1. KNOWLEDGE DYNAMICS POLICY IMPLICATIONS Today and tomorrow
Introduction: Policy within EURODITE
Survey: Rise of the learning regions
Case-studies: Knowledge transformation policies
even more diverse knowledge impacts
anchoring as a case in point
In conclusion: Regional and European policy challenges
Professor Henrik Halkier
Aalborg University, Denmark

2. SURVEY Rise of learning regions
20/21
9/9
16/16
4/5
12/12
7/14
15/15
17/17
4/15
6/13
6/6
7/11
3/19
2/10
10/12
5/7
4/4
8/12
6/11
2/8
6/16
12/20
Web-based survey
181 regions, most extensive to date
most important organisation at most important meso-level
four most prominent policies
2007 snapshot becoming wider/deeper

3. SURVEY Rise of learning regions
Current regionally-based policies
multi-level networked governance pervasive
competitiveness discourse pervasive
target qualitative change (esp. soft-orgware of firms)
policy instruments knowledge explicit/intensive
main impact on exploration (esp. synthetic, also symbolic)
Conclusions
‘learning region’ of Cooke/Morgan, Florida widespread
place/sector specific patterns still important

4. CASE-STUDIES Diversity increased
Relative knowledge impact of policies
Survey
Case studies

5. CASE-STUDIES Anchoring in focus
Definition
“Anchoring refers to knowledge coming from outside a region, which somehow 'sinks in' and is re-circulated within the region.”
external interaction
receptor node
internal recirculation

6. CASE-STUDIES Anchoring in focus
Most important ways public policy affects anchoring
creation of knowledge recirculation networks within region
setting up of receptor nodes (e.g. cluster organisations) much more common than mobilising e.g. universities)
the setting up of external networks in order to mobilise extra-regional knowledge sources
Policy options affects anchoring rarely/not used
in-migration and recirculation of employees
attraction of FDI

7. CASE-STUDIES Anchoring in focus
Key challenges
different sectoral patterns
coordination of initiatives
Resources mobilised through public policy
Intra-regional
Extra-regional
Anchoring capability targeted
External networking
Internal recirculation
New media, biotech
Tourism, food, automotives
KIBS

8. CONCLUSION Policy challenges
making learning regions outward-looking and creative
anchoring, combinatorial knowledge
network governance -> strategic challenge
internally: projectitis (time), integration of activities
externally: coordination between policy networks (EU DGs, other regional policy bodies, science, education, ….)
knowledge management in RDAs
internal competences, external networking and markets