This book expertly analyses European political entrepreneurship in relation to the EU's approach towards the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development strategy. It explores the role of European political entrepreneurs in shaping, influencing and realising sustainable development goals (SDGs). Leading contributors consider political entrepreneurship at an international level, explaining how European political entrepreneurs act and interact in order to promote their policies at various levels of governance. Focusing on how EU politicians, public servants and bureaucrats create new and innovative institutional conditions, the contributors reveal how the UN SDGs are implemented in Europe. Chapters examine several EU actors in the context of numerous development goals to assess how political entrepreneurship challenges traditional EU institutions and promotes visionary activity to achieve the goals of Agenda 2030. Providing a unique contribution to the growing pool of research on entrepreneurial activity in the public sector, this book will prove to be a valuable resource for scholars working at the intersection between entrepreneurship, policy-making and European politics. It will also be beneficial for students and practitioners who are interested in global issues and sustainable development.

Many developed countries are facing a demographic change with an increasing share of older individuals, yet little is known about how older workers will impact regional and national economies in terms of labor market dynamics. One possible outcome of this new demographic structure is that more individuals will become entrepreneurs at an older age. This Handbook contributes to the important and emerging field of entrepreneurship among this group and focuses on the behavioral perspectives of this phenomenon; on innovation, dynamics and performance; and the ways entrepreneurship among the elderly looks within different countries. Researchers interested in the field of entrepreneurship among older workers and policy makers dealing with the effects of changing demographic settings within countries or regions will turn to this work to gain a better understanding of entrepreneurship and aging. Contributors include: Z. Acs, M. Amaral, A.E. Brouwer, M. Cucculelli, M. Damman, H. Delfmann, M. Dragusin, R. Fonseca, M. Fritsch, M.M. Gielnik, J. Hessels, C. Holmquist, M. Klinthall, B. Leick, R. Mariana, A. Maritz, C. Matos, H. Mayer, M. Mensmann, G. Micucci, S.C. Parker, A. Sorgner, R. Sternberg, E. Sundin, P. van der Zwan, H. Van Solinge, D. Welsh, M. Wyrwich, H. Zacher, T. Zhang

This Handbook provides an overview and assessment of the state-of-the-art research methods, approaches and applications central to economic geography. Understanding spatial economic outcomes and the forces and mechanisms that influence the geography of economic growth is of utmost importance and demands substantial theoretical and empirical research in economic geography, spatial economics and regional science. Such research is critically dependent upon good and reliable empirical data, and it is here that this Handbook contributes, providing a broad overview of up-to-date research methods and approaches. The chapters are written by distinguished researchers from a variety of scholarly traditions and with a background in different academic disciplines including economics, economic human and cultural geography, and economic history. Researchers and academics in economics and economic geography will find this a fundamental reference point and will benefit from the comprehensive assessment of research methods and approaches in the field. Practitioners and policy-makers will also find the practical applications to be of utmost value. Contributors: M. Andersson, G. Arbia, B. Asheim, R. Basile, M. Birkin, R. Boschma, S. Brakman, J. Broecker, L. Broersma, H-H. Chang, G. Clarke, M. Clarke, L. Coenen, J. Corcoran, S. Dall'erba, G. Espa, A.M. Esteves, A. Faggian, M.M. Fischer, K. Frenken, M. Fritsch, D. Giuliani, K.E. Haynes, G.J.D. Hewings, M. Horvath, G. Ivanova, N. Kapitsinis, C. Karlsson, H. Khawaldah, M. Kilkenny, J. Klaesson, S. Koster, J.P. Larsson, J. Lesage, Y. Li, I. Llamosas-Rosas, P.A. Longley, T. Mitze, J. Moodysson, I. Noback, T. Norman, J. Oosterhaven, J. Parajuli, M. Partridge, D. Psaltopoulos, M. Schramm, D. Skuras, A. Stephan, P. Thulin, S. Usai, J. van Dijk, C. van Marrewijk, F. van Oort, F. Vanclay, A. Varga, H. Westlund

