This book is about the environment of innovation, and the major models for creating an environment supporting technology, innovation, learning, and knowledge based development.

Introduction. Origins, Structure and Contents. Chapter 1. Innovation is an Island. Part I: Technopoles and Science Parks: Innovation as Spatial Proximity. Chapter 2. Districts and Technopoles in Europe. Chapter 3. Technology Poles in the Less Favoured Regions of Europe. Chapter 4. The Weak Link. Part II: Innovating Regions: Innovation as an Institution. Chapter 5. Regional Innovation Strategies in Europe. Chapter 6. Regional Versus National Innovation Strategies. Chapter 7. Technology Intelligence in Innovating Regions. Part III: Intelligent Cities: Islands of Innovation Meet the Digital World. Chapter 8. Intelligent Cities: Islands of Innovation Become Digital. Chapter 9. Real-Virtual Technopoles. Chapter 10. Real-Virtual Regional Innovation Systems. Bibliography. Index.

Nicos Komninos is professor of Urban Development and Innovation Policy in the School of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and he has taught in universities in France, Italy, and the UK. His research interests focus on the areas and environment of technological innovation. He is the author of numerous scientific books, director of the research unit URENIO (Urban and Regional Innovation) and has co-ordinated many project of the European Commission.