Publicaciones recientes

Abstract: The publication proposes a generic and algorithmic methodology to identify and measure the success of innovation districts. To achieve this, different sets of large-scale geospatial data have been combined with well-established machine learning methods and in-depth statistical analysis. As a result, a quantitative methodology is presented that can support the policy-making process in the identification of urban areas with a high concentration of innovation activities and with high potential for growth.

 

Abstract: This paper explores why an increasing number of European regions and cities in close cooperation with quadruple helix partners, such as clusters, firms, universities, nongovernmental organizations, and member states, combine place-based innovation strategies with cross-border networks of innovation. Such collaborations may result in a rich variety of organizational solutions and approaches, which allow actors and stakeholders to overcome different barriers and concerns of innovation. The chapter outlines a conceptual framework of how cooperation between urban and regional innovation ecosystems may strengthen regional place-based development strategies and improve regional innovation capabilities. Key analytical concepts are proximity, knowledge complexity, entrepreneurial discovery processes, and stakeholder analysis.

 

Abstract: The Encyclopedia is providing interdisciplinary knowledge on how urban centres and regions in locations of varying climates, lifestyles, income levels, and stages development are creating synergies and reducing trade-offs in the development of resilient, resource-efficient, environmentally friendly, liveable, socially equitable, integrated, and technology-enabled urban centers and regions. The chapter deals with the impact of urban and regional leadership as leadership stands as one of the key success factors in achieving growth at urban and regional levels, while strong and focused leadership contributes to the success of places. Furthermore, dedicated leadership contributes to an efficient governance system and impacts the motivation and commitment of stakeholders, who are indispensable in transforming places, organizations, and capabilities. These transformations lead cities and regions to become resilient in adapting to social, economic, and environmental changes.

 

 

Abstract: The importance of assessing the experience of the 2014-2020 programming period and the approach adopted by national and regional authorities in charge of Smart Specialisation derives from the consideration that Smart Specialisation has been the largest place-based policy experiment attempting to boost economic growth through prioritisation of research and innovation domains and through diversification. Smart Specialisation has been defined as an ex-ante conditionality for using European Development Funds (ERDF) under Thematic Objective 1 (research and innovation). Over 120 Smart Specialisationstrategieshavebeenimplementedduringthe2014-2020programming period, having hadguidedtheinvestmentofoverEUR40billionfromERDF(overEUR65billionincludingnational co- financing). Various sources of primary information have been used to perform this analysis: a survey addressed to S3 implementing authorities, analysis of implementation measures and case study reports. Out of the 120 existing Smart Specialisation strategies, the survey has been filled out by 79 national or regional implementing authorities from nineteen countries while the case studies cover thirteen regional and 4 national strategies and their implementation practices. Four main themes have been explored besides this publication: impact of smart specialisation on the governance of research and innovation policy systems (Guzzo and Gianelle), entrepreneurial discovery process (Perianez-Forte and Wilson, 2021) and policy implementations (Gianelle et al., 2021). From the evidence on monitoring and evaluation, we could deduct that Smart Specialisation represent a cultural change for most regions, whether developed and already well acquainted with regional innovationpolicypracticesorlessdevelopedwithlowerinnovationperformance.Still, the practice of policy monitoring and evaluation continues to lag behind, which in turn limit learnings and an updated strategy that is based on S3 policy outcomes and impact. It is necessary to identify a dedicated team responsible for S3 monitoring and evaluation within the public administration (equipped with adequate human and financial resources), in order to have an evaluation of the S3 results and the effectiveness of the policy intervention logic. In order to support evaluation activities, it is important to collect data relating to the behaviour of innovation actors, even those not represented in regional calls. While in vie w of the next programming period, it is necessary to make use of analytical and informative tools (big data, web semantics, etc.) able to provide different kind of data and faster return.