This timely and engaging book explores the role of European political entrepreneurship in debating, shaping and implementing the Europe 2020 strategy. Insightful chapters analyse the content, conditions and consequences of Europe 2020, investigating the plan for a future prosperous EU economy. Focussing on how European political entrepreneurship functions in times of crisis, Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth considers these crises as potential windows of opportunity. The expert contributors highlight how the 2020 strategy has been debated, decided on, and then implemented from a governance perspective with multiple actors, and look ahead to necessary future developments. Further to this, multi-level governance is discussed as a way to address the demanded socio-economic goals across the EU in order to effect smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Entrepreneurship and public policy scholars, particularly those with an interest in European affairs will find this book to be an interesting read. It will also prove to be a powerful resource for politicians and public servants working within the Europe 2020 strategy. Contributors include: H. Ekelund, A. Haglund-Morrissey, C. Karlsson, M. Nilsson, M. OEhlen, A. Parkhouse, B. Pircher, C. Silander, D. Silander, S. Tavassoli

Illuminating and timely, this book explores several theoretical and empirical issues related to the potential for increasing capacities for innovation, knowledge and entrepreneurship. It highlights the current academic and political consensus that calls for policy interventions targeted towards more balanced, inclusive and regionally cohesive growth. Bringing together a wide range of cutting-edge case studies and research on regional potentials, the book explores the need for a focus on the regional inequality aspects of innovating, knowledge and entrepreneurship. Chapters analyse previously underexplored determinants of regional economic growth and development often overlooked in standard growth studies. They offer a deeper understanding of the drivers and implications of sub-national disparities in entrepreneurship and innovation in both developed and developing countries. Scholars and researchers of innovation, entrepreneurship, regional economics and spatial planning will appreciate the blend of empirical and theoretical viewpoints in the book. It will also be a useful tool for policymakers, planners and consultants involved in economic development and regional policies on different scales.

Developed countries must be incredibly innovative to secure incomes and welfare so that they may successfully compete against international rivals. This book focuses on two specific but interrelated aspects of innovation by incumbent firms and entrepreneurs, the role of geography and of open innovation. Geography, Open Innovation and Entrepreneurship discusses entrepreneurship from both theoretical and empirical viewpoints to provide readers with a wide range of cutting-edge and compelling studies. The authors highlight the critical importance of open innovation for performance and progress, putting forward determinants of economic growth and development rarely analyzed in standard growth studies. Researchers and students will find this book useful for innovation and entrepreneurship studies. It is also a helpful tool for policymakers, planners and consultants involved in economic development and regional policies. Contributors include: F. Armellini, T. Arvemo, I. Bernhard, C. Beaudry, P.-O. Bjuggren, A. Caloffi, N. Carbonara, A.P. Cornett, K. Delbiaggio, M. Elmoznino Laufer, S. Fredin, U. Grasjoe, C.J. Hauser, M. Heroux-Vaillancourt, J.A. Jordaan, A. Johnston, C. Karlsson, M. Kaufmann, P. Lassalle, M. Mahon, V. Monastiriotis, R. Pellegrino, H. Reijonen, R. Righi, S. Rohde, F. Rossi, M. Russo, J. Saastamoinen, T. Tammi, S. Yamamura

The recent economic crisis has had severe and negative impacts on the EU over the last decade. This book focuses on a neglected dimension by examining European political entrepreneurship in times of economic crisis with particular emphasis on EU member-states, institutions and policies. Governance and Political Entrepreneurship in Europe examines the role that the political entrepreneur can play in promoting entrepreneurship and growth. The book includes an actor and a structure perspective by focussing on politicians and institutions within the public sector that use innovative approaches to encourage businesses with a goal of growth and employment. This exemplary book is a useful tool for entrepreneurship and political science scholars wishing to gain a better understanding of the ways in which political bodies can impact economic development. EU politicians and public servants would also benefit from reading this timely book as it offers key information on how they can help to promote growth. Contributors include: M. Alebaki, C. Berggren, M.-L. von Bergmann-Winberg, S. Gretzinger, C. Karlsson, B. Leick, A. Olausson, A. Parkhouse, E. Petridou, B. Pircher, C. Silander, D. Silander, P. Stroemblad, S. Tavassoli, E. Wihlborg

