Universities and smart specialization
In an attempt to bridge development gaps, and introduced as an ex-ante conditionality for accessing structural funds, smart specialisation strategies (RIS3) are being incorporated in regional innovation policy across EU regions. However, while there are general directives for the design of RIS3, geographic, institutional and political context shape how smart specialisation is introduced and develops in a given region.
Considering that Rogaland is currently starting its RIS3 process, we will present some of the challenges and lessons that other regions from Southern and Northern Europe have been facing in their smart specialisation endeavours. The presentation will thus, in a first instance, summarise the main theoretical and political underpinnings guiding RIS3, and in a second instance, provide examples of tensions to be avoided and successful initiatives that can serve to guide Rogaland in its RIS3 process.
Presenters:
Liliana Fonseca, Universidade de Aveiro
Lisa Nieth, Regio Twente and University of Twente
