PROMOTING OPEN INNOVATION IN THE EUSALP MACRO-REGION: EXPERIENCES FROM THE ALPINE REGIONS

Open Innovation model is used to encompass the complexity of factors that influence innovation at regional, national and international level. Several factors influence open innovation dynamics: companies, government and governance, education and research system, research intermediaries and wider framework conditions (e.g. financing, legal, regulations, standards, internal demand and cultural framework). Every element of the system needs to work at least at an acceptable quality and efficiency, and the interlinkages between them need to function well. Business enterprises are principal actors in the system, and the articulation of effective demand is central to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation. 

The capacity of the macro-region to deliver in knowledge-intensive activities will depend on the flow of knowledge and ideas, and from a supportive framework enabling the key players to act in global value chains where high-value activities emerge.

The focus will be on creating the conditions for mutual learning and for the development of Smart Specialisation Strategies at the transnational level. Open Innovation platforms and other experiences can be useful tools within the entire research and innovation ecosystem.