European Regional Science Association
|
European Regional Science Association
|
|
|
|
|
The abstract for paper number 360:
Seija Virkkala, Chydenius Institute
University of Jyväskylä, Kokkola, Finland, Esa Storhammar, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
The networks and local milieu in innovation processes of SMEs in Finland
Innovations are seen as central phenomena on both micro and macro level in economy. However, we know only little about the formation, development and diffusion of innovations in different milieus. How does the location influence the innovation processes of firms? What kind of differences in innovation activities do SMEs in different locations have? Are the firms in peripheral location directed more to the non-local interaction networks than the firms in central areas?
We will discuss these questions with the help of two empirical data. The first is obtained by a questionnaire to the SMEs located outside the growth centres in Finland. Its focus is on innovation, local milieu and networks. The second empirical data is a case study of innovations in three rural regions in Finland. It is concentrated in innovation of firms in mechanical wood and in ICT (electronics and programming).
In the analysis we are applying a broad definition of innovation. We are examining product, process, organisational and marketing innovations. Innovations are referring to the way firms are acting, learning and renewing.
The research project is part of the Research Programme for Advanced Technology Policy (ProACT) which has been initiated and funded in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the National Technology Agency, Tekes. This research programme focuses on socio-economic changes and phenomena which are significant to the continuous renewal of Finnish society and its technology policy.
Unfortunately full paper has not been submitted.