ABSTRACT
The conceptual framework of ‘territorial patterns of innovation’ proposed in the previous chapter represents a step forward in the conceptual elaboration of innovation processes at the local level, since it clearly stresses the complexity and diversity of regional modes of innovation. Moreover, it sets the conceptual background for the empirical identification of these patterns in the real world which can be at the basis of the elaboration of a new taxonomy of innovative regions; an exercise that proves useful for developing ad hoc innovation policies, as suggested by the regional — place-based — approach (Barca, 2009) without incurring the unrealistic situation of developing one policy for each region.
