Towards a Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Space: Ideas for Research and Policy Making

Abstract

In this paper, we argue that, from a scientific, economic and geo-political point of view, it is necessary the further study and understanding of MPCs’ productive structures, scientific and technological activities, entrepreneurial dynamism, legislative framework, and innovation systems. The development of an innovative capacity becomes one of the main needs in view of a long-term capacity to achieve economic and social development. The aim of this paper is to understand how innovation is managed in these contexts and to suggest how policies can improve the innovation process, making it more effective in promoting economic development. The building up of the national system of innovation in each MPC should be the first step. The integration of the national systems of innovation into a “Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Space” appears as a way to reinforce the process. There is a need to identify the key issues related to the improvement of local industrial sectors, their scientific and technological capabilities and the institutional set-up that will be the building blocks of the Euro-Mediterranean Innovation Space (EMIS).

Keywords: Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, Science and Tecnology, Innovation