Abstract

This paper extensively examine the relationship between territory, innovation and policies. While, reviewing the theoretical contribution of economic geographers and economists, the research identifies seven territorial models of innovation. Further, the focus on the analysis of the territorial factors affecting innovation dynamics provides a geographical methodological approach useful for the analysis of innovation system at the various scales. Finally, the theoretical and analytical methodologies set the basis to discuss innovation policies against territorial level (local, regional, national and international) and the relationship among them. Based also some practical case studies in three peculiar regions (Tunisia, Öresund, Emilia-Romagna), outcomes of the study shows how innovation policy tend to be multi-level, both with bottom-up and top-down approaches.