Title: Innovation processes in mature clusters of SMEs. A proposal for assessment indicators

Authors: Javier Alfonso-Gil, Antonia Saez-Cala, Ana I. Vinas-Apaolaza

Addresses: Departamento de Estructura Economica y Economia del Desarrollo, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Ctra. de Colmenar, km. 15, 28049 Madrid, Spain. Departamento de Estructura Economica y Economia del Desarrollo, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Ctra. de Colmenar, km. 15, 28049 Madrid, Spain. Departamento de Estructura Economica y Economia del Desarrollo, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Ctra. de Colmenar, km. 15, 28049 Madrid, Spain

Abstract: This paper deals with problems of evaluating policies to support private innovation processes in mature clusters of economically lagging regions. Considering the specificities of innovation processes in regional clusters, where SMEs primarily are involved, shortcomings of existing evaluation schemes and indicators are discussed. Based on a case study for the region of Valencia, methodologies and indicators overcoming these theoretical and empirical deficits are presented and investigated.

Keywords: SME; mature clusters; clusters innovation; S&T indicators; industrial districts; lagging regions; Spain.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2003.003386

International Journal of Technology Management, 2003 Vol.26 No.2/3/4, pp.346 - 361

Published online: 05 Sep 2003 *

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