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Smart Specialisation or Smart Following? A study of policy mimicry in priority domain selection

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  • Korneliusz Pylak
  • Jason Deegan
  • Tom Broekel

Abstract

This paper explores the phenomenon of mimicry in the selection of economic domains for Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) and discusses the regional policy implications of strategic mimicry. By analysing S3 documents from European regions, we identify and distinguish between two general types of mimicry: ‘Follow the Peers’ and ‘Follow the Role Models,’ against the more desirable ‘Follow the Indicators’ priority selection strategy. Our findings reveal that although regions rely on their strengths by following the crucial indicators, thus exhibiting non-mimetic behaviour, there is a stronger tendency for regions to mimic popular domain portfolios, particularly those chosen by neighbouring regions and national strategies. Understanding these patterns in the selection of priority domains helps decision-makers balance mimicry and diversification, promoting specialization, new economic activities, and regional uniqueness.

Suggested Citation

  • Korneliusz Pylak & Jason Deegan & Tom Broekel, 2024. "Smart Specialisation or Smart Following? A study of policy mimicry in priority domain selection," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2439, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Nov 2024.
    • Handle: RePEc:egu:wpaper:2439
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    File URL: http://econ.geo.uu.nl/peeg/peeg2439.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    smart specialisation; regional strategy; regional policy; innovation policy; mimicry;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O25 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Industrial Policy
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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