This exciting new book addresses how governments are now seeking to drive innovation through new forms of R&D policies, through public procurement, skills development, entrepreneurship and innovation culture to name but a few of the approaches. The volume debates and presents scattered and anonymous material in a coherent way, with a particular focus is on 'hot topics' in the field of innovation studies that have been previously under-researched. The book is divided into four key themes: government as a key actor in the innovation process, entrepreneurs as innovators, skills and competences required to maintain and improve innovation performance in Europe and finally, the wider context in which innovation policy develops.

Introduction John Rigby Part I: Government Driving Innovation 1. Who Drives Innovation? John Rigby, Yanuar Nugroho, Kathryn Morrison, and Ian Miles 2. Demand Led Innovation Ian Miles and John Rigby 3. Innovation in the Public Sector Hugo Thenint and Ian Miles Part II: Policy to Support Innovation - The Entrepreneurial Turn 4. Are IPR and Innovation Good for Each Other: Surely an Open or Shut Case? John Rigby and Jennifer Hayden 5. The Role and Importance of Gazelles and other Growth Firms for Innovation and Competitiveness Mercedes Bleda, Kathryn Morrison and John Rigby 6. Financing Europe's Innovative SMEs with Public-Private Partnerships John Rigby and Jennifer Hayden 7. Microfinance and Innovation Ian Miles and Yanuar Nugroho Part III: The Labour Force and Human Capital and Societal Issues 8. Skills and Innovation Lawrence Green, Barbara Jones and Ian Miles 9. Innovation and Demographic Change Jennifer Hayden and Barbara Jones Part IV: Broadening and Deepening Innovation Policy 10. Innovation and Creative Places Ian Miles and Sally Gee 11. Cultures and Innovation Sally Gee and Ian Miles 12. Innovation Policy and Design - Design as a Tool for Innovation Lawrence Green, Deborah Cox and Pierre Bitard Conclusion: Challenges or Opportunities Paul Cunningham