Analyseinstitut for Forskning

The article outlines a model for the development of dynamic and innovative research environments in national innovation systems. The development model is based on an in-depth study and analysis of 15 research environments selected by the Danish Council for Research Policy as examples of dynamic and innovative public research environments. According to the model, research environments follow some stages with respect to epistemological, organisational, and socio-cultural development that either enable them to advance from one stage to the next in the model or impede this advancement. The consequence of the latter is either a static state or dissolution. In the long run only dynamic and innovative research environments survive. The analysis of the studied cases identifies several preconditions that have to be present in such research environments in order for them to emerge, develop, and finally reach excellence. The results presented here may well be a valid tool for policymakers, particularly in Europe where the framework conditions for public R&D are comparable to the Danish. Acknowledgement: Use of case material collected for the Danish Council for Research Policy is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks to Carter Bloch for valuable comments. The presented analysis is solely the authors ́ responsibility.