As a consequence of globalization, news, ideas and knowledge are moving quickly across national borders and generating international spillovers. So too, however, are economic and financial crises. Combining a variety of methods, concepts and interdisciplinary approaches, this book provides an in-depth examination of these structural changes and their impact. Case studies from a range of countries including Japan, Turkey, Sweden, Germany and the USA offer insight into different national contexts and are used to explore a variety of theoretical and empirical issues relating to the geography of growth. Assessing the implications of globalization for businesses and sectors, the chapters focus on the interdependencies between different economic and political layers, and explore topics such as human capital, creativity, innovation, networks and collaboration. Researchers and policy makers who are interested in regional growth at different spatial scales will find that this work addresses a number of existing knowledge gaps. Students of economics, economic geography, regional science and international industrial management will also find it to be a valuable interdisciplinary resource to help deepen their knowledge of the myriad processes induced by globalization. Contributors include: G.M. Artz, T. Arvemo, G. Cook, A.P. Cornett, U. Grasjo, Z. Guo, M. Hirano, O. Hovardaoglu, N. Javakhishvili-Larsen, C. Karlsson, M. Klatt, M. Kurashige, H. Loof, A. Naveed, M. Olsson, O. Olsson, P.F. Orazem, O. Pesamaa, K. Sakakibara, Y. Shevtsova, T.-A. Stone, M. Svensson, T. Wallin

The changing face of infrastructure facilities management worldwide is characterised by high demand for investments in renewal and maintenance, governmental budget constraints and innovations in information systems. The authors highlight the growing demand for accurate, complete and continuous disclosure of information related to management activities, expenditures, stock availability and shadow prices. This study discusses how infrastructure facilities, commonly considered as a public good, have been traditionally funded by the public sector but that the efficiency of this approach has come into question at the same time as the ability of governments to leverage funds for new facilities and for maintenance and rehabilitation of existing ones has decreased. These factors, they argue, have led to increasing interest in private sector participation in financing, building and operating public infrastructure. The main purpose of this book is to: * present recent theoretical and practical advances as well as new concepts and paradigms in infrastructure systems * provide a state-of-the-art overview of current research * stimulate new research and innovative thinking on the interface between infrastructure measurement and management. The book, written by numerous experts in the field, will appeal to national and regional infrastructure ministries and agencies, companies engaged in infrastructure financing, construction, management and maintenance as well as students at graduate level and above and researchers in civil engineering, infrastructure planning and infrastructure economics and management.

Political Entrepreneurship explores the role of political entrepreneurs in regional growth and entrepreneurial diversity. The authors define a political entrepreneur as a politician, bureaucrat or officer within the publicly funded sector who encourages entrepreneurship for growth and employment using innovative approaches. This book aims to enrich the established research on entrepreneurship with in-depth knowledge of the conditions conducive for political entrepreneurship in Sweden. Political entrepreneurs have the potential to be innovative and encourage entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial diversity by fundamentally challenging the prevailing formal and informal institutions. It is argued that, in times of economic stress, political entrepreneurship is essential to find new ways of promoting growth, employment and welfare. By using social science and economics perspectives, this study complements the dominant business administration research on entrepreneurship by increasing our knowledge of the economic and political contexts in which entrepreneurship and private enterprise is conducted. This book is essential reading for students, researchers and policymakers interested in politics, economics and entrepreneurship, as well as for those working in the public sector. Contributors include: D.E. Andersson, S. Andersson, A.E. Andersson, P. Assmo, C. Berggren, T. Bromander, C. Karlsson, M. Nilsson, C. Silander, D. Silander, P. Stroemblad, M.-L. von Bergmann-Winberg, Y. von Friedrichs, E. Wihlborg

This book provides a state-of-the-art overview of spatial industrial clusters and inter-firm networks. Given the prevailing political belief that clusters can be a major vehicle for economic development and growth, it is important to have a sound understanding of clusters and how they emerge, grow, eventually stagnate and disappear. It is also vital to know when and how to apply policy measures to support cluster development in order to increase economic welfare. This book illuminates both the theoretical and empirical issues relating to clusters and inter-firm networks, and presents a number of interesting case studies from a variety of different countries. The authors study a number of important issues including interaction within and between clusters, the spatial dimensions and characteristics of this interaction, the factors which contribute to cluster formation, and the conditions and policies conducive to the development and sustainability of successful clusters. They also investigate whether firms in clusters perform better than those that are excluded, and illustrate how the importance of clusters can vary significantly between different industries. The authors go on to address the role of clusters in knowledge spillovers and their implications for the functioning of the overall economy, and highlight the effect of new information and communications technologies on cluster configurations and operations. Regional economists, economic geographers and regional scientists will welcome this comprehensive new volume. It will also be a useful reference tool for policymakers and planners involved in industrial and regional economic development.