 

 

Abstract: This policy insight provides an overview of the 2020 assessment on how and to what extent Smart Specialisation monitoring and evaluation systems put in place across Europe allow and contribute to a cyclical policy learning process for improved policy design and implementation. In view of the 2021-2027 programming period, a new cultural change is needed to enable monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and practices to address the shortcomings and challenges observed in the previous period and allow it to fully exert its supporting purpose to Smart Specialisation policy makers and practitioners. Based on the evidence gathered through a survey and through case studies covering 13 regions and 4 Member States, a number of recommendations have been drawn. The practice of policy monitoring and evaluation continues to lag behind, which in turn limits learnings and an updated strategy that is based on S3 policy outcomes and impact. Itisnecessarytoidentifyadedicatedteamresponsible for S3 monitoring and evaluation within the public administration in order to have an evaluation of the S3 results and the effectiveness of the policy intervention logic. To support evaluation activities, it is important to collect data relating to the behaviour of innovation actors, even those not represented in regional calls. While in view of the next programming period, it is necessary to make use of analytical and informative tools (big data, web semantics, etc.) able to provide different kind of data and faster return.

 

 

Abstract: This publication presents the results of a survey, launched in 2020 as part of a research project performed by the Smart Specialisation platform to gain new insights on the Smart Specialisation (S3) policy experience across the European Union (EU). The survey aimed at gathering the views and reflections of S3 implementing authorities on their policy experience. The questionnaire addressed the main tenets of the Smart Specialisation policy concept and consisted of four sections: implementation, governance, Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) and monitoring and evaluation. Survey results provides evidence on the state of implementation, challenges and critical aspects as well as some of the results achieved by this policy experiment in view of the new Cohesion Policy 2021-2027. Overall, we can observe that most strategies are implemented according to the original plans. Nevertheless, the situation varies considerably across categories of territories, with less developed regions exhibiting a poorer implementation performance. Smart Specialisation has supported the adoption and diffusion of more inclusive forms of governance in innovation policy across the EU. Despite the general increase in pressure for coordination and the changes introduced by this policy experiment, the effectiveness of inter- government coordination mechanisms is still considered weak by many national and regional authorities. Clearly, there is room for further improvements in this area. More efforts are also needed in relation to the skills and resources to perform the policy functions of the management body. Overall, the quality of the contribution of different stakeholders to the entrepreneurial discovery process is considered adequate by the public authorities responsible for the management of the strategy. Relevant partners are considered to have high technical/specialist skills, while their capacities to participate in policy decision-making processes are generally lower. In person meetings are the preferred options to engage stakeholders. This is not surprising, given the potential these meetings offer for deeper interaction. Online platforms appear less popular. However, considered the accelerated learning on virtual forms of engagement that is taking place with the COVID-19 pandemic, the perception on the use of online platforms is likely to change. Finally, survey results show that most of the strategies have a system of result indicators in place. However, the capacity of these indicators to monitor strategy progress is often inadequate. Lack of adequate and timely data is another major critical issue of the S3 monitoring systems, while the integration of the findings of the monitoring and evaluation systems into the next programming period is present in just over 40% of the cases.

 

 

Abstract: This report comprises 10 case study reports at regional and national on the implementation of the Smart Specialisation policy across 4 EU countries. This analytical work seeks to provide a wide assessment of the smart specialisation policy experience along with some reflections for the 2021-2027 EU Cohesion policy. The reports were produced by national experts using a common conceptual framework and set of guidelines for data collection. They were also redacted according to a common structure which facilitates comparative analysis and information search in general. The case studies included in this report consists of three sections on (i) governance, (ii) the entrepreneurial discovery process and, (iii) monitoring and evaluation, plus a succinct account of some relevant implementation measures characterised by being experimental The section on governance provides an overview of the smart specialisation governance and comprises four parts focused on political support and leadership; autonomy and accountability of the smart specialisation management body; horizontal and vertical coordination; and stakeholder engagement. The section on the entrepreneurial discovery process looks at the main dimensions of the process and develops four parts focused on understanding the continuous entrepreneurial discovery process concept; the entrepreneurial discovery process organisation: structure, role, processes, resources, and the mobilisation and engagement of stakeholders; and capacity building. The last section on monitoring and evaluation consists of four parts focused on the general objectives and main results of the smart specialisation strategy; the specificity and usefulness of the smart specialisation monitoring system; the smart specialisation monitoring system usage; and the smart specialisation evaluation.

