International Knowledge and Innovation Networks: Knowledge Creation and Innovation in Medium-technology Clusters

by Riccardo Cappellin, Rüdiger Wink

Overview

This book explores the distinct nature of innovation in medium technology industrial sectors - which are the key to European international competitiveness - and examines the recent changes of networks within regional clusters.

The authors present best-practice management and regional strategies, and develop an original and coherent theoretical framework for the analysis of innovation processes called 'Territorial Knowledge Management'. They concentrate on the territorial dimension and the cognitive economics approach, and go beyond the traditional focus on R&D in high-tech sectors. The pivotal role of intermediate institutions in the governance of modern co-ordinated market economies is also highlighted.

Working towards defining new guidelines for creating networks of competence centers and removing barriers to the enlargement of knowledge and innovation networks in Europe, this book will prove an enlightening read for those with an interest in postgraduate level management and innovation studies. Management and policy-making practitioners at both the regional and European level will also find much to interest them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781848444416
Publisher:	Edward Elgar Publishing
Publication date:	08/30/2009
Series:	New Horizons in Regional Science series
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Riccardo Cappellin, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy and Rüdiger Wink, Leipzig University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Table of Contents

Contents: 1. Introduction 2. The Role and Characteristics of Medium-tech Sectors 3. Innovation Patterns and Best Practices in Medium-technology Networks 4. The Analysis of Regional Knowledge Networks 5. The Approach of Knowledge Networks in Innovation Policy with Staszek Walukiewicz Bibliography Index

Editorial Reviews

'This work is a new, valuable reference and tool for scholars, students, practitioners and policymakers interested in knowledge, innovation, regional growth and competitiveness.'

Pier Paolo Patrucco

'This book is remarkable for several reasons. It provides highly relevant empirical analysis into a fundamental but under-researched area, namely medium technology industries. It proposes a new theoretical approach which builds on cognitive economics to explain how innovation in these industries is generated by interactive learning. It develops important policy implications based on the concept of governance. In doing so, the authors of this book are able to successfully blend together micro to macro levels of analysis as well as regional and industrial economics with public policy. The book should be carefully read by economists and social scientists, policy makers and businessmen interested in innovation at the regional level.'

Luigi Orsenigo