Attributes of regional innovation : comparative analysis of different models

Abstract

Regional innovation has gained substantial attention in recent years as a cornerstone of economic development, territorial cohesion, and long-term competitiveness. As regions increasingly seek structured approaches to promote innovation-led growth, a number of conceptual frameworks have emerged to guide strategic action. Among these, four models have drawn particular interest from researchers and policymakers alike due to their wide application and theoretical depth: the Regional Innovation System (RIS), Cluster Model, Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), and Triple Helix (TH) model. Despite their popularity, limited efforts have been made to systematically compare these models across shared analytical dimensions, leaving uncertainties in their relative strengths and practical relevance. This study addresses this gap by integrating a systematic literature review of 133 academic sources with empirical insights gathered from an expert survey. A structured comparative framework was applied to assess how each model performs across six dimensions: conceptual focus, geographic scope, actors and stakeholders, innovation process, roles and activities of actors, and nature of interaction. The results reveal distinct priorities among the models, such as the emphasis on institutional collaboration in RIS and TH, the importance of agglomeration in the Cluster Model, and the policy-driven, place-based orientation of S3. Triangulated findings indicate both alignment and divergence between theoretical assumptions and stakeholder perspectives, particularly in the models’ adaptability and digital readiness. The study concludes by advocating for hybrid innovation strategies that combine the complementary strengths of these models. By offering a comprehensive comparison supported by both theoretical and empirical evidence, this research contributes to a more coherent understanding of regional innovation and provides practical implications for policy and future study.