Philip Cooke, formerly University Research Professor in Regional Development and Director, Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Wales, Cardiff, Carla De Laurentis, University of the West of England, UK, Franz Tödtling, WU Wirtschaftsuniversität and Michaela Trippl, Professor of Economic Geography, Department of Geography and Regional Research, University of Vienna, Austria and Professor, Department of Working Life and Innovation, University of Agder, Norway