Effective governmental roles in fostering

innovation

4th Interregional Innovation Workshop

Eindhoven, the Netherlands

4th of April 2012

By demand-side innovation policies we are aiming to increase

• the DEMAND FOR INNOVATIONS,

• TO IMPROVE THE CONDITIONS FOR THE UPTAKE OF

INNOVATIONS

• AND/OR TO IMPROVE THE ARTICULATION OF DEMAND IN

ORDER TO SPUR INNOVATIONS AND THE DIFFUSION OF

INNOVATIONS

DEMAND-SIDE INNOVATION DISCUSSION

This is not the same as demand-based

approach of science policy whereby support is

geared to the supply side (i.e. the knowledge

creation)

This is not about improving or accelerating

diffusion of off-shelf technologies

(Edler, 2009)

Source: Georghiou, 2011

DEMAND-SIDE INNOVATION DISCUSSION

DEMAND-SIDE INNOVATION

Municipality of Helmond;

Living Labs

Provincia di Bolzano

Sci-Network

Governments which base

their purchase decision

for the procurement of

advanced technology

products on technical

performance and

innovativeness rather

than on cost price, clearly

drive innovation in their

Country (Innometrics,

2007)

THE EVIDENCE

Source: Georghiou, 2011

Recent Survey in the UK, 2011

CAUTION: do not over emphasize public procurement for innovation

Source: Trends and Challenges in Demand- Side Innovation Policies in Europe - Thematic Report

2011

Diverging experiences within the EU at national level

ERMIS countries

4 3 3 1 0 2 4 3 0

There are many experiments at regional level that can

actually be encompassed in demand-side policy

Example of the Aeronautical cluster of Imola, Emilia Romagna that

is Smart Innovation platform for matchmaking and business

opportunities exploiting the knowledge of lead suppliers of

aeronautical components

experiences at regional level

Some of them are monitored (see Regional Innovation

Monitor, February 2012)

But the impression is that many systemic bottom up

initiatives are not monitored yet

Source: The Power of the Purse Public Procurement of Innovation – Feasibility of an EU scheme

Brussels, Thursday 9 February 2012

What kind of capacities are requested from governments?

QUESTIONS FOR ERMIS PARTNERS

Which types of demand-side innovation measures seem to be

most relevant at the regional level?

Is the local/regional innovation system more demand side

oriented or is it a (good) mix or is it even more supply side

oriented

1. THE RIGHT MIX TO INNOVATE?

ECOBIZ-CAB

SEAP CESENA

CIM PACA

HOLST CENTER

UNITED BRAINS

DEV LAB

IPN MODEL

MANAGERS’

TRAINING

How do ERMIS BPs fit into a demand-side model?

QUESTIONS FOR ERMIS PARTNERS

2. EXPERIENCE IN ERMIS REGION

What kind of demand-side mechanism would suit best your

region innovation ecosystem (systemic, regulatory,

procurement)?

Which of the presented best practice can be imported?

Are there demand-side mechanisms in your region?

Are they effective? how are these mechanisms perceived?

QUESTIONS FOR ERMIS PARTNERS

3. RISING TO THE CHALLENGE OF LOCAL NEEDS

What sectors and societal needs would benefit the most from

demand-side innovation in your region?

Make examples………

Are there sectors and societal needs where innovation can

not be fostered from the demand side at all? And why not?

QUESTIONS FOR ERMIS PARTNERS

4. CAPACITY BULDING

What can be the best way for building capacity for demand side

policies in the public administration ?

What do public administrations need or miss now ?

QUESTIONS FOR ERMIS PARTNERS

5. ROOM FOR ERMIS CAPITALISATION…?

Can Ermis network capitalise in the future on the reproducibility

of local innovation through attention to demand-side policy?

The right policy mix according to regional structural

characteristics

CHALLENGES

The right policy mix according to National Innovation policy

The capacity of the Public Administration

Evaluation of results in terms of innovation, growth and

efficiency