Title: Regional innovation policies in Spain: the technological diffusion centres' network of Madrid

Authors: Ana Isabel Vinas Apaolaza

Addresses: c/ Miranda de Arga, 22, 28033 Madrid, Spain

Abstract: In the Region of Madrid, the beginning of the 21st century has been characterised by a change in regional innovation policy. The diffusion of innovation and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into the production processes of the region|s Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and into their economic activity has become the priority for the regional innovation policy. To achieve this, in 2002, the Technological Diffusion Centres Network (TDCs Network) whose objective is to finance the innovation processes in SMEs indirectly, was set up. As they are newly created, the TDCs are currently in the experimentation phase. This article analyses the nature of these centres, their goals and functions, their evolution and the initial results of their activities.

Keywords: regional innovation; innovation policy; technological diffusion centres; regional SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; Spain; ICT; information technology; communications; entrepreneurship; innovation management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2006.010377

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2006 Vol.6 No.4/5, pp.462 - 476

Published online: 17 Jul 2006 *

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