What is it about?
The article showcases how network analysis techniques can be used for policy evaluation purposes. Using the case of a regional policy intervention implemented in Tuscany (Italy), which funded innovation projects performed by networks of cooperating organisations, the article shows how the application of network analysis techniques can: (i) shed light on the functioning of each cooperation network, for example by showcasing which organisations are more involved and which ones are cooperating more closely ; (ii) uncover features of the overall structure of the policy, for example by showcasing which organisations are more central; (iii) identify weaknesses in the programme (for example, the presence of organisations that are only marginally involved)
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Why is it important?
Particularly in relation to policies aimed at funding innovation networks, the tools of network analsys can be useful for policy evaluation. This paper illustrate some ways in which such tools can be used productively.
Perspectives
My co-author and I collaborated with the regional government of Tuscany, in Italy, in the evaluation of one of their policy programmes, the RPIA 2006. This paper builds on the findings from this evaluation exercise. Thanks to the ongoing collaboration with Tuscany we have been given access to a large amount of information about their innovation policy programmes launched between 2000 and 2006 and between 2007 and 2013, which has become a very important empirical evidence base for our research.
Dr Federica Rossi
Birkbeck University of London
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Cooperation Networks and Innovation: A Complex Systems Perspective to the Analysis and Evaluation of a Regional Innovation Policy Programme, Evaluation, January 2009, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/1356389008097872.
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