Title: A comparative study of four West Mediterranean regions: the role of technology interface structures

Authors: Fernando C. Gaspar, Julio G. Dias

Addresses: Escola Superior de Gestao de Santarem, Complexo Andaluz – Apartado 295, Santarem, 2001-904, Portugal. ' Instituto Europeu de Estudos Superiores e Formacao, Alameda das Linhas de Torres, n° 179, Lisboa, 1750-142, Portugal

Abstract: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have a very important role in European economies, particularly in Mediterranean countries. They are important for job creation, for economic growth and development and for bringing innovations to market. This aspect of technological innovation and the transfer of technology to the markets are particularly relevant in today|s economies. With the intent of studying the interface structures that contribute to the creation of new companies and to research and development, a study was made on four Mediterranean regions: Algarve, Andalucia, Sicilia and Umbria. The four regions are compared in terms of the existence of these interface structures, like business incubators, technological parks and venture capital companies and in terms of economic activities, innovativeness and strategic intentions. Conclusions are drawn, based on these comparisons. This communication is based on an INTERREG III project, named Technopolis, supported by the EU, through the MEDOCC line.

Keywords: technological entrepreneurship; technology transfer; innovation networks; technology interface structures; regional development; technopreneurship; techoentrepreneurship; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; technological innovation; Algarve; Andalucia; Sicilia; Umbria; Spain; Portugal; Italy; Sicily; business incubators; technology parks; venture capital.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIRD.2011.040531

International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development, 2011 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.370 - 394

Published online: 29 Nov 2014 *

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