'Innovation happens through regional, social and economic system dynamics [and] relies on a systems view of entrepreneurship’ (Chapter 1, this book). It is this systems perspective on entrepreneurship and innovation, and in particular a focus on the ways in which entrepreneurship strategies and systems work in support of integrating innovation, which best define Integrating Innovation: South Australian Entrepreneurship Systems and Strategies.

The contribution made by this collective of researchers distinguishes itself on multiple levels.

Firstly, it does so through the delineation of national, regional and firm-level innovation systems. It may be intuitively understood that stimulating innovation at the firm level leads to productivity growth, and that entrepreneurial skills at a firm level are important contributors to the innovation performance of a nation. It is another matter to clearly articulate the characteristics of, and key actors within, national, regional and firm-level innovation systems and to represent how they interact to bring about improved regional socio-economic performance. Integrating Innovation: South Australian Entrepreneurship Systems and Strategies provides an important frame of reference for an audience seeking to apply the concepts discussed to their professional and personal context as they read by maintaining an holistic perspective of the innovation systems whilst explaining the difference between and interdependencies across the national, regional and firm tiers.

Secondly, the authors address the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in building the absorptive capacity within economies. This is particularly relevant for small economies like that of South Australia seeking to shift to better diversified and more globally relevant activities. The competitiveness gains to be made through better collaboration, learning and management capability at a firm level will translate to improved competitiveness of the region.

Finally, there are moments in the reading of this collection where one imagines the authors’ intended audience: ‘Dear Policymaker’ might have introduced the discussion of South Australia's innovation performance. Suggested areas of focus include:

1. • strengthening of inter-systems relationships across the national, regional and firm levels through facilitated knowledge exchange, effective communications and strong policy/program alignment

2. • development of new tools and methodologies to foster and manage collaboration and competition, including instruments that promote entrepreneurship and are likely to have significant impact on the innovation performance of regional economies

3. • prioritisation of strategies that allow firms to share transaction costs and hedge risks associated with innovation[…]