Towards an understanding of social systems of innovation: problems, conditions and perspectives

Abstract

This article starts by analyzing the evolution process of the State's role concerning public policies on research and innovation. It raises the question of the "legibility" of the social systems of innovation and their connection with the current tendency of the State to play a coordinating and regulating role on the actors of such system. It further describes the aspects involved in this new role and identifies the existing conditions for its strategic performance, highiighting the importance of available knowledge and accumulated experience. Lastly, the principies and orientations of a future research and studies program are assessed.