Emerging forms of cross-sector collaboration in the Spanish innovation system

Abstract

The Spanish innovation system has grown since the 1980s following a predominantly supply-side model where R&D capacities have concentrated in universities and public research organizations. Since then efforts have been made to stimulate cross-sector linkages. These have relied on university-industry projects, various forms of interface organizations, technology centres and programmes to encourage mobility. However, initiatives have encountered some significant drawbacks. Due to a lack of progress, a range of centres and other collaborative arrangements have emerged since 2000 to try to foster greater collaboration and firm based innovation. The process of policy change and their institutional structure are examined in the context of current and potential impact on the national innovation system.