Research in Action: The Development of Cluster-Specific Innovation Strategies in the Oslo Region

Abstract

Since the concept of ‘innovation system’ was launched, a large number of innovation studies have been undertaken at the different levels: national level (Edquist 1997, Lundvall 1992), regional level (Asheim and Gertler 2005) and sector level (Malerba 2004). Also, cities and clusters have been analysed from an innovation system perspective (Asheim et al. 2006, Isaksen 2007). These innovation studies undertaken at different system levels have provided a huge amount of knowledge of what are important conditions for nations, regions, sectors, clusters and networks of enterprises to be innovative. Thereby, the initial conceptual models of innovation systems have also become the subjects of critique. The dynamic of this development may be characterized as a development of new, more nuanced, theoretical models of innovation on the basis of the critique of the (at any time) established models. This dynamic is still going on, and it is of great importance for the further development of innovation policy both at the national and regional level. Asheim has recently (2010) presented a comprehensive overview of important aspects of this theoretical development, with particular regard to consequences for creating improved innovation policies at the regional level.