Smart specialization, public authorities, and innovation intermediaries in developing regions

Despite a growing body of literature on smart specialization, the role of public authorities and innovation intermediaries, particularly in developing regions, remains understudied. This research examines one of the first attempts to apply the smart specialization framework to the development of an...

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Main Authors: Hugo Pinto, Manuel Laranja, Elvira Uyarra
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: KeAi Communications Co. Ltd. 2024-12-01
Series:Regional Sustainability
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666660X24000744
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author Hugo Pinto
Manuel Laranja
Elvira Uyarra
author_facet Hugo Pinto
Manuel Laranja
Elvira Uyarra
author_sort Hugo Pinto
collection DOAJ
description Despite a growing body of literature on smart specialization, the role of public authorities and innovation intermediaries, particularly in developing regions, remains understudied. This research examines one of the first attempts to apply the smart specialization framework to the development of an innovation strategy outside Europe, specifically in the Pernambuco State, Brazil. We focus on two priority areas (clothing and high-tech automotive components) identified by the state government as key targets for pilot policy experimentation and use different methods, such as social network analysis and content analysis, to interview strategic innovation actors for studying the promotion of innovation and regional development in Pernambuco. Findings highlight how regional governance, collaboration, and trust are shaped by public authorities and innovation intermediaries. The study identifies three key challenges in implementing smart specialization strategy in developing regions: i.e., achieving effective decentralization, cultivating an innovation culture, and establishing participatory governance mechanisms. The public sector actors act as crucial knowledge brokers and policy intermediaries, facilitating the linkages and partnerships necessary to overcome these challenges.
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spelling doaj-art-a9ca843772cc44ac8e8c8dc32ee6ee562024-12-22T05:29:52ZengKeAi Communications Co. Ltd.Regional Sustainability2666-660X2024-12-0154100175Smart specialization, public authorities, and innovation intermediaries in developing regionsHugo Pinto0Manuel Laranja1Elvira Uyarra2Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal; CinTurs-Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being, University of Algarve, Faro, 8005-139, Portugal; Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-995, Portugal; Corresponding author.ISEG Lisbon School of Economics and Management, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-781, PortugalManchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIoIR), Manchester, M139PL, the United KingdomDespite a growing body of literature on smart specialization, the role of public authorities and innovation intermediaries, particularly in developing regions, remains understudied. This research examines one of the first attempts to apply the smart specialization framework to the development of an innovation strategy outside Europe, specifically in the Pernambuco State, Brazil. We focus on two priority areas (clothing and high-tech automotive components) identified by the state government as key targets for pilot policy experimentation and use different methods, such as social network analysis and content analysis, to interview strategic innovation actors for studying the promotion of innovation and regional development in Pernambuco. Findings highlight how regional governance, collaboration, and trust are shaped by public authorities and innovation intermediaries. The study identifies three key challenges in implementing smart specialization strategy in developing regions: i.e., achieving effective decentralization, cultivating an innovation culture, and establishing participatory governance mechanisms. The public sector actors act as crucial knowledge brokers and policy intermediaries, facilitating the linkages and partnerships necessary to overcome these challenges.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666660X24000744GovernanceSmart specialization strategyPublic authoritiesInnovation intermediariesDeveloping regionBrazil
spellingShingle Hugo Pinto
Manuel Laranja
Elvira Uyarra
Smart specialization, public authorities, and innovation intermediaries in developing regions
Regional Sustainability
Governance
Smart specialization strategy
Public authorities
Innovation intermediaries
Developing region
Brazil
title Smart specialization, public authorities, and innovation intermediaries in developing regions
title_full Smart specialization, public authorities, and innovation intermediaries in developing regions
title_fullStr Smart specialization, public authorities, and innovation intermediaries in developing regions
title_full_unstemmed Smart specialization, public authorities, and innovation intermediaries in developing regions
title_short Smart specialization, public authorities, and innovation intermediaries in developing regions
title_sort smart specialization public authorities and innovation intermediaries in developing regions
topic Governance
Smart specialization strategy
Public authorities
Innovation intermediaries
Developing region
Brazil
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666660X24000744
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