Introduction

This final chapter considers all the chapters in this volume with the following objectives in mind:

1. • to portray the key issues emerging through a review of the chapter contributions and the interlinkages between the chapters

2. • to illustrate the integrated nature of innovation systems through an intellectual capital [IC] lens

3. • to identify strategies to improve the South Australian innovation Ecosystem

4. • to articulate a future research program.

To meet these objectives we first consider the chapters in each of the parts of the book in turn to draw out the common elements and particular issues raised pertaining to the relevant focus. Next, we illustrate how innovation works across the macro to micro issues and identify the key interlinkages that influence the different levels of discussion and the particular focus of the innovation system that each chapter takes. Using this systems perspective we then consider the implications of the work to identify where and how intellectual capital interventions may help to shape and integrate the regional innovation ecosystem. Lastly, we conclude by suggesting a program of ongoing research and development that will increase our understanding not only of how innovation is integrated within South Australia [SA] but also of how the management of the innovation system can be effected, the outcomes improved and entrepreneurship integrated.

Part 1: Regional-level perspectives

The three chapters in this section draw attention to the regional innovation system [RIS]. This is as distinct to the national innovation system [NIS] and brings into focus dependencies on both the local (South Australian) and the national innovation infrastructures, policies and programs. In other words, ‘we are not alone’ — and for innovation to occur through the RIS in SA, both internal and external contexts need to be carefully considered and monitored.

For instance, Jane Andrew in her chapter makes the case for how both the broad discipline areas of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences [HASS] and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths [STEM] are of critical importance for an RIS and yet both of these discipline areas have internal regional influences through the policies, strategies and offerings made by the regional education institutions and the external influences of national government policy on the Higher Education system and national school curriculum. The RIS is sandwiched in between these two dynamic forces.