A Proposal for a Standard With Innovation Management System

3. Methodology
Peter Kiryushin, Bala Mulloth and Tatiana Iakovleva
This exploratory study of Øresund region has used an interpretive research paradigm. Data for this
study were collected using qualitative methods (Denzin and Lincoln 1994; Silverman 2006). We
employed an inductive approach where the interviewees were given much space in order to provide
their knowledge. Strauss and Corbin acknowledge the importance the importance of a multiplicity of
perspectives and “truths” (Strauss 1987; Strauss and Corbin 1990). Although the description of the
cleantech RIS of the Øresund region presented in the previous section provides the general picture
and allowed to understand characteristics of the regional RIS, there is a need to gain a deeper
understanding of a phenomenon through the interpretations from those experiencing it (Shah and
Corley 2006). Following the work of other scholars (Leonard-Barton 1990; Gibbert, et al. 2008), we
carried our interviews in close interaction with practitioners who deal closely with the development of
cleantech innovation in regional perspective.
Eighteen interviews were conducted in the Øresund region between November 2011 and June 2012.
We interviewed regional stakeholders related to business, academia and administrations (Table 2) in
order to understand their vision on cleantech innovation, entrepreneurship and triple helix
collaboration. Using case-study methodology (Yin 2003), we applied such methods as in-depth
individual, semi-structured interviews, interviews which leave room for adjustments during the
interview process.
Table 2: Organizations, which representatives were interviewed
DENMARK SWEDEN
Bornholm Regional Growth Forum, regional
development agency
Copenhagen Business School, business school
Copenhagen Cleantech Cluster, cleantech cluster
Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship, education
& research organization
Management Engineering Department, Danish
Technical University, university
Geography Department, University of Copenhagen,
university
Green Campus, University of Copenhagen,
sustainability initiative
Øresund Committee, forum for policy-making
Østkraft Energy Systems, energy company
4. Results
Centre for Innovation, Research and Competence
in the Learning Economy at Lund University,
research center
Hallbart Universitet at Lund University, students
sustainability initiative
IDEON, incubator & science park
Innovationsbron, investor
International Institute for Industrial Environmental
Economics at Lund University, education &
research institute
Lund University Innovation System, technology
transfer office
SKJ Center for Entrepreneurship at Lund
University, education & research center
Teknopol, consultancy
Sustainable Business Hub, cleantech cluster
4.1 Øresund innovation system and triple helix collaboration
Active stage of cross-border collaboration in Øresund began in mid 1990s. It was associated with
organizing of the Øresund Committee, construction of Øresund Bridge and financing of the
interregional development by European Union. Øresund Committee is a policy-forum that unites 36
chairmen from regions and cities. Forum itself has no political power, but it helps to develop and
promote ideas, which could be later implemented on the each side (Steenstrup 2012).
The potential for the development of research-based innovation in Øresund RIS is associated with the
collaboration between academia, industry and the regional authorities. Scientific talents are
considered as one of the most valuable assets for Øresund RIS. (“It’s all about people… bright
researchers” [Coenen 2012]). Triple helix model is utilized by the Medicon Valley Alliance (MVA), the
interregional cluster project that is aimed on the development of life-science innovations in the region.
Initially MVA was funded by European Union as an Interreg initiative, but later it became independent
project. MVA is considered as “the most successful project so far” (Steenstrup 2012).
Triple helix collaboration and cluster initiatives are seeing as quite effective by some of the
interviewees for the development of cleantech in the region (Coenen 2012; Jonson 2012; Rasmussen
2012). In particular, Sustainable Business Hub seems to be an important actor for cleantech
development on the Swedish side since its effective for dissemination of new technologies. The Hub
connects local actors and promotes solutions internationally (Coenen 2012). It also has good
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