Regional Innovation and Competitiveness : Analysis of the Thessaloniki Metropolitan Region

The importance of innovation and knowledge-based policies in restructuring economies and increasing their competitiveness has repeatedly drawn the attention of policy makers and stakeholders. Regional policy is no exception to this trend. This paper attempts to map the demand and supply of Research and Development (R&D) in the metropolitan region of Thessaloniki and to draw a knowledge model that demonstrates the flow of knowledge in the region and the process of knowledge diffusion using the triple helix approach to depict the current situation and future dynamic emphasising issues that policy makers face. It analyzes Central Macedonia (CM) and East Macedonia and Thrace (EMTH) regional systems of knowledge flow and innovation, illustrating the institutional architecture and infrastructure associated with these systems. The data for this research was collected through in depth literature review and a number of in-depth interviews. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were held with several key personnel within the research institutes, intermediaries and policy makers and triangulated with additional available information. The findings of this paper point to the conclusion that knowledge transfer is a priority and a starting point for regional initiatives regarding the increase in investment in R&D and innovative actions. The interest expressed by local agents to invest in knowledge transfer activities positively indicated the changing regional innovation environment. This optimism originates in a set of policy recommendations for the increase in knowledge investments, which were previously discussed widely in public and had been accepted as regional policy priorities by all local actors. The specific paper contributes to identifying and assessing knowledge assets and flows, as well as interactions of SMEs with support organizations, in the regions of CM and EMTH of Greece, and accordingly provides policy recommendations for the future economic development in the region