Monitoring S3: Key dimensions and implications

• Published in: Evaluation and program planning 2019-12, Vol.77, p.101720, Article 101720
• Main Authors: Esparza Masana, Ricard, Fernández, Tatiana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cognitive style; Dynamic assessment; Innovation policy; Innovations; Monitoring systems; Public administration; Smart specialisation strategies
• ISSN: 0149-7189; 1873-7870
• DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101720

•First complete academic approach to a theoretical and common way for practical monitoring schemes for S3.•Three-axis approach based on monitoring accountability, learning, and the smart specialisation process.•Practical S3 system with large potential to be implemented by managing authorities. Our work analyses the implications of a smart specialisation strategy (S3) monitoring model based on a system that considers three main axes linked to the logic of the strategies: output/results, smart specialisation process, and a learning component, on which we build our main approach. This strategic learning is based on the logic that S3 presents a new paradigm within the innovation policy scope that requires the inclusion of monitoring schemes that integrate the assessment of the dynamic process under which both public administration and other innovation stakeholders learn and improve their activities (within and without the strategy) thanks to the learning gathered throughout S3 (and its instruments and projects) implementation. The article also discusses this logic within the current and the next programming period for S3, and the role monitoring has or will have, while analysing the opportunities and challenges it presents.