Abstract
Smart specialization strategies (RIS3) have been implemented in the State of Mexico, one of the most important regions in Mexico; this framework was used to create state innovation agendas (SIA). Therefore, the main objective of this document is to analyze the experience of a project using the RIS3 methodology to build up an SIA as the basis to structuring a regional innovation system (RIS). We conclude that RIS3 in lagging countries face difficulties to be successful, especially if in the region there is a weak governance structure, an adverse institutional framework, and a lack of funding for innovation activities.
Highlights
Innovation has been accepted by both scholars and policy makers as a building block for competitiveness and regional development
The State of Mexico has a relevant contribution to the national economy (8.68% of national GDP comes from the State of Mexico) making it the second largest economy in the country
The State of Mexico’s economic composition reflects a great deal of focus on companies and organizations in the tertiary sector (72.7%), manufacturing activities are of great relevance
Summary
Innovation has been accepted by both scholars and policy makers as a building block for competitiveness and regional development. Innovation does not occur in isolation, as it includes a wide range of relationships and knowledge exchange among different social actors. This has led to consider innovation systems as an analytical framework for policy design (Rózga & Solleiro, 2017). There is growing awareness that economic growth and competitiveness at a regional level depend on the capacity by indigenous firms for innovation and interaction with their economic environment. For that reason, “offering the appropriate support to indigenous firms to become more competitive through innovation is a rising star on the regional policy agenda” The EC provided incentives for implementing RIS3 across the various regions between 2014 and 2020
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