production and decreasing possibilities for structuring and codification entirely, relies almost
on direct personal contacts. Therefore spatial proximity of the persons involved in innovation
process is suitable to transfer this type of knowledge. This is considered as an important
advantage for regions on generating innovations.
The concept of InnoRegio is based on these interrelations between networking and
innovation that are founded on theory and that partly have been proved empirically. The
networking of regional protagonists in the innovation process - or regional innovation
systems, as they are also called, should on principle evolve spontaneously from the interests
and needs of those involved, and by self-steering. But in view of many obstacles, like high
start-up costs, lack of confidence and the free-rider problems associated with this, promotion
can be helpful in the initial phase. It is then also reconcilable with policy on the general order.
But success of regional innovation networks by no means is predetermined. In case of
promotion conditions just have been created, which make it possible to exploit the
advantages of networking relating to innovation process mentioned above. Besides
competent, co-operation experienced parnters with competencies that complete to each
other as well as confidence between those partners among other things it is necessary to
evolve an appropriate system of information and communication. In the following chapter we
will outline and explore some of theses so called success-factors.