Policy scripts and practice 1

Much attention is paid to theories and models for innovation, such as clusters (Porter, 1998), innovation systems (Freeman, 1987; Nelson, 1993), networks (Simmie, 1997), communities (Wenger, 1998) and triple helix interaction (Etzkowitz, 2002). These theories and models emphasize how innovation occurs in inter-organizational and collaborative networks. From a political point of view, such theories and models have become important instruments used to stimulate regional economic growth as policy-makers combine and translate innovation theories into innovation policies aimed at encouraging innovative, inter-organizational arrangements. There have been numerous governmental programs ² intended to support local and regional competitiveness by fostering knowledge sharing and cross-disciplinary collaboration among various organizations. The hi-tech clusters in Silicon Valley are often held up as role models for innovation (Saxenian, 1990).