Institutional Conditions and Innovation Systems: On the Impact of Regional Policy on Firms in Different Sectors

M<sc>oodysson</sc> J. and Z<sc>ukauskaite</sc> E. Institutional conditions and innovation systems: on the impact of regional policy on firms in different sectors, <italic>Regional Studies</italic>. This paper deals with institutional conditions in regional innovation systems: how institutions affect the organization of innovation activities among firms; and in what ways regional policy initiatives can be supportive. The analysis draws on data on innovation networks, activities, and regional policies targeting the life science, media and food industries in Scania, Sweden. The study takes account of the ways in which regional policies can impact individuals' and organizations' action in relation to each other by being internalized. It is argued that such ability is decisive for the success or failure of the policy initiative.