Smart specialisation strategy (S3) and Social Network Analysis (SNA): Mapping Capabilities in Calabria

The concept of smart specialization strategy (S3) requires regions to have an extended knowledge of their institutional contexts in order for policymakers to design the most adapted place-based innovation policies. In the context of the next programming period of EU Cohesion Policy 2021–2027, this paper explores the use of social network analysis (SNA) in mapping regional capabilities in Calabria. Using the CORDIS database, the paper finds that SNA can inform policymakers on key aspects of the enabling conditions for smart specialization such as governance, the entrepreneurial discovery process (EDP), priority setting, and interregional collaboration.