OpportunityTitle: Regional Innovation Systems Research Project
CategoryExplanation: The Economic Development Administration&#146;s (EDA) mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.  Through its National Technical Assistance, Training, Research and Evaluation program, EDA works towards fulfilling its mission by funding research and technical assistance projects to promote competitiveness and innovation in distressed rural and urban regions throughout the United States and its territories.  By working in conjunction with its research partners, EDA will help States, local governments, and community-based organizations to achieve their highest economic potential.
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: Pursuant to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (PWEDA), eligible applicants for and recipients of EDA investment assistance include a District Organization; an Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; a State; a city or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; an institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; and a public or private non-profit organization or association.
Description: &#145;Regional innovation systems&#146; is a topic that is rapidly gaining currency in regional development policy discussions. Unfortunately, very little is known about these systems. The critical elements that comprise a highly effective regional innovation system are not well understood. The processes by which a region should identify and select an innovation system designed to best take advantage of its competitive advantages are largely unknown. The role, if any, public policy plays in developing and maintaining regional innovation systems in the context of regional differences is not clear. Providing more insight into the interaction between public policy and the effective creation and maintenance regional innovation systems will help illuminate regional development technique. EDA solicits applications from qualified researchers to begin a research program that will respond to these needs, informing the design of policies that build and sustain innovative regions. Since most developed countries are confronted with essentially the same challenge, EDA anticipates that the study will identify and analyze best practices from throughout the world.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: jlipsey@eda.doc.gov
GrantorContactText: Jamie Lipsey &lt;br/&gt;Phone 202-482-3467