ABSTRACT
A more detailed analysis of the local knowledge and information pool brought to light that several local factors are important here: skilled labour, training support for researchers, presence of libraries, presence of conference facilities, availability of local cooperation partners, local subcontractors and management links with local educational facilities. Regional and local dynamics depend to a large extent on entrepreneurial innovation. Besides, intrinsic regional features may affect innovativeness of firms within a given region, in addition to the different engagement of these firms in the development of new technologies and processes. Empirical evidence on the relevance of the ‘local milieu’ for future innovations activities of European companies can be found in Traseler et al. Most notable is the overwhelming importance for European firms of labour market skills and training support regarding all four types of innovation. This is followed by local synergy from suppliers, subcontractors, customers, and universities for product innovations, and connectivity advantages regarding other types of innovation.