Today we can observe an increasing spatial divide as some large urban regions and many more medium-sized and small regions face growing problems such as decreasing labour demand, increasing unemployment and an ageing population. In view of these trends, this book offers a better understanding of the general characteristics and specific drivers of the geographies of growth. It shows how these may vary in different spatial contexts, how hurdles and barriers to growth in different types of regions can be dealt with, how and to what extent resources in different areas can develop, and how the potential of these resources to stimulate growth can be realized. This book presents a collection of chapters, divided into four main perspectives, that together deal with these issues. The expert contributions provide numerous different perspectives on a new regional divide as well as exploring the inter-regional accessibility to human capital and its affects on productivity on both sides of the border. The book also investigates the speed of convergence and the fact that, when incorporating structural change, it is often quicker at the regional level compared to both the country and industry level. Other topics covered include institutional foundations and their influence on local social acceptance of entrepreneurship, the role of global value chains on bilateral trade and the determinants of cross-border innovation cooperation focusing on partner selection and location. Students, researchers and scholars will find this an important resource that fills numerous knowledge gaps and opens new avenues for research. It will also appeal to consultants, practitioners and planners at the international, regional and local level. Contributors include: C. Alfken, M. Andersson, T. Arvemo, L. Bjerke, A.P. Cornett, N. de Vries, S. Fredina, H. Goldstein, U. Grasjoe, K.E. Heynes, R.E. Hjaltadottir, V. Jienwatcharamongkhol, B. Johansson, M. Jogmark, C. Karlsson, T. Makkonen, A. Naveed, K. Nystroem, J. Parajuli, V. Peer, A. Risselada, V. Schutjens, S. Sedlacek, N.K. Sorensen, T.-A. Stone, S. Tavassol, I. Viklund Ros, P. Warda

In recent decades, the world has witnessed the emergence of a global knowledge economy in which functional regions increasingly play a role as independent and dynamic market places. These are integrated with other functional regions by means of flows of information, knowledge, and commodities. This contemporary and illuminating book provides a state-of-the-art overview of current research on innovation and entrepreneurship in functional regions. There are numerous questions regarding entrepreneurship and innovation in functional regions that have not yet been answered - until now. Some of the issues that the expert contributors in this field question are - How do firms compete and how do they develop their competitive strategies? How important are entrepreneurial actions and innovation? How important are firm size, firm maturity and corporate structure for innovation? Entrepreneurship and Innovations in Functional Regions will be an invaluable resource for students and scholars of entrepreneurship, business economics, innovation and regional science.

Addressing the heterogeneity of and interplay between important concepts guiding modern regional economic development, this volume presents a rich variety of state-of-the-art empirical research. Focusing simultaneously on the meso- and micro-level implications of globalization, drawing attention to incumbent new market seeking in entrepreneurship, and highlighting the various forms innovation can take, the chapters contribute to our understanding of geography as a facilitator of regional dynamics. The comprehensive approach to agglomeration economies, the life-cycle development of industries, proximities and policy responses comes recommended.' - Frank van Oort, Erasmus University Rotterdam and Utrecht University, the Netherlands'I would encourage all researchers interested in entrepreneurship and innovation to read this volume. It provides a new conceptual approach to the link between global economic trends and entrepreneurship, through the role of local space as an important source for innovation. Readers can find old and new issues on the formation of entrepreneurship elegantly linked together, so as to provide new insights into this important field of research.' - Roberta Capello, Politecnico di Milano, Italy We have, in recent decades, been able to witness a veritable revolution in the world economy, known as 'globalization'. Generally, the term is connected to the rapid increase of the free movement of goods, capital, people, ideas, information and knowledge around the globe. This book contributes to the meso- and micro-economic literature on innovation and entrepreneurship in the global economy. Extending our understanding of the many different ways that innovation and entrepreneurship contribute to economic development and growth in a globalized economy, the expert contributors highlight that the current wave of globalization has been a period of exceptional entrepreneurship both among large multinational firms and among independent entrepreneurs. They demonstrate that location matters for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, and clarify that public policy in a globalized economy must stress knowledge and ideas as the source of competitiveness and economic growth. Both graduates and post graduates, along with university researchers, will find this book to be useful in their studies, particularly those with an interest in innovation and entrepreneurship research, regional economics, economic geography and international economics. Contributors: M.J.Abellan Madrid, J. Abrahamsson, M. Andersson, S. Anokhin, R. Antonietti, D.B. Audretsch, M. Belitski, H. Boter, A. Brostroem, M.R. Ferrante, A. Garcia-Tabuenca, N.M.George, U. Grasjoe, K.E. Haynes, V. Jienwatcharamongkhol, C. Karlsson, B. Kianian, T.C. Larsson, R. Leoncini, C.Y. Liu, M. McKelvey, G. Painter, J. Parajuli, V. Parida, C. Suarez Galvez, M.G.A. Svensson, S. Tavassoli, V. Vanyushyn, Q. Wang, K.I. Westeren, J. Wincent, S. Wixe

