Innovation, Path Dependency, and Policy: The Norwegian Case

The concept of National Innovation Systems is well established in academic research and enthusiastically adopted by policymakers. Yet there are relatively few in-depth studies of individual national innovation systems.
This book provides just that, a model for the application of the concept to an individual economy. Leading scholars provide a detailed analysis of the particular circumstances of Norway–a high income, high productivity, resource rich economy, with relatively modest investment in R&D, and a remarkable track record of social equity. The authors argue that investment in human capital may be more significant than any formula for R&D investment.
The book includes contributions from historians, economists, and political scientists, and offers an unparalleled account of the development of one of the world's most successful economies. It will be essential reading fro academics and policymakers concerned with innovation and growth.


Contents
List of Contributors ix
List of Figures x
List of Tables xii
List of Abbreviations xiv
1. Introduction: Innovation in Norway 1
Jan Fagerberg, David C. Mowery, and Bart Verspagen
PART I. THE HISTORICAL EVOLUTION AND CURRENT
STRUCTURE OF THE NORWEGIAN NATIONAL
INNOVATION SYSTEM
2. The Layers of National Innovation Systems: The Historical
Evolution of a National Innovation System in Norway 33
Olav Wicken
3. Public Sector Research and Industrial Innovation in Norway: A
Historical Perspective 61
Magnus Gulbrandsen and Lars Nerdrum
4. Policies for Path Creation: The Rise and Fall of Norway’s
Research-Driven Strategy for Industrialization 89
Olav Wicken
5. Historical Fingerprints? A Taxonomy of Norwegian Innovation 116
Fulvio Castellacci, Tommy H. Clausen, Svein Olav Nås, and
Bart Verspagen
PART II. SECTORAL INNOVATION SYSTEMS
IN NORWAY—OLD AND NEW PATHS
6. Innovation and Production in the Norwegian Aluminum Industry 149
Svein Erik Moen
7. The Development of the Norwegian Petroleum Innovation System:
A Historical Overview 179
Ole Andreas Engen
viii Contents
8. The Innovation System of Norwegian Aquacultured Salmonids 208
Heidi Wiig Aslesen
9. The Biotechnology Industry in Norway: A Marginal Sector or
Future Core Activity? 235
Terje Grønning
10. Slow Growth and Revolutionary Change: The Norwegian
IT-Industry Enters the Global Age, 1970–2005 264
Knut Sogner
PART III. INNOVATION POLICY AND INSTITUTIONS
IN CONTEMPORARY NORWAY
11. University–Industry Relations in Norway 297
Magnus Gulbrandsen and Lars Nerdrum
12. The Technical-Industrial Research Institutes in the Norwegian
Innovation System 327
Lars Nerdrum and Magnus Gulbrandsen
13. Industrial R&D Policy in Norway:Who Gets the Funding and
What are the Effects? 349
Tommy H. Clausen
Index 373