INNOVATION POTENTIAL EMBODIED IN RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN-EUROPE

The economic crisis, shrinking markets and falling funds have not just brought about decline in formerly communist research systems: in resp onse to external-pressures, and on the basis of their accumulated know ledge and skills, research organizations have developed new structures and mechanisms to distribute their results and use their expertise. T his paper draws on evidence and analysis generated by a study which fo cused on the new arrangements appearing in and around research organiz ations. The objective of this study was not only to search for new org anizational forms and to understand their operation, but also to evalu ate their potential, in newly emerging innovation systems, to enhance knowledge flows into industry from academic and university research. T his analytical approach is underpinned by a comparison of 'Science Par k'-type developments in Western and Eastern Europe. Although there are clearly differences in their contexts, the comparison provides ground s for optimism. We can see already both the generation of the new, and the recombination of the old, knowledge, skills and contacts which wi ll be necessary to economic regeneration in the countries of Central a nd Eastern Europe.