The paper analyses cross-border co-operation with regard to its degree of formalization. Herewith, the focus is not on single cross-border organizations, but on the encompassing governance systems in the respective regions. That means that the specific combination of differently organized cross-border arrangements is analyzed. Cross-border governance systems are facing multiple governance challenges which ask either for a certain degree of institutionalization or for more informal solutions. Based on an empirical comparison of the two experienced, but differently organized, cross-border regions in Europe the Lake Constance Region and the Upper-Rhine Region, the paper illustrates that the organizational variation of cross-border governance systems show specific patterns. From these findings, first arguments are deduced for balancing formalized and more informal co-operations in cross-border governance systems.

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PurposeEspecially at the regional level co‐operation is seen as a prerequisite for innovation and competitiveness. Hence, political interest in fostering knowledge intensive networks is high. New forms of governance and additional strategic intelligence for decision makers are requested. Thus potential of the social network analysis (SNA) is discussed as methodology providing the information needed for strategic management of innovation networks. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact as a regional governance tool.Design/methodology/approachFirst, benefits and risks of innovation networks are discussed based on literature review. Second, the potentials of the SNA for their systematic monitoring are examined. Herewith specific attention was paid to the manageability and reduction of complexity to demonstrate SNA applicability for network governance. Analysis was based on automated data retrieval of electronic documents available, e.g. at governmental institutions, research databases, and the internet. Results are exemplified by studying knowledge intensive networks in Styria.FindingsThe applied set of IT based tools and visualisation of regional co‐operations based on SNA provides a comprehensive view of the interdependencies and the embeddedness of different institutions as well as actors of the region. Based on this visualisation conclusions are drawn concerning network management by analysing specific attributes of interest, concerning partners, cooperative behaviour, balance of power, openness and embeddedness of the network.Originality/valueNetwork benefits success may not be achieved automatically. Strategic management is crucial for success. The paper demonstrates how social network analysis may be applied on automatic retrieved data on involved organisations and key players to strengthening the strategic intelligence of (regional) decision makers and help them meet the governance challenges of the network economy.

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ABSTRACT. During the last decades a paradigmatic change in regional policies has occurred: Cohesion oriented policies gave place to policies focusing on economic growth by innovation. In consequence also the consignees of regional policies changed: in the past public institutions responsible for infrastructural measures received most of regional funding; now mainly enterprises are addressed. Though, located enterprises do not automatically get involved with regions' development processes. How can they be mobilized for these issues? Primarily on the base of the Swiss experiences with its innovation oriented New Regional Policy (NRP) the article first illustrates the status quo, which role enterprises currently play in regional innovation policies. Secondly, the crucial factors are discussed which determine the interplay of entrepreneurial and public rationalities in the context of regional innovation policies. And third the article derives suggestions from these assessments for the design of regional innovation policies and corresponding regional governance structures.

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ZusammenfassungInnovationen im Tourismus sind aufgrund des zunehmenden Wettbewerbs in der Branche Voraussetzung für den langfristigen wirtschaftlichen Erfolg. Sich ändernde Kundenbedürfnisse und Konkurrenzprodukte führen entlang des Produktlebenszyklus auch bei früher erfolgreichen Destinationen zu einer Stagnations- und Rückgangsphase. Die Innovationsliteratur im Tourismus ist reich an Fallstudien und konzeptionellen Beiträgen zu den verschiedenen Innovationsarten und -typen. Die Entstehungsmechanismen, die Anreize mit den erwarteten Renditen und die dabei entstehenden Kosten sind jedoch bisher kaum untersucht und diskutiert worden. Dabei beobachten wir in Europa gerade in der aktuellen Zeit eine vermehrte Staatsintervention zugunsten einer Innovationsförderung im Tourismus.Dieser Beitrag untersucht die Eigenschaften touristischer Innovationen. Er fokussiert sich auf die Aspekte des Marktversagens und zeigt auf, wo eine staatliche Innovationsförderung im Tourismus notwendig wird. Eine Vergleichsstudie zwischen ausgewählten Ländern zeigt auf, dass neben wichtigen Gemeinsamkeiten auch programmspezifische Unterschiede bestehen. Die kritische Würdigung schliesst mit Empfehlungen für eine Förderpolitik der touristischen Innovation ab.