 

 

Abstract: The European Union recognises the role of various forms of transnational and cross-organisational collaborative efforts in speeding up the transition towards a green, climate neutral and digital Europe, as well as making European industry more resilient and competitive. Various forms of collaboration and cooperation are increasingly considered and promoted as the answer to a range of challenges. The focus of this paper is on thematic smart specialisation (S3) partnerships included in The Partnerships for SDGs online platform, which is the United Nations’ global registry of voluntary commitments and multi-stakeholder partnerships, facilitating global engagement of all stakeholders in support of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. By exploring thematic S3 partnerships as an example of such interregional collaborative arrangements, this paper explores the extent to which these activities are able to contribute to the attainment of the Global Goals. This research supports the view that in order to track regions’ contribution to SDGs and assess its impact, European policymakers should continue building in ways to collect consistently information about the extent to which various policy local/regional/national initiatives contribute to specific goals.

 

 

Abstract: This paper argues that thematic S3 partnerships offer European regions a unique way to jointly pilot experimental activities in specific S3 niches before any costly rollout in regions. By tackling new and often uncertain areas together, participating regions are able to pilot test specific policy support instruments while minimising the overall risk and uncertainty.
Joint interregional initiatives can allow participating regions to mitigate risks of failure through a collective use of limited resources while identifying potential improvements or shortcomings. By working together, regions can clarify their vision and ambitions to occupy specific parts of the industry value chain.
Joint pilot activities can also help regions get a better picture as to how strong their positions are and whether specific clusters of global value chain activities in their partner regions are similar or complementary to their own activities. Furthermore, participating regions continue engaging with the industry while anticipating the likely evolution of the industry globally.
Finally, by monitoring such activities regularly, regions can assess the challenges and opportunities that can arise from future industry trajectories. By feeding this information back into their each partner’s smart specialisation strategy, regions are able to confirm the validity and relevance of previously selected RIS3 priority areas so that they could prepare themselves to respond to future challenges and opportunities in a proactive manner.

How to cite: Hegyi, Fatime Barbara and Ruslan Rakhmatullin, Developing an Evaluation Framework Integrating Results of the Thematic Approach to Smart Specialisation. EU R 30171 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2020, ISBN 978-92-76-17905-4, doi:10.2760/329458, JRC120392.

 

 

Abstract: The scale of response required for current environmental challenges requires the reinvention of established economic, social and political conventions from consumption through investments, travel, social interactions to decision making. Leadership has been recognised as an important factor in achieving growth and development at regional or local levels and effective leadership contributing to success of places. Given the nature and urgency of the problem, when addressing grand challenges related to environmental change, policies and related actions also refer to challenges of leadership in terms of capabilities, legitimacy and credibility. Therefore, it is important to analyse the context and impact of leadership at urban level in actions addressing specific agendas related to climate and environment. It is crucial since cities are often the first responders of climate emergencies, while urban decisions have tremendous impacts on climate. Likewise at city level, clear leadership in addressing environmental challenges can be identified as certain cities are on the front line of sustainable development efforts. In such cases, the impact of leadership on the motivation and commitment of stakeholders in specific actions can provide an insight into how leadership contributes to transform places as well as organizations and capabilities. Such transformations enable places to adapt to social, economic and environmental changes.

How to cite: Hegyi, Fatime Barbara, Leadership to address urban environmental challenges. Mark and Focus, vol 3 issue 1 April 2020. Pp 16.

