Diversity of Innovation Systems and Implications for Regional Policies: Comparison of the Regions of the Algarve and Andalusia

Abstract

The importance of the regional level for the imple- mentation of innovation policies has been generalized in parallel with greater theoretical attention to the notion of regional innovation systems. Despite the theoretical devel- opment and extensive application of the concept in the European Union’s regional programmes, it remains am- biguous. This article, based on a comparison between two border regions, the Algarve in Portugal and Andalu- sia in Spain, illustrates the limits to which interventions to support regional innovation may be subject. Both NUTS II regions have similar levels of economic development, measured by GDPpc, albeit a distance apart in other di- mensions. This comparison helps in understanding the dif- ficulties of replicating policies based on best practices and the need to give greater attention to regional governance when constructing strategies for innovation.