Regional and international inter-organizational STI and DUI collaborations as carriers for eco-innovation

Abstract

This paper investigates regional and international inter-organizational doing, using and interacting (DUI) and science, technology and innovation (STI) collaborations as carriers for eco-innovation. Contextually, it studies a sample of Norwegian firms primarily based on the west coast of the country. Overall, the econometric analysis shows mixed results for regional and international inter-organizational collaborations. Results were significant for both regional DUI and STI inter-organizational collaborations. In addition, international DUI was also relevant; however, international STI inter-organizational collaborations consistently showed no effects. These latter findings challenge the notion that DUI collaborations are restricted to regional boundaries, whereas STI collaborations can overcome them.