The relationship between innovation, networks and localities is of
central concern for many nations. However, despite increasing interest
in the components of this research triangle, efforts in these fields are
hampered by a lackofconceptual and empirical insights. This volume
brings together contributions from a distinguished group of scholars
working in different but related disciplines, and aims to provide a
fresh look at this research triangle. The objective is to offer a
concise overview of current developments and insights derived from
recent studies in Europe and North America. All of the contributions are
based on original research undertaken in the various regions and nations
and are published here for the first time. We are grateful to all those
who have contributed to this volume for their willingness to participate
in the project. Without their co-operation this book would not have been
possible. We should like, in addition, to thank Angela Spence for her
careful linguistic editing and assistance in co-ordinating the
production of the camera ready copy. Lastly, but not least, we wish to
express our gratitude for support from our home institutions, and in
particular the Austrian Academy of Sciences (Institute for Urban and
Regional Research), the Austrian Ministry for Science and Transport, the
Styrian Government (Section for Science and Research) and the Federation
of Austrian Industry in Styria for the financial backing received. April
1999 Manfred M.
