One policy fits all? Regional innovation policy in Jalisco

Abstract

This paper explores the interactions of regional actors engaging in innovation policy. By comparing the software/electronics industry with the shoe industry, we show that the hightech sectors engaged in local innovation policy, whereas more traditional industries have been reluctant to open up to innovation. We argue that actors had different opportunities for policy engagement or made different use of these opportunities due to the framing of innovation policy as high-tech policy, as well as to the remaining structure of corporatism. However sustainable growth can only be achieved by tailoring innovation policies to include all sectors, rather than focusing on high-tech innovation. The article is based on official statistics in addition to our own qualitative interviews with regional experts.