Table 1 Components of a port innovation ecosystem and its relevant research questions

Innovation oriented culture

Are there port-specific prizes and awards or events and institutions aimed at promoting an innovative/entrepreneurial culture?

Pro-innovation government

Does the port authority implement or support any initiatives to bolster the innovation performance of the port cluster?

Human capital (formation)

Do educational institutions in the region provide port-oriented education programmes? Does the port community support such education programmes, and if so, how? Are there structural ties to promote the uptake of graduates in the port?

Demand for innovative products & services

Does the port authority or port development company cooperate with suppliers in (open) innovation partnerships? Are there structures through which MNCs share their demand for innovative products with the port community?

Research cooperation

Is there established cooperation between research institutes and the port community? Does such research cooperation involve international extra-cluster partners?

Incubation services

Are there incubation services for start-ups with products and services aimed at port-related industries? Do such incubation services help start-ups with contacts and contracts in the business community? Do such incubation services help start-ups with establishing international ties? Are there structures in place to promote start-ups from universities?

Support for innovative projects

Are there specific test facilities, labs or other testbed partnerships for the port cluster? Has the port authority developed specific instruments to support innovative projects of port companies?