Towards an Identification of Regional Systems of Innovation

Abstract:

This paper presents the results of the analysis of the CIS-2 dataset. An identification of the different “models” of innovation is attempted by means of a cluster analysis on the most relevant variables relating to each of the innovation-related dimensions considered in the survey (i.e. outputs, objectives and inputs of innovation activities, broadly intended). We characterise some models that seem to work better and can thus be considered as the EU benchmarks for innovation activities. Their main characteristics are the role of the government and of other non-profit research institutions in assisting the private efforts of firms, stressing the importance of transfer and exchange mechanisms between the public and the private sector.