Innovation in an old industrial region: the case of Twente

In this paper, we explore the innovative capacities of old industrial regions by studying the case of the former textiles agglomeration of Twente. We argue that the hardware, software and mindware of old industrial regions tend to suffer from path dependency. For innovation in this type of regions a breakthrough is needed. In this paper we study the case of Twente and show how a well-networked university, the University of Twente (UT), has served as a focal point for both industrial and institutional attempts to promote regional upgrading. We conclude that for old industrial regions a university might be an essential driver of regional innovatio