This book investigates the structural barriers and strategic requirements for fostering innovation within economically disadvantaged or peripheral regions. The authors, Claire Nauwelaers and Kevin Morgan, draw upon extensive research in regional policy and economic geography to argue that innovation is not merely a technological process but a social and institutional one. They present a framework for policymakers to move beyond top-down initiatives, advocating instead for place-based strategies that leverage local assets and networks to overcome regional disparities.

Experts in regional development and economic geography frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the complexities of sub-national innovation policy. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a rigorous analytical basis for practitioners and scholars alike.