The aim of this paper is to contribute to a greater understanding of the research on innovation systems in peripheral regions by providing a detailed account of the case of the La Pocatière region in Canada. In analysing this case, we raise the following two questions: (1) what are the actors and structure of the innovation system in La Pocatière?; (2) what are the key factors and dynamics leading to innovation activity, as well as to the transformation and growth of this regional innovation system? The empirical bases for the analyses are derived from various sources: historical documents, statistical data, and in-depth interviews with key individuals in private and public organizations.

This article develops indicators to capture six forms or types of innovation in knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS): product, process, delivery, strategic, managerial and marketing innovations. It also proposes a conceptual framework inspired by the knowledge-based theory using different categories of knowledge assets as explanatory variables. Then, based on data of 1124 small and medium KIBS, multivariate probit regression models are estimated. The results show that product, process, strategic, managerial and marketing innovations are complementary. The results also show that the different forms of innovation are explained by different explanatory variables.

Doloreux D. (2004) Regional innovation systems in Canada: a comparative study. Reg. Studies 38, 481–494. The Regional Innovation System (RIS) has become a leading approach in explaining the innovation processes and patterns experienced by firms and industries at the regional level. This paper investigates the innovation activities of small and medium sized enterprises in different regions, assesses the extent of their involvement in systemic innovation with other organizations, and examines the nature of regional and more diffused forms of interaction in innovation activity. The discussion draws its empirical substance from the Ottawa and Beauce regions of Canada, regions characterized by different preconditions to innovation in terms of industrial production structure and institutional environments. The results indicate that the innovation activities of surveyed firms in the two regions converge into a similar pattern, as far as innovation practices, information sources and the role of geography are concerned. In addition, the significance of the region as a support to innovation is not confirmed; firms make use of regional, national and even global knowledge sources to sustain innovation.