EPRC and Management Science have been awarded ESRC funding for an exploratory project which aims to enhance understanding of innovation in peripheral, sparsely populated areas.
Led by Dr Sara Davies (EPRC) and Dr Jillian MacBryde (Management Science), this collaborative study will focus especially on 'hidden innovation' in sectors where innovation is linked to aspects of peripherality, such as alternative energies; wildlife/landscape tourism; food processing and marketing; and ICT usage in policy delivery by public sector bodies.
The project will examine the different aspects and spatial levels of connectivity that matter for innovation, how innovation in peripheral areas is shaped, and how the internal logics of innovation policies at EU, national and sub-national levels influence the capacity of policy-makers to support innovation in peripheral areas.
In addition, the project aims to develop research approaches and methods that could be used in a more substantial future research programme on innovation in sectors where innovation is linked to aspects of peripherality.