Characterisation and assessment of the technological innovation network of the Valparaíso Region in Chile

The Valparaiso Region has a diversified economic base, however, nationwide, its technological capability ranks only in the average range. No specific information about the structure of its innovation system exists; therefore, the objectives of this study were the identification of the firms and organisations with innovative capabilities in the region, the mapping of the technological innovation network, and its analysis. By means of a survey completed by firms' managers, a list of their innovation-based relationships was obtained, allowing the characterisation of the existing innovation network. What emerged is a network with two local universities and a Chilean Government agency as the main orchestrators of the innovative effort. Using factor analysis it was found that regionally innovation is fostered by the institutional and industrial environment, complemented by customers' needs and local universities. As the region is next to the country's capital city, this closeness diminishes the innovative capabilities of regional firms.