Polytechnic Education Institutions in Portugal as Regional Innovation Ecosystems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25746/ruiips.v11.i1.33326Keywords:
regional innovation, innovation ecosystems, hubs, polytechnicsAbstract
Polytechnic education institutions in Portugal have played a crucial role in regional development, specifically through the education and habilitation of highly qualified professionals, managers and senior technicians and the promotion of regional innovation. Based on this premise, using concrete case studies, this article systematizes, based on the reality of the Central Region, the key role of polytechnic educational institutions as regional innovation ecosystems, focusing on their contributions to economic, social, and technological development of the regions where they are located. Joint initiatives adopted by polytechnic institutions to encourage innovation networks stand out, in close connection with the business sector and the social economy, through co-creation and knowledge transfer. This regional innovation strategy is based on a collaborative logic in terms of sharing research resources focused on practice, as well as the adoption of new teaching models supported by digital platforms that foster a culture of entrepreneurship. Ultimately, by acting as hubs for regional innovation ecosystems, polytechnic institutes enrich their mission and promote the region's visibility at national and international levels, attracting investment from abroad and impacting sustainable regional development.
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