Multi-level governance in regional innovation systems

Abstract

The paper deals with the regionalisation of technology and innovation policies in a multi-level governance context. It is argued that a number of problems are associated with this regionalisation. Multi-actor policy arenas and multi-level governance structures turn political action into a complex bargaining process between several levels and actor groups. The paper sketches recent theoretical and political developments regarding multi-actor and multi-level governance of innovation at the regional level. Based on the evidence from a German regional innovation system, it aims to analyse whether innovation policy is an appropriate policy for the devolution to regional governments.