The concept of ‘region’ in research on regional innovation systems

Abstract

The article aims to examine the concept of 'region' in research on regional innovation systems (RIS) and thus stimulate further development of the theoretical framework of RIS. The recent debate on regions in geography and its application in economic geography, in particular RIS research, is presented. The research material for the study consisted of 93 scientific articles that use the RIS approach as their theoretical framework. The articles were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The study shows that despite the acknowledgement of differences in the formation of a region, regions and their boundaries are taken for granted in research. This reflects ontological realism. It is concluded that RIS research will gain new perspectives if the ontological basis is shifted to social constructivism.