Regional structures of support and assistance for creation, technological and international development of SMEs. The case of Rhône Alpes region, France.

International audienceThe tendency of economic globalization has a strong impact on French economic structures. This tendency pointed out the need of especially SME's to adapt to the new context by involving themselves in the process of technological improvement and internationalisation. The research for a higher level for ability to face stronger competitiveness requires innovation capabilities and access to new markets. Historically, French economic policy used to be strongly influenced by the orientation of the national government. The current tendency shows that support structures for the promotion of innovation and internationalisation are more and more established on a regional level. The origins of theses initiatives may be located both on the regional administration and the level of private networks. RAR is one of the leaders in France as far as this kind of network activity is concerned. The data of the paper show how in both fields mentioned above, ERAI and PRESENCE networks provide full scale competencies and links with potential partners to enterprises which develop projects in their respective fields of competences. In that sense, the article gives an image of the current situation in RAR and will be the base of further research to evaluate the processes of networking in a comparative approach with different other regions in Europe