Structural elements and dynamics in territorial patterns of innovation: A perspective through European case studies

This paper sets out the conceptual approach that orients all the empirical works selected for this special issue, namely, the notion of territorial patterns of innovation. Recently proposed as a more appropriate conceptual framework in which to understand spatial innovation patterns, territorial patterns of innovation are defined as the combination of territorial specificities (context conditions) and the different modes of performing the different phases of the innovation process. Importantly, the paper reinforces this framework in two directions by discussing some common findings emerging from the set of case studies presented in this issue. First, the analysis of the same sector in different regions of three EU 27 countries shows that territorial elements have a more fundamental effect on the emergence of specific patterns of innovation with respect to sector characteristics. Second, regions can engage into upgrading as well as downgrading trajectories in their knowledge and innovation acquisition and creation processes, witnessing the adaptability and usefulness of the territorial patterns of innovation framework to read regional innovation dynamics.