Regional innovation ecosystem in biotechnology: a case study of Campinas metropolitan region

Abstract

Bioeconomy is currently a central point among the nations' strategic priorities, as the proposal of an economic transition to a more sustainable approach becomes urgent while pressure on environmental limitations rapidly increases worldwide. In this scenario, biotechnology plays a crucial role: the knowledge built in this biologic field of study allows the development of new products, production methods and services that can potentially catalyze a much-needed transformation of consumption habits in the direction of sustainability. From a socioeconomic point of view, when a region seeks to promote biotechnology, it is also ensuring competitiveness, employment and a fitting place in the global quest against environmental issues. In that sense, the state of Baden-Württemberg in Germany holds one the world's most competitive Regional Innovation Ecosystems in Biotechnology. The region concentrates many of the ideal elements for the development of the present research, that aims to assess central aspects that support the success of a regional innovation ecosystem in biotechnology, such as: the level of collaboration within shared projects, the intensity of knowledge exchange, the role of a cluster manager in handling the ecosystem, as well as all the experience that can provide a better understanding of this structure's trajectory, limitations and challenges. To achieve this objective, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with relevant actors of biotechnology in Baden-Württemberg. The results will support the creation of a graph using network analysis methodology, which will allow a systemic view of the analyzed structure, under in-depth qualitative parameters. (AU)