Towards a classification of regional development models: the role of triple helices and regional innovation systems

In a reference framework towards the knowledge economy concept and in relation to the notions of Regional Innovation System (RIS) and Triple Helix, this research work takes the moves from the analysis of a set of European regions that experienced in the last two decades a process of economic and industrial renewal. The regional investigation was pointed at identifying the key competitiveness factors driving the recovery. In such a framework, the aim of the paper is two-fold. First, we formulate a classification of trajectories of regional competitiveness, i.e. a set of strategies followed by the territories involved in the present research in their attempt to recoup competitiveness. Each trajectory, or strategy, is composed of a particular combination of factors of territorial competitiveness. Secondly, focusing on the time dynamics of the territories’ renewal, we classify the different regional development paths followed by the very regions under investigation in their process towards a knowledge economy. All regional ‘success stories’ are strongly dependent on the presence of a tri-polar or triple helix regional innovation system ‘gluing’ firms, institutions and academia. As such, the regional innovation system seems to act as ‘catalyst’ for the territorial transformation, easing the competitive repositioning of the regions involved.