Monitoring mechanisms and institutional arrangements for the implementation of place-based innovation strategies through the smart specialisation concept. Evidence from empirical analysis

Abstract

There is no one-size-fits-all governance model for regional innovation policies. Policy instruments and organizations that support policy implementation can help address socio-economic and environmental objectives, bridging the divide between the generic concept of place-based innovation policy and its implementation in different territorial contexts. This thesis investigates the way a place-based innovation policy concept such as smart specialisation can better fit the reality of the diversity of governance capacities of EU regions. The research question is addressed from two distinct perspectives: on the one hand, the thesis explores the institutional arrangements underpinning place-based policies and smart specialisation design and implementation with the creation of regional innovation agencies. On the other hand, the thesis explores the monitoring activities from the perception of policymakers in charge of the design and the implementation of the innovation strategies. One way to address a regional institutional weakness is through the creation of Regional Innovation Agencies (RIAs). RIAs can be thought of as "one-size-fits-all" institutional arrangements that let organizations enhance their Regional innovation system in a systematic way by designing and implementing a place-based policy. In other words, RIAs can be seen as “adjustment variables”, allowing a generic place-based policy to fit unique territorial contexts. The analysis shows policy implications relevant for any regional innovation system and inextricably linked to the good governance of innovation policies such as smart specialisation. The agency should reflect a shared vision between the public and private sectors. It appears that the most appropriate and effective level of governance for the agency is the metropolitan level, as one single agency in a region would lead to institutional complexity and coordination failures. However, as the agencies studied are very specific to the places in which they are established, the impact on their respective territories should be thoroughly evaluated before deciding if the policy should be replicated in other peripheral regions of the EU. In any case, regional governance with appropriate institutional arrangements equipped with an efficient monitoring system that can collect the needs of stakeholders and capture weak signals coming from outside makes the region more resilient to external shocks. Monitoring is an important component of a strategy for innovation and territorial development. The challenge raised by monitoring activities goes hand in hand with the complexity of the S3 concept itself. Analysis shows policymakers view monitoring as a management tool and a means of communicating with stakeholders. However, this perception may have some limitations when implementing the strategy. So far, the analysis indicates that, while the theory of smart specialisation is well known, converting what should be done in theory into practice constitutes a significant challenge in terms of stakeholder engagement in all phases of strategic management.