I Theoretical and Policy Framework
Usually, the theoretical framework comprises the theories and conceptual model considered
relevant by the authors for a certain paper. Policy framework is considered more often as a practical
aspect relevant for the regional, country state or European Union perspective. In this paper, we
propose a combined approach using references to regional and rural policies and interconnecting
them with some of the relevant concepts and theories, on the one hand and with the recommended
tools for carrying on co-operation projects and programmes, on the other hand.
An inspirational starting point has been supplied by the presentation of Jean-Marie Rousseau,
(European Commision expert) in February 2006. During the Innovation Forum hosted in the
University of Oulu, his presentation launched the question: one-size fits all knowledge region
strategy? Furthermore, he was questioning the relevance of benchmarking and foresight. Main point
proposed in the presentation was the need to invest rather in knowledge and foresight, for the
purpose of defining and promoting local advantage. Constructing a regional advantage does mean
considering the comparative advantage combining it with a proactive attitude, “strongly focusing on
actors, agencies and governance forms” (Rousseau, p. 37). In a condensed and remarkable form, the
presentation succeeded to reap off the concepts of benchmarking and foresight, knowledge based
economies, and knowledge region.
Today’s advanced economies are knowledge-based;
...This stresses the relevance of R& , for their development:
affecting all sectors of the economy, with ever
S&T content embedded in products;
Fast growing accumulation of scientific & technological knowledge
As a consequence, need for more and better
quaified human resource ;
pushing world economies to focus on
more knowledge-intensive acv es.
Figure 1. Relevance of Research and Development on development of knowledge based economies
(Rousseau, p. 3).