The recent discussion on economics and regional economics has increasingly stressed the importance of knowledge and information. Research institutes, in particular, are seen as crucial for assisting local firms in their innovation activities. The aim of this paper is to explore the real importance of research institutes supporting innovative activities in businesses. Based on the representative European Regional Innovation Survey the results show that the actual significance of research institutions in the support of firms' innovation processes is smaller than revealed in the concepts of the innovative networks, innovative milieu or learning region.