The evolution, structure and process of technological innovation policy in peripheral European regions: the south west of England, Catalonia and western Greece

Abstract:

This diachronic analysis of the regional technology policy in the South West of England, Catalonia and Western Greece focuses on the key issues which define the behaviour dimensions of regional learning for innovation: the identification of the key innovation actors, and their role in the regional policy process. The analysis reveals a variety of actors and network structures, and different intergroup relationships and linkages to central government, as well as different types of objectives, strategies and implementation tools. This diversity is partly explained by the different political and administrative systems, and institutional and industrial structures, among the three peripheral regions. Regional technology policies are more visible and more consistent in those regions where regional governance exists. Where local government and public administration enjoy only limited powers there is a lack of an effective strategy and coherent policy at regional level. A regional technology policy may have an influence in generating a collective learning process and a culture of innovation that benefits all regional actors.