In the past large firms were regarded as the main driving forces for innovation, but, more recently, the interest has shifted to SMEs as well as networks of firms. It has been recognized that SMEs innovate in a specific way and that they face size-specific barriers. To be able to rely on...

The understanding of the innovation process has changed considerably in the past years. Models have shifted from linear and firm based conceptions towards interdependent and systemic approaches. Both national and regional innovation systems have been discussed in recent literature. The present...

In the emerging knowledge economy, universities are adopting a key role as producers of scientific knowledge and skills, and they are experiencing far reaching changes in their tasks. Their main mission is no longer confined to education and research, but increasingly also covers technology...

This paper explores the role of distant knowledge links and policy actions for the development of biotechnology clusters. It seeks to challenge the prevailing view that the birth and early development of high technology industries are always spontaneous phenomena which are mainly based on local...

The understanding of the innovation process has changed considerably in the past years. Models have shifted from linear and firm based conceptions towards interdependent and systemic approaches. Both national and regional innovation systems have been discussed in recent literature. The present...

Many cluster studies have focused on growth regions and industries covering only the early phases of cluster development. Little attention, however, has been paid to the renewal of clusters in old industrial regions. The aim of the paper is to address the question of how clusters renew...