Resumen: La innovación tecnológica y un cambio en la mentalidad de los productores argentinos para adoptar nuevos productos que favorezcan el crecimiento de la empresa agropecuaria están llevando a una reconversión del espacio rural. Este trabajo avanza en el estudio de los procesos innovativos, capacidades e interacciones relacionados con la actividad olivícola en general y con el oleoturismo en particular, en la región del Sudoeste bonaerense, Argentina. El objetivo principal es analizar la situación del oleoturismo e identificar posibles lineamientos para su desarrollo. Este trabajo corresponde a un estudio de caso ya que se realiza una investigación de las acciones desarrolladas por una unidad de análisis. Se realiza una investigación de tipo descriptivo-explicativo con el propósito de caracterizar el oleoturismo y lograr la comprensión del fenómeno en la zona. Se caracteriza socio-económicamente el área de estudio y sus posibilidades para el desarrollo olivícola. Se plantean las ventajas del turismo como dinamizador del desarrollo rural analizando especialmente la nueva modalidad de oleoturismo. Por último se analizan los casos incipientes de oleoturismo en el área de estudio y se presentan las reflexiones preliminares del trabajo.

Purpose This paper aims to analyse the influence of cooperation on the degree of novelty of technological innovations introduced by industrial firms in Argentina. This influence is analysed from three perspectives: cooperation by partner type [business partners or scientific and technological centres (S&T) partners]; cooperation by number of partner types, from no cooperation to cooperation with two partner types; and cooperation by goals pursued by firms. Design/methodology/approach The data come from one of the last national innovation surveys conducted in Argentina. The study controls for endogeneity, using instrumental variable procedures within the conditional mixed-process (CMP) framework. Findings The main result is the influence of cooperation with universities and S&T centres on the introduction of more novel innovations, which was found both in estimations with and without endogeneity correction. This influence was verified for more complex goals (R&D, technology transfer and industrial design and engineering) as well as for less complex ones (tests and trials, human resources training, quality management and certification). Business cooperation seems to impact only on a lower degree of novelty for more complex goals. The increase in the number of partners that the firm cooperates with, from no cooperation to joint cooperation with two partner types, influences more novel innovations. Research limitations/implications Limitations and proposals for future research are discussed at the end of the study. Practical implications The results of this study contrast with the high propensity to cooperate with business partners shown by firms in Argentina and other Latin American countries. Therefore, this paper may help formulate more effective policies to promote cooperation conducive to firm innovation performance. Limitations and proposals for future research are discussed at the end of the study. Originality/value Although there is empirical evidence on this topic for developed countries, firm-level studies on cooperation and degree of novelty are scarce for Latin America. In addition, this paper analyses cooperation not only by type of partner but also by type of goal. This study attempted to control for endogeneity by using instrumental variables within the CMP framework.

In this paper we offer a critical reflection of the ideas that shape public actions to support small and medium rural farming producers, as well as the development and sustainability of their populations. We start from recognising the structural limits of these territories and discuss the current policies; in particular we address the proposal of new guidelines based on the Desarrollo Territorial Rural (Rural Territorial Development). We propose an analytical reading to set a series of challenges for the possibilities and policies towards rural development in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Introducción al análisis económico del derecho

Purpose This study aims to reflect on the interactions that result from the use of the seacoast in a small touristic town in Argentina. Agents in conflict are both beach users: on the one hand, tourists that enjoy sunbathing and, on the other hand, the artisanal fishermen who use the seacoast as a space for the circulation of tractors and boats and commercialization of their production in informal conditions. The case aimed to provide evidence on social innovation as a mobilizer of the creativity of citizens, the organizations of the third sector and public and private actors for the development of new solutions and better use of common resources. Design/methodology/approach This paper followed the methodology of the centre for research on social innovations (as per its initials in French) as proposed by Tardif and Harrisson (2005). The fieldwork was carried out with interviews to the stakeholders, visits of recognition and direct participation in the territory. Findings The paper provides empirical insights about how an overarching project arises from agreements between stakeholders and a public policy that promotes it. Governance mechanisms to promote sustainable fisheries, to create cooperative management methods and to support alternative livelihood programmes are essential for preventing conflicts and mitigating their impacts on fishing communities. Originality/value The value of this paper is to show how social innovation can emerge from civil society initiatives and how the state can create conditions to favour it, participating and cooperating in a process of co-construction.