Use of innovation vouchers for the regional innovation environment development

Abstract

The author examines the evaluation of the regional innovation system in the Czech Republic and focuses on the assessment of the public policy tool known as the innovation voucher. Using the Ústí Region as an example, the article aims to analyze the Innovation Voucher Programme and the group of companies that used the vouchers, and whether these companies have the potential to grow while positively impacting the growth of the region’s economic potential. Based on the analyses of the business results, it was found that the Innovation Voucher Programme supported the growth of the companies, which now achieve better economic results and have improved efficiency including the creation of new jobs. It can be concluded that the Innovation Voucher Programme strengthens the innovative companies’ development and contributes to the sectoral restructuring of the region, which, due to its historically significant mining and heavy industry, needs development of innovative companies in new sectors with growth potential.