There is a broad consensus in the academic and political debate that
knowledge and innovation are key to securing regional competitiveness, dynamic
growth and prosperity of regional economies. Since its first introduction in
the early 1990s, Regional Innovation Systems (RIS) approach has become an
important explanatory approach in the discussion on the uneven distribution of
innovation activities as well as the factors that shape knowledge generation
and innovative capacities of regions. The seminar aims at deepening the
understanding of RIS in comparison to other territorial innovation models (e.g.
learning region, innovative milieu). More recently, the approach of regional
ecosystems which draws on an extended innovation paradigm taking into account
economic as well as social innovation (social, ecological), has entered the
scientific debate and policy agendas, and is topic of the seminar. Students
will gain insights in the theoretical foundations and its means for region and
its actors. Particular emphasis is placed on interactions including cooperation
between various actors and their role in shaping regional innovation processes.
The question of economic versus inclusive growth in European regions is
discussed as well as European, national and regional innovation policies in the
context of EU multilevel governance.
- Kursleiter/in: Maria Rabadjieva
- Kursleiter/in: Judith Terstriep