Cross-mapping of regional research and production landscapes: Methodological issues and implications for elaborating regional innovation strategies

The adoption of smart specialisation as an ex ante conditionality for funding research and innovation actions by the Structural Funds imposes a structured approach to shape up regional innovation strategies. Although the basic elements for supporting the definition of a targeted regional innovation strategy have been individually present in past efforts, it is suggested that in order to produce a coherent regional policy mix, a thorough cross-mapping of the regional knowledge production, research and entrepreneurial landscapes is a precursor to properly identifying the innovation potential and emerging opportunities, as well as to establishing a shared vision among the key regional innovation stakeholders and well-targeted action plans by policy makers. This paper presents results from ongoing activities as part of a regional smart specialisation exercise. Lessons from past efforts as well as recent findings arising from a targeted cross-mapping of the research and knowledge activities against the current regional production landscape are taken into account. They offer critical insight for appropriately aligning the regional innovation policies to take advantage of current strengths and opportunities as identified in a bottom up approach. Methodological issues focused especially on the mapping of the knowledge production sectors are discussed, and an outline of the process that leads to the design of the regional innovation interventions priorities is presented.