ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides evidence of entrepreneurial discovery processes (EDP) and policies similar to and inspiring smart specialisation that pre-date the European Commission’s smart specialisation initiative in 2011. It focuses on the theory and concept of EDP as a policy model. The book suggests that institutional barriers might be overcome through destabilisation, knowledge brokering, career mobility across knowledge boundaries, ambidexterity, citizen involvement, and knowledge space. It argues that successful micro-level achievements, in terms of knowledge conversion leading to EDP, are likely to support the development of institutions and organisations which facilitate them and enable the emergence of new clusters. The EDP was based on an identification of the domains of the region and its strong clusters, which, following the principles of analysis of place-based development could, reveal openings in novel directions.