 

 

Abstract: Interregional collaborative actions led by visibly focused and determined lead actors with a well-defined governance structure are more likely to be successful in attaining their objectives. Thus, this research proposes to examine the role of good governance and leadership contribute to the overall sustainability and viability of interregional initiatives. Accordingly, the paper explores how the leadership of the cross-border partnerships effect the motivation and commitment within the partnership by comparing attitudes of leaders and participants to explore the potential for more effective operation. The assessment framework has been developed with the aim to assist leading stakeholders of interregional collaborative actions to ensure efficiency, sustainability and success of their projects in achieving their objectives. The proposed assessment framework highlights areas of leadership where adjustments or changes are needed in order to contribute to the viability of cross-border collaborative efforts, examining the motivational and attitudinal indicators. Regularly assessing the impact of leadership on the motivation and commitment of actors across participating entities contributes to the efficiency and sustainability of collaborative actions by signalling issues of motivation and commitment. Through such assessment, specific areas can be highlighted, where there is lack of motivation and commitment towards the partnership, the leadership, the team and the work itself. Through regular re-assessments, effects of leadership practices or previous decisions can be measured.

The assessment framework has been developed in a way that it can be applied to any collaborative actions that have a well-defined governance structure with designated leadership.

How to cite: Hegyi, Fatime Barbara, and Laszlo Borbely and Gabor Bekesi, Factors of Leadership Attitude Enhancing Interregional Collaboration. Dynamic interregional strategic partnerships’ leadership impact on motivation and commitment. EUR 30151 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2020, ISBN 978-92-76-17503-2, doi:10.2760/277185, JRC120216

 

Abstract: Previous research has proposed an assessment framework that allows to evaluate the impact of leadership on motivation and commitment of cross-border collaborative actions. The assessment framework has been developed with the aim to assist leading stakeholders of interregional collaborative actions to ensure efficiency, sustainability and success of their projects in achieving their objectives. The proposed assessment framework highlights areas of leadership where adjustments or changes are needed in order to contribute to the viability of cross-border collaborative efforts. Regularly assessing the impact of leadership on the motivation and commitment of actors across participating entities contributes to the efficiency and sustainability of collaborative actions by signalling issues of motivation and commitment. Through such assessment, specific areas can be highlighted, where there is lack of motivation and commitment towards the collaboration, towards the leadership, the team or the work itself. Through regular re-assessments, effects of leadership practices or previous decisions can be measured. Interregional thematic Smart Specialisation partnerships led by visibly focused and determined lead regions with a well-defined governance structure are more likely to be successful in attaining their objectives of realising joint investment projects along shared Smart Specialisation priority areas. Thus, building on the experiences of the thematic Smart Specialisation partnerships, this research proposes to examine the role of good governance and leadership contribute to the overall sustainability and viability of the partnerships. Accordingly, the paper explores how the leadership of the thematic Smart Specialisation partnerships effect the motivation and commitment within the partnership by comparing attitudes of leaders and participants to explore the potential for more effective operation. Accordingly, in this paper, the previously proposed assessment framework is been piloted on two thematic Smart Specialisation partnerships; nevertheless the framework has been developed in a way that it can be applied to any collaborative actions that have a well-defined governance structure with designated leadership.

How to cite: Hegyi, F.B., and L, Borbely and G. Bekesi, Leadership Impact on Motivation and Commitment in Interregional Collaboration. Pilot Cases of Thematic Smart Specialisation Partnerships. EUR 30152 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2020, ISBN 978-92-76-17505-6, doi:10.2760/79420, JRC120217.

Abstract: Since 2015 the European Commission has been working hard with interregional thematic S3 partnerships supporting them to figure out how to go about teaming up and developing joint efforts in the best way. By preparing this manual, the European Commission is not only able to document the overall methodological journey taken by the thematic partnerships, but also the many good practices observed during the past few years. This manual refers to to the experience gained in the context of the thematic S3 platforms.
Once qualified, partnerships are encouraged to follow a methodology in line with a specific structure (work-flow) that takes these new partnerships through a number of steps. This work-flow follows an iterative and non-linear process which can be understood as a dynamic flow of activities that result in living documents and outcomes that require continuous monitoring and review.

