The Role of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Peripheral Regions

Abstract

Entrepreneurship and innovation processes are important dynamics that shape the development of peripheral regions. Regional policy increasingly takes these dynamics into account when trying to foster development in non-core regions. This paper provides the foundation for understanding the role of entrepreneurship in peripheral regions. We first review general characteristics of so-called peripheral regions and their implications for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. We then investigate the state of research on these dynamics in the context of Switzerland. Finally, we present an overview of the central findings of the papers in this special issue.

Acknowledgements

The editors of this special issue would like to thank regiosuisse for organizing the conference in Bern in September 2012. We also would like to thank the editorial team of disP for the helpful support in bringing this special issue to fruition. We thank Janina Keller for her helpful assistance in preparing this article.

Notes

1 The study utilizes the definition of so-called Grossregionen (large regions), which divide the 26 cantons into 7 large regions. Such a definition, however, combines urban centers with rural areas and does not provide a detailed picture of geographical differences.

Additional information

Heike Mayer is professor of economic geography in the Institute of Geography and deputy-director of the Center for Regional Economic Development at the University of Bern. Her primary area of research is in local and regional economic development with a particular focus on entrepreneurship and innovation dynamics.

Daniel Baumgartner is a consultant at Ernst Basler+Partner Ltd. The focus of his academic and practical work is on regional economics and development.