Regional economic development has experienced considerable dynamism over recent years. Perhaps the most notable cases were the rise of China and India to emergent country status by the turn of the millennium. With time now for hindsight, this book identifies some of the key forces behind these development successes, namely agglomeration, clusters and entrepreneurship.The expert contributors explore these three forces, which form the basis of much scholarly work in new economic geography and endogenous growth theory and policy. Here, academics from across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia consider the role of agglomeration, clusters and entrepreneurship in regional economic development within a global market context. The book presents solid conceptual and methodological contributions to the growing body of knowledge that extends these theoretical concepts, and prescribes policy and practical applications. Relevant case studies underpin the detailed empirical analyses. Academics, students, researchers and policymakers in the fields of entrepreneurship, regional development and regional science will find this book to be an enlightening read. Contributors: L. Achtenhagen, J. Bastesen, I. Bernhard, N. Carbonara, T.L. Clower, G.A.S. Cook, I. Giannoccaro, L. Iandoli, H. Jeong, B. Johannson, C. Karlsson, K. Kobayashi, S. Koster, A. Manduchi, E. Marchione, M. Markantoni, L. Naldi, K. Nystroem, M. Onishi, N.R. Pandit, R. Picard, C. Ponsiglione, T.-K. Shyy, C. Song, R.J. Stimson, R.R. Stough, D. Strijker, E. Vatne, B.L. Weinstein, E. Wihlborg, G. Zollo

Increased emphasis on the links between regional diversity and regional knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship highlights the need for a focus on the spatial aspects of these multifaceted, dynamic relationships in order to improve our understanding. By means of a conceptual approach, this timely book illustrates the links between innovation and economic development through the role of space. This thought-provoking book addresses the questions regarding diversity, innovation and clusters that require further investigation and analysis. Chapters written by expert contributors bring together cutting-edge theoretical and empirical studies to consider issues such as how spatial diversity affects collaboration, knowledge and innovation; how innovation arises in various locations; how innovative approaches can be identified for local regeneration; and how the growing visibility and importance of start-up companies in the global economy can be analysed. Diversity, Innovation and Clusters will be a key resource for students and academics researching in the fields of economic geography, regional economics, innovation and entrepreneurship. This book provides insights that will be crucial for providing policy makers, planners and consultants with a more comprehensive decision-making platform by utilising spatial perspectives as a driving force for economic growth and development. Contributors include: T. Arvemo, D. Bartlett, K. Berg, I. Bernhard, U. Grasjoe, T. Gronning, M. Imase, I. Jonsson, C. Karlsson, N. Kishida, U. Lundh Snis, M. McKelvey, T. Maeno, L. Mosesdottir, T. Mroczkowski, G.F. Mulligan, M. Okuyama, A.K. Olsson, K. Sakakura, T. Yasui

This book reveals the key importance, in terms of international competitiveness, of firms' capability to adapt to, and develop, new technologies. At the same time, the authors argue that the sheer complexity of emerging technologies is such that the knowledge involved in their creation is likely to be dispersed and distributed between many individuals and over numerous locations. The authors argue that even if one assumes that the internal knowledge base is of strategic importance to many companies, most of the knowledge used by the majority of companies is developed outside the company. Since much knowledge is tacit in nature, the location of companies and their different departments become vital in accessing such knowledge, and there are strong reasons to believe that spillover effects are geographically bounded. Hence, it may often be of strategic importance to companies and their competitiveness to be represented in the 'right' industrial clusters. This book highlights a number of issues at the leading edge of both research and policy making, such as knowledge generation/production, knowledge distribution/transfer, knowledge spillovers, learning, knowledge management, information logistics, industrial clusters, industrial networks and regional innovation systems. This book will appeal to academics and researchers of knowledge management, technology and innovation and industrial organisation. Policy makers and planners in international organisations, national and regional governments - in particular those dealing with R&D policies, industrial policies and regional policies - will also find much to engage them.