How to cite: Rakhmatullin Ruslan, Hegyi Fatime Barbara, Ciampi Stancova Katerina, Gomez Javier, and Mieszkowski Krzysztof, Method-ological Manual. Developing Thematic Interregional Partnerships for Smart Specialisation. A Practical Guide to Building and Managing Interregional Smart Specialisation Partnerships. EUR 30172 EN, Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2020. ISBN 978-92-76-17907-8, doi:10.2760/564759, JRC116630

Abstract: The first phase of smart specialisation focused on development of regional place-based strategies, including analysis of regional domains, governance, priorities and monitoring, enabling entrepreneurial discovery processes. Based on evaluations of results from this period, the next step is to grow larger, stronger and more dynamic regional and transnational innovation eco-systems. This is achieved by connecting regional partnerships to macro-regional and European knowledge networks, such as transnational thematic partnerships. This chapter documents key steps made by the European Commission, regional partners and clusters in organising these networks, through scoping, mapping, monitoring and multi-level systems of governance. The relation between these transnational networks and the experiments with pilots undertaken in 2018 is mentioned. Various cases, such as textile, agriculture, photonics and 3D printing are used as examples. The chapter presents a conceptual framework for analysing how this experiment may have impacts on transnational learning, entrepreneurial discovery processes and innovation ecosystems through the concepts of regional knowledge space, relational knowledge space and third space. A successful case of institutionalisation, co-management of a knowledge commons within photonics, is presented.

How to cite: Mariussen, Age and Fatime Barbara Hegyi and Ruslan Rakhmatullin (2019): Smart specialisation and interregional learning via thematic partnerships. In: Mariussen, Age and Seija Virkkala, Håkon Finne, Tone Merethe Aasen (2019). Entrepreneurial Discovery Process and Regional Development: new knowledge emergence, conversion and exploitation. Routledge, Abingdon. DOI: 10.4324/9781351273763-12

Abstract: The paper explores how to create sustainable growth across Europe through transnational university – industry partnerships enabling new value chains. Strategic inter-regional cooperation with strong political commitment supports the vision that transnational networks have the potential to overcome the fragmentation of European systems of innovation and to create new, globally competitive European clusters. The primary objective of the thematic approach to S3 is to develop and enhance European value chains in specific areas linked to participating regions’ S3 priorities, which is achieved through exploiting complementary research and innovation capabilities, building up necessary capacities, and overcoming interregional fragmentation, and lack of critical mass. This requires flexible governance structures and incentives that allows a constant interaction between key stakeholders, among which universities’ are key.

How to cite: Mariussen, A. and Fatime Barbara Hegyi (2019): University – Industry Connectivity within Thematic Smart Specialisation Partnerships. How to create sustainable growth across Europe through transnational university – industry partnerships enabling new value chains. University Industry Innovation Network, Amsterdam.

 

Abstract: Urban mobility is in transformation. Examples of drivers underpinning this ongoing transformation are need for sustainable and clean solutions, urbanization, health concerns, growth of e-commerce, new types of vehicles, digitalization, sharing economy, exploitation of big data, artificial intelligence induced disruptions, etc. Overall, the current trends place high demands regarding introduction of new and changed mobility solutions that are embracing novel technologies and adequate (public) planning and management of those. Adequate public planning includes the introduction – and regulatory implications – of new types of business models (generically often coined as “mobility as service” etc.). With new solutions, the efficiency and interplay of the transportation technologies may be improved but for a realized impact it is generally required that this be combined with behavioural change. Given the complexity of the area, a systemic approach is required including cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial facilitation. One key component to handle the ongoing transformation is to educate, upskill and empower stakeholders including present and future professionals and citizens. This, in turn, imposes challenges for the existing educational bodies, public authorities in terms of both meeting volume and content demands. This may include adjusting education policy frameworks, educational formats, methods and scope, qualification frameworks, stakeholder engagement processes by challenging the present structure in terms of disciplines and traditions. Anticipating future educational needs based on labor market needs is about responding to structural changes in demand for labor and of competence structures with agile training solutions. Given the complexity of urban spaces, the identification of skill gaps and corresponding actions require a close and continuous alignment of needs, objectives and efforts of all key actors in the field or urban mobility: educational institutions, municipalities, transport service providers, industry, legislators and the community. The authors propose to a set of critical skills for future urban mobility taken into consideration the emergence of civic laboratories that reinventing the cities from bottom up through open data and open source platforms.

