Not Out of the Woods Yet

Academics and policymakers have turned their
attention to innovation as a source of growth. Until
recently, many studies adopted linear, R&D-based
approaches to innovation, but these serve poorly
when examining non-science driven industries such as
furniture manufacturing, where innovation and
creativity remain crucial. Current theorizing has
brought a surge of interest in broader social
(networks, systems) and spatial (agglomerations,
regions) dimensions to innovation.
This work examines how industry interactions shape
innovation. Using original survey and interview
analysis, the research finds that relational
proximity to suppliers and customers increases the
number of innovations introduced by firms. Suppliers
play a key role as knowledge brokers and with the
technology embedded in their materials, components
and equipment. In isolated regions, electronic
communications was a poor but necessary substitute
to face-to-face interactions in facilitating
knowledge transfers.
This book provides insights for researchers studying
innovation, and for regional development experts
promoting regional and industry innovation
strategies.

Autorentext

After his BA at Moncton, Yves obtained a Rhodes Scholarship and studied PPE, as well as Science and Technology Studies, at Oxford and Edinburgh universities. Yves earned his PhD at UCLA in Regional Development in 2006, and he continues his research into the origins and geography of innovation. He and his wife Andreea have a son, Boris.

Klappentext

Academics and policymakers have turned their attention to innovation as a source of growth. Until recently, many studies adopted linear, R&D-based approaches to innovation, but these serve poorly when examining non-science driven industries such as furniture manufacturing, where innovation and creativity remain crucial. Current theorizing has brought a surge of interest in broader social (networks, systems) and spatial (agglomerations, regions) dimensions to innovation. This work examines how industry interactions shape innovation. Using original survey and interview analysis, the research finds that relational proximity to suppliers and customers increases the number of innovations introduced by firms. Suppliers play a key role as knowledge brokers and with the technology embedded in their materials, components and equipment. In isolated regions, electronic communications was a poor but necessary substitute to face-to-face interactions in facilitating knowledge transfers. This book provides insights for researchers studying innovation, and for regional development experts promoting regional and industry innovation strategies.