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Institutional Thickness Revisited

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  • Zukauskaite , Elena

    (CIRCLE, Lund University)

  • Plechero , Monica

    (DEAMS, University of Trieste and CIRCLE, Lund University)

  • Trippl , Michaela

    (CIRCLE, Lund University)

Abstract

Over the last two decades, the notion of “institutional thickness” has become a key reference for a large body of work that has sought to provide profound insights into the link between institutions and regional development. However, only few attempts have been made to reassess the concept, to improve its methodology and to reflect upon its empirical application. The aim of this paper is to identify some crucial limitations of the theoretical and empirical work on institutional thickness and to sketch out elements of a strategy that could help to advance the debate on the notion. It is argued that much can by gained by (1) employing a clear analytical distinction between the organizational and institutional dimensions of thickness; (2) moving beyond overly static views on thickness; (3) developing a multi-scalar approach to thickness; and (4) acknowledging that thickness can only be assessed in relative terms.

Suggested Citation

  • Zukauskaite , Elena & Plechero , Monica & Trippl , Michaela, 2016. "Institutional Thickness Revisited," Papers in Innovation Studies 2016/1, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:lucirc:2016_001
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    institutional thickness; Institutions; Organizations; Multi-scalar analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D29 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Other
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies

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