Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.5559/di.25.2.01
Innovation Systems in Croatian Regions
Katarina Bačić
; Institute of Economics, Zagreb
Zoran Aralica
; Institute of Economics, Zagreb
Abstract
The goal of this paper was to research and apply the concept of
Regional Innovation Systems (RIS) to Croatian regions and to
identify particular strengths supporting innovation diffusion as a
source of regional competitiveness. A system of indicators is
envisaged, with the choice of RIS dimensions and indicators
largely relying on Evangelista, Iammarino, Mastrostefano, and
Silvani (2001). In total, 32 relevant regional indicators are
grouped into three dimensions – Knowledge creation and
dissemination, Firm innovation activity and Systems' performance.
Regional heterogeneity is noted with respect to innovation
capacities in the 2006–2010 period: North-West Croatia
is leading in the diffusion of innovation, with overall RIS configuration
most conducive to innovation activity; Central and
East Croatia (CEC) has a distinct value chain in agriculture and
low-technology industries and industries' needs for technological
upgrading are resolved through external R&D (acquisition of
licenses, patents and know-how), backed up by strong public
financing; Adriatic Croatia is underperforming in innovation
activity, given the advantages it has over CEC in important
elements of systemic dimensions such as entrepreneurial and
technological infrastructure and in scientific capacities. Policy
implications are drawn from highlighted regional differences in
innovation capacities and in sectoral structures.
Keywords
regional innovation system (RIS); Croatian regions; innovation activity; innovation diffusion
Hrčak ID:
161843
URI
Publication date:
5.7.2016.
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