ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on results from a regional innovation project, which is a part of a national programme launched by the Research Council of Norway in 2007. The main goal of VRI is to increase R&D-based regional innovation by stimulating co-operation and learning between companies, research institutions and counties. The concept of communication was nearly absent from the initial programme documents. Interesting conclusions, however, were drawn based on interviews with different actors about the role of communication in VRI. According to the Agreement Matrix, the extent of agreement along the two dimensions determines the nature of co-operation. Rosenberg's communication theory, 'Non-violent communication', also known as empathic communication, represents a valid operationalisation of mutual learning communication. Managing innovation through communication does not happen automatically, but requests communication competence and courage from at least one of the participants.
