Um estudo comparativo entre quatro regiões do mediterrâneo ocidental:as estruturas de interface no Algarve, na Andaluzia, na Sicília e na Úmbria

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have a very important role in European economies, particularly in Mediterranean countries. They are important for job creation, for economic growth and development and for bringing innovations to market. This aspect of technological innovation and the introduction of innovation in the markets is particularly relevant in today’s’ economies. With the intent of studying the intermediate structures that contribute to the creation of new companies and to research and development, a study was made about four Mediterranean regions: Algarve, Andalucía, Sicilia and Umbria. The four regions are compared in terms of the existence of these intermediate structures, like business incubators, technological parks and venture capital companies. Comparisons are also made in what concerns the economical activities in all regions and the level of innovativeness these regions have registered in the last years. The strategic intentions of the four regions are also compared, in what concerns the industries they want to see developed. Conclusions are drawn, based on the objectives declared in the questionnaires and on the comparison between the four regions. This communication is based on an INTERREG III project, named Technopolis, supported by the EU, through the MEDOCC line.