Knowledge is a key factor for regional economic growth. Within a specific territory, knowledge dynamics are influenced by the processes of entrepreneurship and innovation. Nordregio is involved in many research and applied research projects as well as evaluations, with the aim of providing policymakers with input for regional policy actions in this area.
Regional knowledge production
In a globalized world, knowledge, in a variety of forms, is perhaps the most important factor for regional competitiveness in advanced economies. Policy makers have expressed a desire for national universities that uphold an international level of academic quality. At the same time, the goal of promoting the development of a knowledge-based economy exists in all regions. Regional education and research institutes often play a key role in this context. Nordregio focuses on studying the interlinkages between higher education, the public sector and private companies in different regional contexts. The regional effects of higher education institutions and the identification of private and public services for regional knowledge production are also being explored.
Entrepreneurship and innovation
A high level of education in a region is not enough to promote regional growth however. The knowledge base also consists of experience-based or work-related competences. Further, regional economic growth is heavily dependent on processes of entrepreneurship and innovation. Nordregio is studying a variety of factors that may promote or inhibit these processes in different types of regions.
Innovation refers to the development and commercialisation of new products, services and processes. Over the years, the focus has turned from a linear to a non-linear innovation process; involving the public and private sectors, consumers and users, as well as advanced research. An important task for Nordregio is therefore to understand the strategies and mechanisms of collaboration in so called clusters or innovation systems.
Entrepreneurship has been identified as a driver of economic growth and entrepreneurs are the people developing businesses and new ideas. Questions about how entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs are influenced by certain local and regional conditions and how entrepreneurship support can be fostered are of great interest to Nordregio research. Gender and ethnicity are important factors with regards to the understanding and promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation, in urban and sparsely populated areas. Broader perspectives on entrepreneurship and innovation policies are also being developed by Nordregio, to ensure that the focus is not limited to certain kinds of innovations and entrepreneurs, such as those working in the technological sectors of the economy.