Os principais parques científicos e tecnológicos gaúchos: estrutura e características

In recent years, the development of science and/or technology parks has been one of the most used tools, even if it is controversial, of innovation policy in the world. This kind of experience can promote some fundamental elements for the innovation processes: the dynamics of learning and interaction and the use of local resources. In this context, this article aims to study the three main science and technology parks in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) — Tecnopuc, Tecnosinos e Valetec —, looking at the parks’ firms. So, we analyse firms’ aspects such as areas of expertise, activities of cooperation for innovation, and the use of external financial resources. The results indicate the relative success of these parks in fostering innovation in the territory of Rio Grande do Sul