Network Structures in Regional Innovation Systems

Abstract

While interactive learning and inter-organizational relations are the fundamental building blocks in regional innovation system (RIS) theory, the framework is rarely related to investigations of regional knowledge network structures, because in RIS literature relational structures and interaction networks are discussed in a rather fuzzy and generic manner, with the “network term” often being used rather metaphorically. This paper contributes to the literature by discussing theoretical arguments about interactions and knowledge exchange relations in the RIS literature from the perspective of social network analysis. More precise, it links network-theoretical concepts and insights to the well-known classification of RIS types by Cooke [(2004) Introduction: Regional innovation systems – an evolutionary approach, in: P. Cooke, M. Heidenreich & H.-J. Braczyk (Eds) Regional Innovation Systems: The Role of Governances in a Globalized World, 2nd ed., pp. 1–18 (London: UCL Press)]. We thereby exemplarily show how the RIS literature and the literature on regional knowledge networks can benefit from considering insights of the respective other.

Keywords:

• regional innovation system
• network analysis
• SNA
• RIS

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. This particularly concerns formal and informal collaboration in R&D. However, labour mobility, joint R&D work, and unintended knowledge spillover may also be included.

2. Other and somewhat stricter definitions can be found, for example, in Bramoullé (2007).

3. HEIs are universities, applied universities, polytechnical universities or the like.

4. Preferential attachment implies that new actors tend to connect to the most central actors (in terms of degree) in the network first.