“…Basically these approaches emphasize the role of geographical proximity and of the territory (including its 'soft' elements, like social capital) specifically in order to support knowledge exchanges, spill-overs, learning and innovation. Cooke ( , 2007 defines two different types of regional innovation systems: the IRIS (Institutional Regional Innovation System) and ERIS (Entrepreneurial Regional Innovation System). The IRIS, more familiar in Europe, is research and development driven and technology-focused whereas the ERIS, more familiar in the USA, is more venture capital driven and market-focused.…”