Abstract
In order to make an evaluation of the regional innovation potential,
which is decisively influenced by the existing relationships between
the different actors of innovative networks within and/or outside
the region, a written questionnaire was sent to firms of the manufacturing
industry in the autumn of 1997. The focal point of the analysis lay
in determining innovative activities within individual firms and
cooperative relationships between different firms. After a short
discussion about theoretical aspects of innovation-orientated regional
development, this paper provides a brief introduction to the main
characteristics of the responding firms as well as selected results
concerning innovative activities within the firms, innovative cooperation,
as well as obstacles to innovation and regional framework conditions.
The results indicate that regional proximity matters differently.
Innovative relationships with producer services and research institutions
are stronger within the region, those with suppliers, customers and
competitors more with other regions in Spain and Europe. In short,
the surveyed firms in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona tend to
cooperate more on a vertical basis and on a less international scale
when it comes to innovation.
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