Continuity and change in path-dependent regional policy development: The regional implementation of the Norwegian VRI programme

Networking, context and firm-level innovation: Cooperation through the regional filter in Norway

“…Finally, and specifically for the case of Norway, the paper calls into question recent developments in Norwegian innovation policy that emphasise regional collaboration and the promotion of clusters and local networks in pursuit of economic development (Hanssen et al, 2011;Jakobsen et al, 2012). Overall, the Norwegian economy is characterised by relatively low R&D intensity and high absorptive capacity as measured by levels of higher education.…”

“…established in 2010 (Finsrud, 2009;Hanssen et al, 2011;Jakobsen et al, 2012), as well as of local government policies being pursued through the establishment of regional development agencies in many regions (Farsund and Leknes, 2010). This study examines how these attributes of the Norwegian economy and society -low R&D intensity, high levels of education, and frequent interaction between firms and external partnersaffect the ability of Norwegian firms to innovate.…”

Hegemonic ideas and local adaptations: Development of the Norwegian regional restructuring instrument

“…In the preceding section ('Local restructuring in the aftermath of Keynesianism'), we have shown how Norwegian regional policy has been influenced by neo-Schumpeterian ideas. Simultaneously, innovation policy has become increasingly regionalised, with some of the responsibility for the design and implementation of initiatives being transferred to the regional level (Isaksen & Remøe 2001;Remøe 2005;Jakobsen et al 2012). In sum, this has resulted in the interweaving of regional development policy and the regionally oriented aspect of national innovation policy.…”

Regional Industrial Policy in Norway and Spain

“…At the end of the post-Fordist phase, and certainly in the current phase of contextualism, this has been changing. In Norway we have seen that regional industrial policy has become increasingly rescaled, with some of the responsibilities for the design and implementation of initiatives being transferred from the national to the regional level (Isaksen and Remøe 2001 ;Remøe 2005 ;Jakobsen et al 2012 ). Seen in isolation, the Norwegian case looks like an example of downscaling of policy responsibility.…”

“…County administrations are using the VRI to learn about challenges, solutions, and organizational models for facilitating regional innovation. The requirements that initiatives are to be partly fi nanced regionally and that priority areas and activities should refl ect regional political priorities have further strengthened counties' positions (Jakobsen et al 2012 ). In 2003, county municipalities in Norway had already been granted greater authority to manage regional policy tools through "the responsibility reform," and the VRI fi ts well with the ambitions of this reform.…”