`"Think Global, Act Local" has become the policy mantra for innovation, growth and competitiveness in the global economy. In this important and insightful book, Karlsson, Johansson and Stough assemble an all star team of international scholars to explicitly draw out the key role that entrepreneurship plays for local economic performance. The interdisciplinary approach contained in this book yields a pathbreaking set of insights for regional policy that will be of great value to both scholars and policy makers.' - David Audretsch, Indiana University, Bloomington, US and WHU, Germany `The world is experiencing the fourth globalization trend since the collapse of the Berlin Wall twenty years ago. This trend unlike previous ones is characterized by both broader global interconnection and deeper localization. In other words, the world is both flatter and spikier at the same time. The key to a successful development policy is to integrate these two seemingly counter intuitive trends. The solution to this is a more or less regional strategy with a very strong focus on entrepreneurship. While this approach is not new and is not the first, it is the best one that I have seen. The editors of this collection are some of the best informed, most careful and deep thinking scholars in the business and have produced a work worthy of their stature.' - Zoltan J. Acs, George Mason University, US Perhaps the most exceptional aspect of the current era of globalisation is that entrepreneurship has become the engine for local processes of economic, social and cultural development throughout the world. This important new book brings together a number of leading scholars in the field to explore the development aspects of globalisation, in particular those that foster the evolution of entrepreneurs in local-global processes. The expert contributions consider local processes such as entrepreneurship, new firm formation, creativity, media clustering, migration, and many more. They examine how the footprints of these processes reveal themselves in the contemporary global context, characterized by increasing economic interdependence as evidenced by the expanding trade in goods and services, and the growth in capital, knowledge and technology flows. The authors highlight the fact that global patterns of change are the result of innumerable local processes driven by economic, political and social entrepreneurs in localities, regions and nations around the world. With a variety of geographic perspectives, this book will appeal to researchers, students and policymakers in a range of fields including urban and regional economics, economic geography, international trade, and entrepreneurship and innovation policy.

This book provides a state-of-the-art overview of current research on regional competition and co-operation. Developing our current understanding of the new role of regions and their behaviour, this book addresses questions such as: How and why do regions compete? How does competition between border regions operate? Which regions are successful and which regions fail? What are the implications of regional competition in terms of resource allocation, the location of economic activities and the distribution of incomes? The book illuminates a number of critical theoretical end empirical issues relating to the competitive and cooperative nature of regions, as well as highlighting a number of new case studies from a variety of countries. The book will be a useful enhancement to undergraduate and post-graduate courses in economics, economic geography, regional science, regional planning, business administration, and international and industrial management. It will also be an invaluable guidance tool for researchers, consultants and policy makers in international organizations such as the EU, the World Bank and the OECD.

This book highlights the role of entrepreneurship, social capital and governance for regional economic development. In recent decades, many researchers have claimed that entrepreneurship is the most critical factor in sustaining regional economic growth. However, most entrepreneurship research is undertaken without considering the fundamental importance of the regional context. Other research has emphasized the role of social capital but there are substantial problems in empirically relating measures of social capital to regional economic development.The expert contributors to this work highlight the role of governance in regional growth, an area that has so far been relatively under-researched, underpinning their findings with new theoretical and empirical evidence. They conclude that the relationship between entrepreneurship, social capital and governance in factors affecting regional economic development are complex and interdependent, and that to influence these factors and the relationship between them, policymakers must have a long-term perspective and be both patient and persistent in their efforts. This enlightening book will be of great interest to academics, students and researchers across a range of fields including regional science, regional economics, economic geography, regional planning, public policy, entrepreneurship, political science and economic sociology. Policymakers involved in regional policymaking from national down to regional and local levels will also find the book to be an illuminating read. Contributors include: T. Arvemo, P. Assmo, I. Bernhard, N. Carbonara, M. Cesario, G.A.S. Cook, J.L. Crespo-Espert, L.P. Dana, M.T. de Noronha, S. Doh, A. Garcia-Tabuenca, U. Grasjoe, K.E. Haynes, D.G. Ierapetirits, C. Karlsson, D. Lagos, H. Lawton Smith, M. Morehart, K. Nystroem, F.- Pablo-Marti, H. Qian, J.A. Riseth, S. Romeo, P. Stenberg, S.C. Turner, H. Westlund, E. Wihlborg, E.J. Zolnik

