Coordination-Mix: The Hidden Face of STI Policy

This paper sheds light on the policy coordination concept and explores its implications for science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies at the regional level. In particular it analyzes whether systemic and complex STI policies entail a larger and more complex need for coordination. We contribute to the literature by developing a conceptual framework that brings together insights from institutional and public policy theories with concepts from STI policy and regional innovation systems. This model is evidenced in the Basque Country (Spain). The paper introduces the concept of “coordination-mix,” which is defined as the combination of mechanisms that respond to the coordination failures that are derived from a complex policy setting where multiple instruments from different domains, levels, and actors coexist. It also complements the literature with a third policy dimension, the multi-layer, which adds to the multi-level and policy-mix dimensions already established in the STI policy realm.