How to cite: Hegyi, Fatime Barbara, Henrik Morgan and Martin Vendel (2019): Urban mobility in transformation: demands on education to close the predicted knowledge gap. In: Holst Jørgensen, B and Katrine Krogh Andersen and Otto Anker Nielsen (eds.) DTU International Energy Report 2019. Transforming urban mobility. Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen.

Abstract: In the past years, the European Commission launched three thematic Smart Specialisation platforms to support interregional collaborations and activities in strategic areas linked to agri-food, energy and industrial modernisation. The three thematic platforms aim to support European Union regions committed to co-invest in strategic growth areas. As of 2018, 28 interregional partnerships work under these platforms to realise joint investment projects along shared Smart Specialisation priority areas, which is a result of a multi-level governance process initiated and supported by the European Commission and inspired by early bottom up initiatives, such as Vanguard. This science for policy paper explains how thematic partnerships build on the efforts and results achieved in national and regional Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation. Thus, the paper explains, how transnational domains are identified, how governance of transnational partnerships are organized, how scoping and mapping of competences are performed and how, as a result of this, new European innovation ecosystems are emerging. With reference to existing literature and experiences so far, the paper outlines a conceptual framework for future studies of how transnational cooperation may strengthen regional place based development strategies and improve regional innovation capabilities. Key analytical concepts are proximity, knowledge complexity, entrepreneurial discovery processes, stakeholder analysis and cluster emergence.

Abstract: This paper offers an overview of policy and economic reasons behind the launch of the new Smart Specialisation Platform for Industrial Modernisation. It is argued that modernisation of the European Industry depends upon multiple innovations across many industrial areas linked to emerging value chains. Some European regions have access to leading R&D and upstream innovation facilities; others have industrial skills needed in downstream testing and industrial upscaling. This paper looks at how the new Industrial Modernisation Platform can help European regions to create and/or join transnational networks of knowledge and expertise, and drive the development of transnational and macro-regional value chains. Cooperation and outward-looking disposition promote an understanding of the competitive position of the country/region with regard to others, and with respect to global value chains. The paper summarises the progress made since the formal launch of the new platform in June 2016 and offers an overview of the existing partnerships that are currently supported by the platform.

How to cite: Hegyi, F. B., and R. Rakhmatullin (2017). Implementing smart specialisation – thematic platform on industrial modernisation. EUR 28769 EN. doi:10.2760/312534

 

Abstract: This article highlights the relevance of State aid law both for policy makers and aid grantors when implementing smart specialisation strategies (S3). Smart specialisation involves member states or regions focussing their investments related to research and innovation on areas that will exploit emerging opportunities and market developments in a coherent manner, while State aid law contributes to the effective implementation of policies, controls the spending of public funds and prevents subsidy races between Member States, thereby enabling to the maintenance of effective competition on the internal market. The article aims to contribute to the cross-policy approach necessary for the efficient use of European Structural and Investment Funds. It also shows that complying with State aid law can be done with less administrative burden than in the previous programming period, however planning is needed to ensure compliance and to minimise risk of breaching the requirements. Thus, the right approach to State aid law is the early recognition of situations where State aid may be present and making the necessary steps to avoid the risk of repayment to the grantor (recovery).

How to cite: Staviczky, Peter and Fatime Barbara Hegyi (2017). Reconciling Smart specialization strategies with State aid – not an impossible mission. European Structural and Investment Funds Journal, Berlin.

 

Abstract: In the frame of the Stair way to Excellence project, country analysis was performed for the EU MS that joined the EU since 2004, with the objective to assess and corroborate all the qualitative and quantitative data in drawing national/regional FP7 participation patterns, understand the push–pull factors for FP7/H2020 participation and the factors affecting the capacity to absorb cohesion policy funds. This report articulates analysis on selected aspects and country-tailored policy suggestions aiming to tackle the weaknesses identified in the analysis.

How to cite: Hegyi, Fatime Barbara (2015). Stairway to Excellence. Country Report: Hungary. JRC Science and policy report. Joint Research Center, Seville. DOI: 10.2791/28100