Workshop 2.4 Smart Specialisation

Smart specialisation Workshop Programme Introduction – Arnoud Lagendijk, Radboud University A European perspective – Dieter Rehfeld, Institute for Work and Technology, Gelsenkrichen A Dutch perspective: smart specialisation and topsectoren – Ben Dankbaar, Radboud University Debate

Smart specialisation “Smart specialisation involves a process of developing a vision, identifying competitive advantage, setting strategic priorities and making use of smart policies to maximise the knowledge-based development potential of any region, strong or weak, high-tech or low-tech”. EU S3 platform

Smart specialisation Smart specialisation ‘basics’ Difference between General Purpose Technologies, developed in leader regions, and GPT applications, in follower regions Based on ‘entrepreneurial’ Science and Technology policies (in multi-level setting from the EU to the region) Using smart policies focusing on evidence-based capability formation Need to attract entrepreneurial capabilities [talent] Foray, David and Hall (2009)

Smart specialisation Results local survey as part of the Interreg IVC Brainflow project Need to improve international recognition and reputation of the area, and specific ‘global’ assets (such as an international school) Stronger role university and large corporations Lack of entrepreneurialism and competencies to boost business competencies Welcoming environment for expats Use smart specialisation to measure up regional policies for education, labour market and business development

Smart specialisation Key topics Smart specialisation: at what scale(s)? ‘Leader’ vs. ‘follower’ regions? Specialisation within the context of global value chains? New global challenges: S3 better than clusters? More emphasis on people? Should specialisation follow people or the other way around? ‘Smart policies’ genuinely supporting out-of-the-box solutions and entrepreneurial strategies? Engaging with more agents (quadruple helix)?

Reflection on workshops Workshop 1.1. Workshop 1.2. Workshop 1.3. Workshop 1.4. Workshop 2.1. Workshop 2.2. Workshop 2.3. Workshop 2.4.