Innovation and Growth in Regions with Specific Geographical Features

Since the year 2000, innovation and the path towards a “knowledge-based” economy have become
prominent concepts in the European policy sphere. Although fostered by the goal of the innovationoriented
Lisbon Strategy, it remains questionable in how far the situation of being the “most competitive
economy” favours the diverse territories in the European Union. In this matter, very little is known about
the ability to translate innovation into regional growth in territories with geographical disadvantages. The
present paper discusses the intensified emphasis of the European policy approach towards innovation and
its adequacy to the need of regions with unfavourable geographical features. This thorough discussion
aims to shed some light on the issue of whether the EU’s twin goals for 2007-2013, to achieve global
competitiveness and cohesion, are suitable for areas with geographical limitations.