For a long time, the assessment of regional innovative strength has primarily relied on R&D-based criteria rooted in the science-technology-innovation (STI) mode. Recent innovation research has shown that in both innovative and less innovative regions and in companies of all sizes, informal DUI (Doing Using Interacting) learning activities are also important, especially regarding non-technical processes, marketing and service innovations. In a new paper in ‘European Planning Stud-ies’, Anne-Sophie Kagel and Christoph Friedrich formulate three key factors from the perspective of the DUI mode as a conceptual framework for analyzing regional innovation performance. For this purpose, the existing literature on DUI and STI innovation modes is combined with the regional innovation systems (RIS) approach. The main results strongly suggest that DUI-based innovation activities benefit significantly from informal structures and institutions within the RIS compared to STI-oriented activities. Consequently, DUI-oriented innovation activities are more dependent on the regional presence of support structures than their STI-oriented counterparts.
Friedrich C.; Kagel A.-S. (2024): STI and DUI modes of innovation in poorly developed RIS. Systemic failures and challenges. European Planning Studies:1–19. DOI: 10.1080/09654313.2024.2430240
