Innovation Networks. Part of the Compendium of Evidence on the Effectiveness of Innovation Policy Intervention, NESTA.

This report reviews and reflects on the evidence of the relationship between public support for networks and the impact on innovation. It provides a conceptual background for policy instruments that enhance innovation through the activities of networks, the rationale for their deployment and the main types of approach adopted. Drawing on a review of the available literature, it presents evidence on the impacts of policy interventions on network creation, management and behaviour and – where available – the effects of networks on innovation from a variety of forms of network support. This evidence is analysed against a framework that examines the rationale and goals of network policies and the extent to which expected outcomes have been realised with respect to such issues as collaboration/networking, partnerships, leading edge research, research training and the transfer and exploitation of knowledge and the cost effectiveness and design issues of networks.