Innovation processes in mature clusters of SMEs. A proposal for assessment indicators

Abstract

This paper deals with problems of evaluating policies to support private innovation processes in mature clusters of economically lagging regions. Considering the specificities of innovation processes in regional clusters, where SMEs primarily are involved, shortcomings of existing evaluation schemes and indicators are discussed. Based on a case study for the region of Valencia, methodologies and indicators overcoming these theoretical and empirical deficits are presented and investigated.