The Role of Policy Mix in Cross-border Regional Innovation System Integration

Abstract: Policy targeting the integration of cross-border regional innovation systems (CBRIS) plays a crucial role in terms of reaching the European Union’s cohesion goals. So far, little research has been done on how policy structures shape the integration of cross-border regional innovation systems. Applying Rogge and Reichardt’s (2016) policy mix for sustainability transitions concept to a cross-border context this thesis investigates the policy structure of the German-Danish Sønderjylland-Schleswig cross-border region. It explores how policy elements and processes foster or hinder the integration of the CBRIS, departing from a case study of an implemented cross-border cluster instrument for the cleantech industries that are emphasized in regional strategies on both sides of the border. The thesis finds policy structures to be at most weakly integrated, contrasting results from Makkonen et al. (2016). The weak integration is reflected by a lack of consistency of crossborder policy elements caused by incoherent policy-making, which in turn results in a low credibility and comprehensiveness of the mix. Based on these findings, the thesis develops suggestions for possible short-term and long-term policy adjustments. The cross-border policy-mix framework developed in this study proves to be a valuable tool for future studies to analyse policy structure integration in a CBRIS and, particularly, for mixed-method research designs focusing on several dimensions of integration.