Smart Specialisation in European Regions: Issues of Strategy, Institutions and Implementation

After reviewing some of the key features of the smart specialisation approach this paper examines issues of strategy and implementation which arise in the light of institutional and macroeconomic context in regional examples from four EU countries. The specific insights provided by this comparative perspective throw light on a range of challenges which are likely to be evident in many different regions in different formats. The policy prioritisation logic inherent in smart specialisation provides a workable approach to addressing these challenges in manner which is appropriate for the context.