Most of the current measures of regional innovativeness are based on so-called aggregate indicators of innovativeness (e.g. regional level of R & D). While these are valuable in comparing different regions, they are less useful from the point of view of evaluation and development of regional innovation policies. The existing measures have not been able to break inside the dynamics of the innovation processes: into the analysis of the factors between the input-type resource measures and the output-type result measures. In order to evaluate innovation policies one should not only ask whether they have effects, but also and above all, what brings about the desired effects. The adequate, concrete evaluation tools that systematically include these structural, social and cultural features of a regional innovation capability are still wanting. 

The Regional Innovation Barometer is a systematic follow-up and evaluation matrix of the growth potential, innovativeness and general development of enterprises and clusters of a region. The aim is to build a new kind of tool for evaluation and development of regional innovation policy. It follows in a novel way the structures, internal dynamics and capabilities of the regional innovation environment.

The barometer is a "rainbow" combining together modules following the general innovation capability, current entrepreneurial activity and cluster development, entrepreneurial capacity, renewal capability of the public sector, regional effectiveness of the universities, and reputation of the region. 

A systematic, practical evaluation tool for analysing regional innovative capability aimed at supporting regional innovation policy makers in focusing and developing the regional innovation system. 

Regional innovation policy makers.

EU project.

Lahti Science and Business Park
Mr. Lauri Ylöstalo (CEO), tel. +358 3 811411

01/08/2005

case

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment

Research & innovation