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An Actor-Network Theory conceptualization for smart specialization strategies (S3): creative brokerage towards sustainability transition

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  • Christopher Meyer

    (Hochschule Wismar, University of Applied Sciences, Technology, Business and Design, Germany)

Abstract

Smart Specialisation Strategies, their planning and implementation are becoming more important in Europe's transition but also bring up several challenges, especially when it comes to complex innovation processes and requirements arising from the call for sustainable development on several levels. Even though the concept of Smart Specialisation has been elaborated on in a lot of research, the literature still lacks sufficient theoretical justification for the policy concept, resulting in a gap between theory and practice in terms of Smart Specialisation Strategy design and implementation. In this context, this paper provides cross-linkages to evidentially drivers of sustainability transition such as social innovation, cross-border cooperation, Entrepreneurial Discovery Processes and creative innovation. The exploration of synergies towards these concepts under S3 is still scant. The conducted research is based on an extensive literature review and uses a comparative analysis of Smart Specialisation and Actor-Network Theory. By applying Actor-Network Theory within Smart Specialisation Strategy research discourse, known problems of the concept might be overcome, Entrepreneurial Discovery Processes can be improved, and critical concepts for sustainability transition can be well incorporated into S3 understanding. In this, conducted research is also breaking new ground in theoretical conceptualization by providing the analysis and crosslinks of Actor-Network Theory with Smart Specialisation Strategies. Moreover, the integration of essential aspects towards sustainability transition under S3 can be enabled through the Actor-Network Theory application as it opens further research streams to be integrated into Smart Specialisation, such as social innovation and creative industries.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Meyer, 2024. "An Actor-Network Theory conceptualization for smart specialization strategies (S3): creative brokerage towards sustainability transition," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 11(4), pages 368-386, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:ssi:jouesi:v:11:y:2024:i:4:p:368-386
    DOI: 10.9770/jesi.2024.11.4(23)
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Igor Dubina & Elias Carayannis & David Campbell, 2012. "Creativity Economy and a Crisis of the Economy? Coevolution of Knowledge, Innovation, and Creativity, and of the Knowledge Economy and Knowledge Society," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 3(1), pages 1-24, March.
    3. Damian Grimshaw & Marcela Miozzo, 2021. "Human Capital and productivity: a call for new interdisciplinary research," Working Papers 006, The Productivity Institute.
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    5. Jacques Defourny & Marthe Nyssens, 2010. "Conceptions of Social Enterprise and Social Entrepreneurship in Europe and the United States: Convergences and Divergences," Journal of Social Entrepreneurship, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 1(1), pages 32-53, March.
    6. Alexandre Dubois & Iryna Kristensen & Jukka Teräs, 2017. "Outsmarting geography: implementing territorial innovation strategies in sparsely populated regions," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(8), pages 1316-1333, August.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    economic theory; regional innovation; research and innovation strategies; entrepreneurial discovery process; creative brokerage; cultural and creative industries; cross-border cooperation; social innovation; quadruple-helix;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth
    • P25 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics

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