From islands of innovation to creative hotspots

Key innovation areas are a source of policy and research interest in many countries. In this paper the concept of ‘creative hotspot’ is introduced as a policy vehicle to support spatial synergy strategies in innovation. The paper provides a review of experiences and findings from a regional innovation performance assessment in the hotspot that is located in the Eastern part of the Netherlands. Its methodology is based on the technopolicy network (TPN) model. The study compares the (potential) performance of that hotspot with three other hotspot regions. Various findings are briefly summarized in the context of a systematic ‘creative hotspot’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. The results from this SWOT approach are then used to provide an input for a systematic evaluation of new innovation policy in the East Netherlands and to identify future challenges and opportunities for regional innovation policy.