Collaboration in Product Innovation in the East Gothia Regional System of Innovation

The focus of this study is on product innovations done by firms (establishments) and the collaborations they enter into with other firms and organizations in carrying out this activity. The theoretical framework combines innovation theories with the literature on regional innovation systems, industrial districts/clusters and knowledge-based economies. Empirically we have investigated the frequency of product innovation in manufacturing firms in the region of East Gothia in Sweden and the frequency of firms' collaboration with other organizations when developing these innovations. The study was designed as a computer supported telephone interview investigation directed to all manufacturing establishments in East Gothia with one or more employees (954 establishments, 70% reponse rate). The results showed that firms do not innovate ‘in isolation' and hence this constitutes strong empirical support for the view associated with the Systems of Innovation approach that interactive learning between organizations ...