Capacidad de innovación y desarrollo tecnológico de las empresas industriales andaluzas: una identificación de los condicionantes de la innovación

Abstract

Adopting the analytical framework of systems of innovation, the general objective of this Thesis is to identify those factors, the external and internal conditioners, that may either encourage or restrict companies in Andalusia in undertaking innovative activities.After first reviewing the theoretical framework supporting this Thesis, the measures implemented in the public sector in respect of research and innovation will be analysed, given the importance acquired by the political, regulatory and institutional situation within which these activities in pursuit of technological excellence are carried out. Then an analysis will be made of the situation of the industrial companies in Andalusia, taking these to be the principal component of the innovation system, from the perspective of their R&D activities and innovation.This will permit, on the one hand, the identification of the external factors conditioning the innovative capacities of the region, grouping these conditioners under political-institutional, structural and locational headings. Meeting this objective will, in turn, involve the detailed analysis of the political and institutional situation in Andalusia. Similarly, the structural conditioners will be identified, and the strengths and, particularly, the weaknesses of these factors will be assessed. Lastly, it is also essential to analyse the environment in which the company carries out its activity. In addition, studies will be undertaken to identify the external and internal factors or conditioners, and their interrelationships, that promote the existence of an attitude favourable towards innovation, which becomes particularly relevant in the peripheral and/or less developed regions. The internal factors are associated with the internal capacities of the company for adopting and sustaining innovative attitudes. The external factors are linked to the benefits derived from a company location that is favourable for development of the possibilities and opportunities for innovation by the company. Lastly, it is proposed to analyse a series of relationships and interactions between both types of external and internal factors that will measure the abilities of companies to take full advantage of the locational opportunities offered them by a favourable environment.