Providing a picture of the processes of economic change in Europe, of which EU harmonization policies and transition policies form an integral part, the editors present a collection of articles on current issues in central and east European countries. Perhaps the most dramatic phenomenon to impact on Europe in the next two decades will be the economic integration of central and east European countries with the rest of Europe. Consequently, significant impacts should be seen in regional and international patterns of trade, demography, employment, and financial flows. The editors discuss the problems transitional economies will face and the strategies they may adopt in the context of the European economic integration process and these sectoral issues. Bringing together novel research by those within the emerging market economies, this book will be of great interest to researchers and policymakers and planners in organizations dealing with economic integration and transitional economy issues.

This volume extends our understanding of the many different ways in which distance impacts the knowledge conversion process. While addressing different facets of knowledge, innovation and space, the authors provide an overview of relevant topics in contemporary research concerned with the global, national, regional and local dynamics of knowledge and innovation.Knowledge itself is a raw input into the innovation process, which can then transform it into an economically useful output such as a prototype, patent, licence or new firm. New knowledge is often tacit and thus tends to be highly localized, as indeed is the conversion process. Consequently, as the book demonstrates, space or distance matter significantly in the transformation of raw knowledge into beneficial knowledge. This innovative book will appeal to academics, students and researchers in the fields of regional science, economics, sociology and innovation. It will also be of interest to policymakers and consultants in international organizations, in particular those dealing with entrepreneurship, development, R&D policies and regional policies on different spatial scales. Contributors include: M. Andersson, T. Arvemo, M. Backman, L. Bjerke, A.P. Cornett, O. Ejermo, U. Grasjoe, T. Hatori, H. Jeong, B. Johansson, S. Johansson, C. Karlsson, K. Kobayashi, H. Lawton-Smith, S. Ochi, M. Okumura, O. Raspe, R.R. Stough, M. Tsukai, T. Ueda, F Van Oort, R. Waters, M. Yokomatsu

In recent years, policy makers have given much credence to the role of entrepreneurship in the transformation of regions. As a result, a new set of policy responses have emerged that focus on the support of new venture creation, small business growth and idea generation and commercialization. While there is a wealth of research about entrepreneurship in general, less attention has been given to the development of new tools and programs in support of entrepreneurial activities, and to the ways in which the emergence, the character and the types of entrepreneurship policies might differ between countries. In particular, the transatlantic perspective is of special interest because of the pioneering role of the United States in this area, and also due to the European Union's focus on economic competitiveness. The contributions included in this book explore the emergence of entrepreneurship policies from a transatlantic comparative perspective and address different aspects of entrepreneurship policies including local entrepreneurship policies and the relationship between knowledge-based industries and entrepreneurship policies.

In the last four decades the developed economies have developed into veritable knowledge economies at the same time as more and more economies have entered the road to economic development. Typical for the developments during this time has been substantially increased investments in research and development (R&D) to generate new knowledge and new technologies and increased investments in diffusing existing knowledge by means of education and thereby raising the volume of human capital.

However, many member states and regions within the EU are struggling with their economic development. This book explores the uneven patterns of development within the EU, discusses the relative effect of investments on innovation and productivity growth and looks at the mechanisms involved in economic development and policy.

In recent years, policy makers have given much credence to the role of entrepreneurship in the transformation of regions. As a result, a new set of policy responses have emerged that focus on the support of new venture creation, small business growth and idea generation and commercialization. While there is a wealth of research about entrepreneurship in general, less attention has been given to the development of new tools and programs in support of entrepreneurial activities, and to the ways in which the emergence, the character and the types of entrepreneurship policies might differ between countries. In particular, the transatlantic perspective is of special interest because of the pioneering role of the United States in this area, and also due to the European Union's focus on economic competitiveness. The contributions included in this book explore the emergence of entrepreneurship policies from a transatlantic comparative perspective and address different aspects of entrepreneurship policies including local entrepreneurship policies and the relationship between knowledge-based industries and entrepreneurship policies.