Anna Csajkás (p), Tamás Sebestyén, Attila Varga

Corinne Autant-Bernard

Building on previous literature on the role of proximity dimensions in knowledge flows, we introduce an agent-based model, which is appropriate for simulating knowledge network formation among fast-growing firms. For empirical underpinning of the model, we use survey data on the Hungarian high-tech gazelles’ egocentric network. The advantage of the current database is that it contains information about innovation-purpose cooperation in general, covering different types of links between firms. As a result, the scope of the investigation is not limited to exclusive forms of connections like participation in the same EU Framework Programme. In the current study, agents represent firms or universities placed in the two-dimensional abstract social space where they are moving. Their initial position is determined by their network distance, which is measured by the shortest path among them. In line with the gravity principle, we assume that attractiveness between two agents is affected by geographical, organizational, institutional and social proximity as well as by the innovative mass of the two organizations. Agents are moving toward each other according to this gravitational force and other idiosyncratic parameters, so their position in the social space is changing in each time step, rearranging network ties as a result. For illustrative purposes, we show ex-ante policy simulations in which we demonstrate how the agent-based policy simulation could help in developing smart specialization strategies.

Konan Alain N'ghauran (p)

Corinne Autant-Bernard

This paper investigates the effects of the French cluster policy during the period 2005-2010, with a focus on the structure of local innovation networks. It evaluates how cluster policies influence the structuration of innovation networks following four topologies: embeddedness or connectivity, efficiency, resilience and geographical anchoring. We run panel regressions (with fixed or random effects) using 4 periods data and 94 NUTS2 French regions. Although the French cluster policy has significantly increased network connectivity for all the French departments, our preliminary results indicate that there is substantial heterogeneity in the effects of the policy, especially regarding the other topologies.

John Barker (p), Nick Clifton, Gareth Loudon

Corinne Autant-Bernard

The importance of organisations that broker innovation are gaining relevance as drivers of regional economies, as public sector funding for research and development reduces (Nilssen and Sia-Ljungström, 2013). Understanding the part that these ‘innovation intermediaries’ play in catalysing research and development activity in regional economies has huge potential value for policy and practice. The importance of understanding this relationship between innovation intermediaries and the wider economy is especially prevalent in regions that historically, and presently, are in a phase of low economic productivity such as Wales. This paper reports a case study of one such intermediary in South East Wales using an ethnographic methodology and human-centred design method to explore the values, perspectives, and influence on the innovation process. In undertaking this observational process, the study uncovers new learning about this often-unseen agency in the context of the Welsh economy.

Results of the study highlighted the importance of human capital in the innovation process and the value of diversity within the actors/agency innovating, in this case, using online crowd-based mechanics.

The findings of the study contribute to the broadening field of knowledge around digital innovation intermediaries and enter the bounds of new knowledge through the exploration of the subject by ethnography and human-centred design.


See the extended abstract.