Knowledge-based economy: The welfare of a national economy depends on its competitiveness which in turn is influenced by a nations ability to innovate. Knowledge is regarded as the key to economic development in modern economies, thus one speaks of knowledge-based (-driven) economies.
National Innovation Systems: Innovations are seen as interactive knowledge-based processes which are shaped by the institutions of a society. Given this perspective, policy considerations on such fields as education, vocational training, innovation and technology programs and science promotion cannot be seriously undertaken without a better understanding of knowledge diffusion, thus of knowledge networks and "National Innovation Systems (NIS)". In Switzerland, no comprehensive analysis of the innovation system exists, even though knowledge is regarded as the key resource.
Aim of the project: The project intends to acquire the theoretical concept of National Innovation Systems, to apply it to Switzerland according to a list of indicators, to scan the existing empirical data, and to eventually carry out some investigation to close the gap. Thus, the proposed project will deliver a first theoretically founded picture of the Swiss National System of Innovation.
Based on an running SNF-project: The proposed project is based on the ongoing SNF-project of the authors on innovation networks. It involves a shift from the micro/meso level of networks to the meso/macro level of National Innovation Systems.
Part of OECD project The project is an integral part of an international project on National Innovation Systems under the auspices of the OECD's Working Group on Innovation and Technology Policy (TIP). On the one hand, it is the swiss contribution to the OECD project, and on the other hand, it makes possible the comparison with other country studies.
