Innovation In Real Places by

Innovation in Real Places challenges the conventional wisdom that all regions should strive to become tech hubs. Dan Breznitz argues that true economic growth comes from understanding and capitalizing on a region's specific advantages within the global production system. By examining the four stages of production, he reveals how struggling regions can thrive by focusing on their niche rather than trying to emulate Silicon Valley. /n/n This book offers a fresh perspective on economic development, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing local strengths. Breznitz's insights provide a roadmap for policymakers and community leaders seeking sustainable growth in an increasingly interconnected world.

Reviews

Polytechnics Canada · 2023-02-22

compelling 4.20

The book is described as a challenge to prevailing ideas about innovation, offering a guide to identifying the best strategies for prosperity in an unforgiving world. It is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of innovation policy.

The reviewer appreciates the book's critical examination of current innovation policies and its call for a more nuanced understanding of the subject. They find Breznitz's arguments compelling and well-researched, providing a fresh perspective on how innovation can drive economic growth. The book is particularly noted for its emphasis on the role of local ecosystems and collaboration, which the reviewer finds to be a crucial aspect often overlooked in traditional innovation discourse. Overall, the book is seen as an important contribution to the field of public policy and innovation studies.

Quick quotes

Innovation in Real Places explores the fundamentals of innovation policy, the billions spent around the world to achieve innovation-based economic growth.

It challenges traditional notions of innovation by highlighting the role of local ecosystems and the importance of collaboration.

A challenge to prevailing ideas about innovation and a guide to identifying the best strategies for prosperity in an unforgiving world.

CBC · 2022-06-01

practical 4.00

The book is praised for its innovative approach to understanding innovation, emphasizing the importance of local ecosystems and collaboration. It is seen as a guide for identifying the best strategies for innovation-based prosperity.

The reviewer commends the book for its comprehensive exploration of innovation policy and its impact on economic growth. They note that Breznitz's work is not just theoretical but offers practical insights that can be applied to real-world scenarios. The book's focus on local ecosystems and collaboration is particularly highlighted as a key takeaway. The reviewer also mentions that the book's winning of the Donner Prize is a testament to its significance and relevance in the field of public policy.

Quick quotes

Innovation in Real Places explores the fundamentals of innovation policy, the billions spent around the world to achieve innovation-based economic growth.

University of Toronto political science professor Dan Breznitz has won the 2021 Donner Prize for his book Innovation in Real Places.

I basically argue in the book that there are multiple ways in which to reach innovation-based local prosperity.

Financial Times · 2021-06-15

insightful 4.50

The book challenges the dominant narratives around innovation, arguing that they often lack a comprehensive understanding of global production and innovation dynamics. It emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach that considers local contexts and practical realities.

The reviewer highlights that this book is a bold critique of the current innovation discourse, which often oversimplifies complex issues. They appreciate how the author, Dan Breznitz, dissects the prevailing ideas and offers a more grounded perspective. The book is seen as essential reading for anyone interested in innovation policy, as it provides a fresh lens through which to view the subject. The reviewer notes that Breznitz's arguments are well-supported and thought-provoking, making the book a valuable contribution to the field.

Quick quotes

Dan Breznitz argues that the purveyors of the dominant ideas on innovation have a feeble understanding of the big picture on global production and innovation.

The book challenges traditional notions of innovation by highlighting the role of local ecosystems and the importance of collaboration.

They conflate innovation with invention and suffer from techno-fetishism.

Appears in Lists

Technology & Innovation (list) - Best Business Books