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

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