INOTEC-Empresa Plan: The Technological Innovation Plan for Enterprises in the Autonomous Region of Azores

摘要

The nine Azores islands, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America, offer many areas of natural beauty. This autonomous region of Portugal is often described as the Region of Magic Nature, unique in Europe. The Region's commitment to preserve and maintain the environment is evident from the presence of dozens of nature reserves and areas of protected landscape, parks and forests. It is within this framework that the INOTEC-Empresa - the Technological Innovation Plan Enterprises in for the Autonomous Region of the Azores (RAA) was developed in 2006-2007, at the request of the Regional Government, with the main aim of promoting innovation within small and medium enterprises. The methodological approach used in the development of the, INOTEC - Empresa included a document review, participation of the various actors through interviews, a collection of statements from RAA - Regiao Autonoma dos Acores entrepreneurs, academic, political leaders and other key players, together with an analysis of their views and a survey of the innovation dynamics of the most relevant Azorean enterprises. This paper focuses on the Programmes for Qualification of Human Resources and the Development of Scientific and Technological Capacities for Innovation, within INOTEC -Empresa. Some socio-economic data and the indicators selected to assess and benchmark the implementation of the Plan will also be discussed.