Should Attitudinal Views toward Innovation Development Play a Role in Policy in Peripheral EU Regions? New Evidence from Vouchers Program in Northern Ireland

The impact and effectiveness of policies to support collaboration for Research & Development (R&D) and innovation is critical to determining the success of regional economic development. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the level of success of the Innovation Vouchers Program operated by Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) from 2009 to 2013 and the importance of attitudes towards innovation. The aim of the Program was to help small and medium enterprises registered in Northern Ireland to establish links with the public sector across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as well as to access knowledge and expertise in order to develop innovative solutions to business via distribution of vouchers. Historically, peripheral regions in the UK have not been adequately funded due to spatial separation so regional economic agencies such as Invest NI have identified market failure and have taken it upon themselves to fund these activities. This research illustrates the critical role of attitudes and preconceived notions towards the long-term role and impact of innovation in peripheral regions using primary source survey evidence from the Innovation Vouchers Program.