Smart specialisation is the new policy approach to the development of regional innovation systems across Europe and it involves fostering innovative and entrepreneurial initiatives which are well tailored to the local context. The different technologies, skills profiles, business activities, institutions and sectors which reflect a region s economic strengths and potential are to be fostered and encouraged to diversify in ways which also exploit the region s linkages with broader global value-chains.

Yet, the ideas contained in the smart specialisation agenda have until now...