ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the increasing role of global networks for the sustained growth of regional clusters and to define how global networks and regional innovation systems (RIS) are connected to each other. The clustering of firms has been in the agenda since the 1950s, which marked the beginning of regional planning and regional policies in many countries of the world. Open gates are crucial for an effective RIS since innovative firms, which are the main agents of this system, have to be linked with national and global knowledge sources. Networks among global suppliers are the most important means to reach universal knowledge. Networks formed with global suppliers and customers are the main gateways to a regional innovation system. The search for intermediaries and network organisers for establishing and sustaining relations between RIS actors and global networks indicates the important role of multinationals.
