Urban Innovation Networks: A Concept Paper

摘要

The theoretical base and empirical evidence concerning the concept of networking are examined and policy issues concerning size, number, funding, and administrative placement of these networks are discussed. The principal objective is to strengthen the capacity of state and local levels of government to integrate science and technology (S&T) as essential resources into policy and program planning and execution activities. Networking is viewed as an approach supported by the National Science Foundation to achieve the set of objectives of its Intergovernmental Program. Section I of the report addresses the first part of the work statement--to develop a conceptual base for the transfer of S&T innovation to local government--and emphasizes innovation networks and the state and national innovation groups. Objectives of the networks and the theories and strategies embodied in the network projects are identified. These strategies are then contrasted with recent findings on the adoption by and diffusion of innovations among city governments. Discussed are: (1) the networking principle; (2) adoption processes; (3) technical assistance; (4) information; and (5) market aggregation. Section II addresses questions contained within the work statement that relate more to networking as a Federal program, particularly as it is currently organized and administered within the National Science Foundation, than to the logical coherence or empirical validity of the networking principle.