Regional and urban policy beyond 2000 : new approaches with learning as device

Much of the debate over the spatial setting of innovation has now resulted in the recognition of the region as a principle framework for knowledge creation and use. Little attention has been given to knowledge activities in the region from an integrated point of view, and to policy approaches that match with the multi-actor situation and the multi-faceted uncertainty in the field. This paper sets out a broad framework of essential activities that underlie knowledge-based economic growth, thereby linking the public and the private sector, and linking different disciplines. The paper proceeds with addressing the major sources of uncertainty in policy making for knowledge-based economic activity. Two policy methods are presented that cope with uncertainty, namely participatory policy making and scenario development. Participatory methods try to increase consensus or commitment in a situation of uncertainty caused by actor-complexity. Scenario development tries to deal with uncertainty about the future development of the fields at hand. The paper concludes with various recommendations for future research.