Innovation networks and green restructuring: Which path development can EU Framework Programmes stimulate in Norway?

Author(s)
Giuseppe Calignano, Rune Dahl Fitjar , Nina Hjertvikrem
Abstract

With combined insights from evolutionary economic geography and transition studies, the article examines the engagement of different regions in Norway in the innovation networks created within the European Union’s environmental programmes. The aim is to explore the programmes’ potential for supporting green economy and economic restructuring through branching and new path creation. The authors assess which regions participate in the programmes, which international networks they build, and which organisations participate in different regions. They compare three regions with different restructuring needs and research capacity – the counties of Rogaland, Hordaland, and Sør-Trøndelag (now part of the county of Trøndelag). They find that overall, Norwegian organisations participate relatively frequently in the programmes, but private firms play a marginal role. Their partners are mainly in core EU regions. Regional participation in the programmes is a function of research capacity as well as oil dependence. The authors conclude that in research-oriented regions, research establishments tend to dominate participation, creating potential for restructuring mainly through path creation. In oil-dependent regions, private firms account for a higher share of participants, enhancing the potential for branching. As the former regions participate more, the programme can mainly stimulate path creation.

Organisation(s)
Department of Geography and Regional Research
External organisation(s)
University of Stavanger
Journal
Norwegian Journal of Geography
Volume
73
Pages
65-78
No. of pages
14
ISSN
0029-1951
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/00291951.2018.1561512
Publication date
01-2019
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
507026 Economic geography
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Geography, Planning and Development, General Earth and Planetary Sciences
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/280b9319-ee69-4df7-a8a7-96eae7776633