Unlocking smart specialisation : challenges and opportunities in regional innovation strategies / George Papamichail (director, Science and Technology Park of Crete (STEP-C), Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the Management and Development Company of STEP-C, Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH-HELLAS), Greece).

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Papamichail, George, author.

Contributor:

Edward Elgar Publishing, publisher.

Series:

Science, innovation, technology and entrepreneurship

Science, innovation, technology and entrepreneurship series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Regional planning--European Union countries.

Regional planning.

Regional economics--European Union countries.

Regional economics.

Economic specialization--European Union countries.

Economic specialization.

Genre:

Electronic books.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (164 pages)

Place of Publication:

Northampton : Edward Elgar Publishing, 2026.

Summary:

"Unlocking Smart Specialisation explores how European regions can design better strategies to grow, innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing world. George Papamichail examines the evolution of smart specialisation from an academic concept to a cornerstone of EU regional development, highlighting why many regions still struggle to put it into practice. Papamichail introduces key ideas from innovation systems theory, institutional theory and endogenous growth, connecting them with real-world policy application. He presents both the promise and the pitfalls of regional development, emphasising how regions succeed when they build on their unique strengths, engage local people and institutions and create trust-based collaboration. Chapters cover emerging trends such as S3 2.0, green and digital transitions and mission-oriented innovation, arguing that lasting success depends on efficient multilevel governance and institutional quality. Drawing on global examples, Papamichail concludes that smart specialisation will cultivate greener, fairer and more resilient futures in regions that have effectively closed the implementation gap. This is a valuable resource for students and scholars of public policy, economics and regional studies. Its recommendations for governance reform, capacity building and stakeholder engagement are also highly relevant for policymakers and practitioners in EU institutions, international organisations and regional development agencies"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Contents: Preface

Part I: Foundations of smart specialisation

1. Introduction to unlocking smart specialisation

2. Origins and evolution of smart specialisation

3. The theoretical underpinnings of smart specialisation

Part II: Implementation challenges and regional practice

4. Smart specialisation implementation challenges and regional case studies

Part III: Policy implications and strategic pathways

5. Policy implications and recommendations

Part IV: Future outlook and transformation

6. Future outlook and emerging trends

7. Conclusion to unlocking smart specialisation

References.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

Description based on print record.

ISBN:

9781035346387 (e-book)

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.