Jerker Moodysson, Lund University

Abstract/Key issues: "The two concepts of clusters and regional innovation systems have been highly influential in guiding local, regional and national industrial policies in recent years. At the same time, some confusion has arisen about their precise meaning and the strategies for action that each one implies. This session will offer a discussion of the key characteristics of clusters and regional innovation sytems, the relationship between them, and implications for the kinds of policy initiatives appropriate for the promotion of each one. Some current examples from North American regions will be used to explore these issues more concretely." (Meric Gertler)