovation COM (98) 275]. More importantly, however, the notion that distinct regional innovation strategies may be developed in each assisted region is premised on a belief in underlying idiosyncrasies in regional resource endowments, competencies, institutional infrastructure, industry, and governance. In other words, it is premised on the belief that there exist, or may exist with sufficient encouragement or facilitation, distinct regional innovation systems within Europe (Thomas K, 2000 Regional Studies 34 190–198). Accordingly, my purpose in the current paper is to outline the basic precepts underpinning a systemic approach to innovation, generally, and a regional systemic approach, specifically. Thereafter, an attempt is made to map partially the existence, or indeed absence, of a West Midlands regional innovation system, proxied by available firm-level data, and to comment on the appropriateness of regional systems of innovation as units of analyses.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark S Freel, 2002. "On Regional Systems of Innovation: Illustrations from the West Midlands," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 20(5), pages 633-654, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:20:y:2002:i:5:p:633-654
    DOI: 10.1068/c19m
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Robert Huggins & Andrew Johnston, 2009. "Knowledge Networks in an Uncompetitive Region: SME Innovation and Growth," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(2), pages 227-259, June.
    2. Doloreux, David & Parto, Saeed, 2005. "Regional innovation systems: Current discourse and unresolved issues," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 27(2), pages 133-153.
    3. Robert Huggins & Andrew Johnston & Rebecca Steffenson, 2008. "Universities, knowledge networks and regional policy," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 1(2), pages 321-340.
    4. Freel, Mark S., 2003. "Sectoral patterns of small firm innovation, networking and proximity," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 32(5), pages 751-770, May.
    5. David Doloreux & Stève Dionne & Bruno Jean, 2007. "The Evolution of an Innovation System in a Rural Area: The Case of La Pocatière, Québec," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(1), pages 146-167, March.
    6. Elvira Uyarra, 2011. "Regional innovation systems revisited: networks, institutions, policy and complexity," Openloc Working Papers 1113, Public policies and local development.
    7. Mark Freel & Richard Harrison, 2006. "Innovation and cooperation in the small firm sector: Evidence from 'Northern Britain'," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(4), pages 289-305.

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