The Innovation Solution: Some Lessons from Scotland, Theory and Canadian Cities

Abstract

This chapter argues that cities and regions should follow strategies of "constructed advantage" to engage with the global knowledge economy. Constructed advantage strategies involve i) attraction and retention of talent – requiring business development opportunities, risk capital availability and market access as well as quality of life, ii) attraction of investment – requiring access to smart people, infrastructure, funds, technologies, markets and a complementary regulatory regime, and iii) appropriate public policy – requiring leadership and collaborations from all stakeholders. Examples are given from Canadian cities.