PROPUESTA PARA DESARROLLAR EL TALENTO Y LIDERAZGO CON UN FUNDAMENTO BÍBLICO

After an in-depth analysis of the formulation, implementation and evaluation of policy regarding the innovative system of Twente, as per the methodology of the RIS, the stronger and weaker innovation indicators of Twente were established. By using the available data and trends, together with the advice of statistical experts, approximations of the RIS indicators for Twente were made. These values form a clear answer to the first research question as to what extent the increased innovation performance can be accredited to Twente. Throughout the indicators, Twente scores either similar or better than its provincial counterpart does. Plotting the data per indicator in graphs (Section 9.1), shows increased performance by Twente, compared to for the indicators: SMEs Innovating In-house, Product/process innovations, Market/organizational innovations, New to Market Sales and most notably SMEs Collaborating. As such, it can be concluded that the answer to the first research question is that Twente most certainly can be considered the driving force behind the increased innovation performance indicated in the 2016 RIS report.

Based on the Agenda van Twente (2008-2017), I was able to evaluate how the policy according to its newly established indicators. The indicators were brought in relation to the policy instruments, evaluating them in the process. , and its corresponding action points, influence these indicators. Of the three policy instruments, economic and soft seem the most applicable regarding the stimulation of innovation. Positive economic incentives have become a cornerstone in building innovation. Through the use of subsidies and reduced-interest loans towards new products, whilst upping taxes and tariffs towards inefficient, older products, governments can work towards a continuous stimulation of innovative incentives.

However, despite the well known benefit of these economic tools, there is a clear benefit to be seen in the utilization of soft instruments. The shift from a more controlling government towards a public facilitor makes it possible to seer both social and economic dimensions towards the desired effect. Semi- pubic organization tend to bring the government, education and business together in order to formulate better tailored policies that have a higher chance of success due to the expertise of the experts brought together. Based on the many initiatives Twente has taken in this regard, it has become apparent that this model works. A clear increase in RIS innovation indicators is found as the Agenda of Twente progressed, especially during the 2010 subsidiary action of the Netherlands, giving provinces and their region the possibility to adapt their own policies, and the 2012 ‘re-focus’ of the Agenda. As such, an answer to the second research question, as to which policy actions are related to increased innovation scores, a shift from the commonly used financial- towards soft policy instruments is suggested. Financial instruments will always play a facilitating role towards the pursuit of innovation, however, soft instruments enable firms a more efficient, collaborative alternative.

30 This research confirms the ideas set forth by Edquist (Edquist, 1997, 2011), in which innovation policy should be aimed at specific targets, translating them into direct objectives and identifying problems in order to solves these by a case by case basis. Without a clear indication of the desired effect and how to translate these in realistically achievable goals, a policy can fail. This remains challenging regarding innovation as innovation keeps changing and accordingly the goals. “Rarely are innovation policy instruments ready or “prêt-à-porter” for the task at hand” (Borrás & Edquist, 2013), as such a continuous monitoring is vital to the success of a policy. The much needed monitoring process has already been established by the European Commission with the introduction of the European Innovation Scoreboard. Providing a clear indication of the progression of innovation performance, it forms an excellent tool for evaluating the success of innovative policies. As such, it is in a government’s best interest to adopt the methodology behind the latest innovation performance measurement methodology as it opens the possibility to self-evaluate and compare best practices on a multi-national scale.

7.1 Recommendations

Based on the research regarding the innovation indicators of the RIS, a policy learning system through systematic evaluation is recommended. Regional economies are very diverse and require region specific policies in order to positively stimulate its economy. There is no one-size-fits-all policy nor is there policy that does not have to be amended upon implementation. However, these amendments ought to be made on systematic evaluation. Whilst direct quantification of policy is improbable, a continuous evaluative of the overall system will indicate in what extent the direction of the policy is translated into reality. If a policy would result in an unforeseen negative change in a non-monitored area, it will be picked up by other variables that are being monitored. Utilization of the RIS innovation indicators and the relation they have towards policy areas and instruments can give ambitious regions such as Twente a stronger position for self-evaluation and for comparison of ‘best-practices’. This can give policy advisors the possibility to get a better understanding of the rapidly changing innovation policies and adapt theirs accordingly.

A second recommendation involves the soft policy instrument usage in relation to connecting small to medium enterprises. As of now, there is a focus on the facilitation of diverse start-ups and innovative entrepreneurs. However, when looking at the survival rate of these start-ups, the percentage is in decline. Despite the usage of carefully considered financial support, there is no guarantee of a return on investment. Using the connective nature of soft instruments, such as Novel-T, the focus should shift away from supporting a multitude of start-ups towards scale-ups, and building start-to-end product development ecosystems. Establishing innovative business parks such as Novel-T will aid Twente is achieving its ambitions.

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