Regional agency and constitution of new paths: a study of agency in early formation of new paths on the west coast of Norway

ABSTRACT

This article analyses regional agency in the early phases of new path constitution. We argue that the early stages of new path constitution can be explained by both structural factors and the strong presence of agency. With a specific focus on agency, this article contributes to the literature by providing a study of the role of agency at different stages of path constitution. The study shows that two types of agency operate together. Public policy agency is carried out through a common thrust for policy tools that can enhance the room to manoeuvre together. In addition, strong entrepreneurial agency functions as a locomotive for other firms which are important trigger points, and pushes the process forward. These two forms of agency need to be interrelated to constitute new paths.

KEYWORDS:

• Path constitution
• agency
• entrepreneurship
• cluster emergence
• regional innovation systems

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. http://www.ssb.no/arbeid-og-lonn/statistikker/regledig/aar.

2. www.vikinglady.no.

3. Environmental Technology in Sunnhordland and Haugesundsregionen. Høgskolen i Bergen.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Norwegian Research Council, the Regional Council of Agder, Rogaland, Hordaland and Troms, through the project VRI.