ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on how entrepreneurial innovation affects regional competitiveness of the Gold Coast region of Australia. The case study analysis is premised on the entrepreneurial innovation literature to discuss how institutions, social and industry context affect regional economic growth. The chapter discusses the entrepreneurial innovation from a regional development perspective. The analysis suggested that whilst institutions and social context can influence entrepreneurial innovation, the industry context is the most important driver of regional competitiveness. During the case study analysis a weak link was found between social connections and entrepreneurial innovation but business was more likely to rely on industry connections in the Gold Coast region. A quantitative survey of small to medium sized enterprises could be conducted in each of these regions to see how the Gold Coast compares. This future research work would help improve our understanding of entrepreneurial innovation and regional competitiveness but also promote better Knowledge Intensive Business Services.
