Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities
Networks and rural-urban linkages for rural innovation
This working paper examines the role of networks and rural-urban linkages to absorb
and enhance innovation in rural regions, placing a special focus on the distinctive
characteristics of rural areas that drive the different ways they adopt and diffuse
innovation. After a review of the literature on innovation and innovation adoption
through networks and linkages for rural areas, three enablers of innovation absorption
and diffusion through networks and linkages are discussed: place-based networks focusing
on digital infrastructure; linkages between people via migration flows; and firm-based
networks including university-industry linkages, international trade and foreign ownership,
and clusters. It also provides some policy-takeaways.