Towards regional innovation systems in Norway? An explorative empirical analysis

Abstract

This report presents the findings of an analysis of Regional innovation systems (RIS) in Norway. The analysis was undertaken as part of the research project ‘Exploring the role of the VRI program in regional innovation system formation and new path development’, funded by the Research Council of Norway through the VRI program and coordinated by Professor Bjørn Asheim of University of Stavanger. This analysis uses Community Innovation Survey (CIS) data supplemented by data from the Linked Employer-Employee register (LEED) to map the evolution of regional innovation systems in Norway. The objective is explorative and empirical, in the sense that emphasis is put on developing indicators that reflect contemporary RIS theory and Norwegian innovation policy practices more so than discussing in detail the substantive implications of results.