WHAT SHOULD BE THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN INNOVATION PROJECTS? SOME PROPOSALS FROM THE SPIN PROJECT IN BRAZIL.

This article describes an strategy for local sustaimble development based on the establishment of a State System of Innovation (called SPIN), at the State of Pernambuco in the Northeast Region of Brazil. The conceptual underpinnings of this system consider that, to be competitive in the global economy, any local community must be capable of creating world class businesses and enterprises. Therefore, SPIN has the goal of structuring the conditions for the flourishing of a world class knowledge based economy. The conceptual model, the elements of a State development policy and the operating agents of this Innovahon System are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]