The author builds upon the vast literature on the notion of “knowledge economy” in order to describe and analyze recent transformations in the dynamics of innovation in Europe. He focuses on the emergence of new “regional systems”, in which regions become crucial institutions that mediate between industrial districts and the broader context of the new global economy. Serafini uses the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna – whose productive system is characterized by a remarkable innovative capacity – as an exemplary case-study. He thus reconstructs the postwar tradition of industrial districts in this region, describes the limits of this form of organization, and sketches some of the salient aspects of the more recent transformations. The current phase is characterized by the active engagement of local administrations in fostering a close interaction between regional research centers and industries. This new model of regional system, and the new innovation processes that characterize it, cannot be properly understood through traditional economic and statistical approaches, Serafini argues. Instead, these tools need to be integrated with qualitative methods that enable the analyst to map and interpret the structural and historical features of the system as well.
Innovation in regional context: the case of Emilia-Romagna
SERAFINI, MATTEO
2010
Abstract
The author builds upon the vast literature on the notion of “knowledge economy” in order to describe and analyze recent transformations in the dynamics of innovation in Europe. He focuses on the emergence of new “regional systems”, in which regions become crucial institutions that mediate between industrial districts and the broader context of the new global economy. Serafini uses the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna – whose productive system is characterized by a remarkable innovative capacity – as an exemplary case-study. He thus reconstructs the postwar tradition of industrial districts in this region, describes the limits of this form of organization, and sketches some of the salient aspects of the more recent transformations. The current phase is characterized by the active engagement of local administrations in fostering a close interaction between regional research centers and industries. This new model of regional system, and the new innovation processes that characterize it, cannot be properly understood through traditional economic and statistical approaches, Serafini argues. Instead, these tools need to be integrated with qualitative methods that enable the analyst to map and interpret the structural and historical features of the system as well.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
