Innovation in rural areas? Exploring the potential for co-operation, knowledge and competitiveness Cover Image

Innovation in rural areas? Exploring the potential for co-operation, knowledge and competitiveness
Innovation in rural areas? Exploring the potential for co-operation, knowledge and competitiveness

Author(s): Michael Steiner, Eric Kirschner, Simone Harder
Subject(s): Economy
Published by: Regionálne európske informačné centrum Banská Bystrica
Keywords: rural areas; innovative behaviour; knowledge transfer; territorial relationship; image creation

Summary/Abstract: The paper explores the potential for innovative behaviour in rural areas. It reviews and interprets theories of regional innovation and concepts of innovative milieu in regard to specific types of regions. Several elements are outlined that represent key factors for innovative behaviour also in rural areas. Two rural case study regions – one with a manufacturing tradition, the other concentrating on traditional services – are analyzed in regard to their co-operation profile, knowledge sources, quality of the labour force and degree of competiveness. Despite locational disadvantages, the paper indicates a wide range of innovation potentials in these rural areas. Yet these potentials are not an automatic outcome of this specific type of region but call for the organization and promotion of the revealed factors for innovative behaviour.

  • Issue Year: 2011
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 58-89
  • Page Count: 32
  • Language: English