The knowledge-innovation nexus in European regions

The previous chapters have provided a description of the diffusion of the knowledge-based economy in Europe according to three different approaches: an industrial approach (Chapter 2), a functional approach (Chapter 3) and a relational approach (Chapter 4). As discussed in Chapter 1, in fact, the knowledge-based economy does not have a single definition and can assume different forms that sometimes complement and sometimes substitute each other. In particular, the knowledge-based economy has been measured through either the presence of high-tech manufacturing and service sectors, or through the presence of scientific activities (human capital and research activities), or through the capacity of a region to cooperate — intentionally or unintentionally — with other regions. Accordingly, three typologies of knowledge-based regions have been empirically identified: technologically-advanced regions, scientific regions, and knowledge networking regions.