Assessment of the innovation potential of the selected regions

Abstract

Assessment of innovation potential is becoming an increasingly urgent problem. Many scientists and researchers are interested in this issue, alas, evaluate innovation potential differently. Some scholars emphasize resources, while others think about the achieved result. Another group of researchers focus on the transition process from resources to results while evaluating innovation potential. This paper attempts to integrate the three basic approaches (resource, process and resulting) and suggest a combination of known innovation potential assessment methods. The author claims that the innovation development goal is the result (abilities) and initial resources (opportunities) and stresses a process of transformation into an innovative product. The author offers an original definition of the innovation potential of a region. Complex evaluation with the sum method leads to an original integral indicator. Selected geographical areas are grouped into quintiles; the obtained results are depicted on maps for more convenient perception and visualization. The obtained results are interpreted, and policy implications are suggested.