RIS3 Implementation and Policy Mixes. S3 Policy Brief Series n° 07/2014 – September 2014

This paper discusses how the policy mix concept applies to RIS3. The paper argues that the RIS3 implementation phase – and the development of an efficient policy mix supporting RIS3 orientations – is at least as important as the design phase. Countries and regions are now embarking on the implementation phase of the RIS3. If a sequential approach is taken, disconnecting design and implementation, RIS3 will not be effective as they will remain at the stage of intentions while not influencing policies. The paper also reflects on the discussions held during a peer review workshop organized in Riga on 23-24 February 2014 where four countries presented their RIS3 work on implementation and policy mix (Estonia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and England). The paper concludes underlining the challenges and the way forward in designing and implementing RIS3-oriented policy mixes. The main recommendations for building RIS3 policy mixes are: 1) to include policy instruments with both a direct and indirect contribution to RIS3 goals, thus adopting a wide approach for the policy mix, crossing policy domains and governance levels; 2) to scrutinize interactions between the policy mix components and identifying a variety of sources of tension between instruments; 3) to integrate an outward-looking dimension in designing the polices, which means to treat the region as a local node in global networks; and 4) to develop and use policy intelligence tools for a more strategic management of RIS3-relevant policy mixes.