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Smart Specialisation Strategies and Mission-oriented approach: Bridging Theory and Practice

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This paper explores the extent to which established policy frameworks, particularly Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3s), can incorporate a mission-oriented approach (MOA). We build an analytical framework based on MOA key features and apply it to three case studies of S3s with a transformative ambition (Catalonia, Northern Netherlands, Brussels). Our findings reveal that shifting regional innovation strategies towards a mission-led or challenge-oriented dimensions entails trade-offs between strategic directionality and the bottom-up flexibility and face challenges in engaging societal actors in the governance, as well as in aligning policies and diversifying policy instruments beyond cohesion policy ones.

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  • Molica Francesco & Cappellano Francesco & Makkonen Teemu & Hassink Robert, 2025. "Smart Specialisation Strategies and Mission-oriented approach: Bridging Theory and Practice," JRC Working Papers on Transforming Territories 2025-01, Joint Research Centre.
    • Handle: RePEc:ipt:trater:202501
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