CONNECTING THE MEDITERRANEAN SYSTEM OF INNOVATION: A FUNCTIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Purpose - This paper provides the first qualitative exploratory overview of the Mediterranean System of Innovation (MSI) and presents the results of an interactive work with 25 different innovation delegates from northern and southern Mediterranean countries. The study comes at the turning point where the Union for the Mediterranean is designing the innovation policies and debating the mechanisms to boost the central activities. Design / Methodology / Approach - This research applies the literature of National Systems of Innovation, applying the functions perspective, to study the means Mediterranean countries use to advance its innovation capacity. In collaboration with IEMed, this research invited delegates from northern and southern Mediterranean countries, program directors and European Commission representatives to present the activities in their countries. Findings- The data shed light on the most relevant enabling and blocking mechanisms for innovation as well as showed that R&D support is slightly changing to services and business models. Finally, it highlighted the relevance of having a defined innovation strategy necessary for increasing the existing capabilities. Originality / value - The value of this research represents the use of the system of innovation functions perspective to explore the Mediterranean region. Further research could focus on exploring the differences between the northern and southern Mediterranean countries.