Proceedings of the 12th European Conference on Knowledge ...

Dan Săvescu, Mihaela-Georgia Sima and Simona-Clara Bârsan
To consider a region as an organisation opens <strong>the</strong> possibility <strong>of</strong> applying <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ories linked to
knowledge creation for regional development. Regional development is an important preoccupation at
<strong>European</strong> level, stated as priority among <strong>the</strong> social and economic cohesion objectives.
The development <strong>of</strong> organizational knowledge through partnership relations, <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
products and services upon citizens’ lifestyle as well as <strong>the</strong>ir involvement in knowledge creation lead
us to <strong>the</strong> conclusion that <strong>the</strong> limits <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> knowledge existing in different organizations – companies,
universities, research centres or administrative institutions – overcome <strong>the</strong>ir internal space.
Knowledge is diffused within <strong>the</strong> economic and social environment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> creating organization and
modifies both work and life styles <strong>of</strong> those who get in touch with <strong>the</strong>m.
The region, as an entity oriented towards cooperation, having its proper development objectives, must
establish a framework for <strong>the</strong> formal or informal relations and dependencies existing among <strong>the</strong>
organizations from <strong>the</strong> region.
Starting from triple helix concept (R- research entities involved in P- innovative products are
depending on G –government policies, and I – industry possibilities – Michael Porter) and upgrading
so as to correspond to <strong>the</strong> demands <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> market, a new concept was developed, namely <strong>the</strong> “Fourleaf
Clover Model” (Figure 2). It involves a good relationship between academia, industry, government
policy and consulting companies (VINNOVA, GTZ, PROVENDIS, also Business Incubators, Transfer
Centres, and Chambers <strong>of</strong> Commerce).
ACADEMIA INDUSTRY
POLICY
CONSULTING COMPANIES
Figure 2 – The Four-leaf clover model
Based on <strong>the</strong>se modes, <strong>the</strong> international or national policies for regional development are <strong>of</strong>ten
oriented to eliminate <strong>the</strong> development differences existing between regions, to support <strong>the</strong> industrial
conversion in <strong>the</strong> areas with structural difficulties, to modernize <strong>the</strong> educational system and to
promote employment (<strong>European</strong> Commission). To conclude, one seeks for enhancing <strong>the</strong> economic,
social and territorial cohesion.
3. Instruments <strong>of</strong> regional development
So far, we have seen what <strong>the</strong> main elements are, how <strong>the</strong>y interact, and now we presume that
throughout two important instruments, development is accomplished. These elements are
Technological business incubators and clusters. They will be analysed one by one.
3.1 Technological and business incubators
As we already know (Savescu, 2009, 2010), <strong>the</strong> Technological and Business Incubator is a place
where, in a limited space, new created companies are concentrated. The incubators' objective is to
increase, for <strong>the</strong>se companies, <strong>the</strong> chances to grow up and survive (start-up or spin-<strong>of</strong>f). This
objective can be accomplished due to <strong>the</strong> supplying <strong>of</strong> modular spaces with common services
(copiers, communication services, and computers) and an enrolment for specific services (production
spaces having modern technology). The accent essentially is stressed on local development and
creation <strong>of</strong> new jobs, <strong>the</strong> technological orientation coming secondly.
The Business Incubator represents a property initiative which assures a small <strong>of</strong>fice and/or
manufacturing units for new or young companies. It usually assures a flexible work space for
accessible prices, common services and direct business consulting, access to specialized assistance
(such as support in R&D and risk capital).
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