The article reviews the concept of Workplace Innovation Programmes as public policy tools supported by research. Pursuing a socio-political perspective the text explores programme-level issues. To do this, conceptual definitions are reviewed and the programme´s main features, discussed using an analytical model designed by previous researchers. In this sense, programmes underpinned by research as a tool for public policies are presented as mechanisms to link different levels and actors in matters related to productivity and the quality of working life. The article reviews different approaches and strategies for policymaking, aiming at better understand how programmes operate. For this purpose previous European experiences are used. The rationale of this article must be found in a explorative and learning-oriented context to better design and implement programme-based public policies and the use of action-research for policy learning. This is of particular interest in the local context of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain) where this kind of approach has become of relevance in the policymaking.

The paper explores alternative learning frameworks addressing the adaptation of socio-economic institutions to emerging technological paradigms. Based on workplace innovation and development programmes, an exploratory model is presented considering multi-level governance issues. The framework can contribute to better policy implementation of smart specialisation strategies, considering workplace innovation programmes as institutional entrepreneurs. In this sense the framework is applied, in a constructivist way, to regional, sub-regional and organisational institutional contexts.

The importance of Workplace Innovation to improve competitiveness and employability strategies in the Basque Country has been a key ingredient of policy discussions in this region. This paper is focused on the analysis of the context and current state of workplace innovation and productivity skills in the province of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country-Spain).The action-research study was conducted in 2015 (different economic sectors and organizations of the area) with the funding and support of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa (Department for Economic Promotion) and the European Social Fund co-financing. The project was included as a specific case study of the workforce and workplace conditions of territorial organisations through the identification of the drivers and barriers of workplace innovation practices in 496 SME’s.The aim of this investigation is to build a new model of economic and social development that looks to understand the diverse and complex workplace environment of an important part of the Basque Country’s work organisations and companies.The evaluation of their practical learning activities, management as intervention, work organization, and worker participation, and their influence in the employment skills of their workers, is a crucial part of this research.This article takes a close look to these organizations, through a detailed analysis of their main changing processes in their workforce skills, their organizational knowledge and their economic and competitive performance.

By using the concept of regional entrepreneurial ecosystems, the article analyses the case of the Basque Country (Spain). Specifically, the paper focuses on the analysis of two ecosystems: machine tool and smart mobility. While the former serves as a reference of a consolidated ecosystem, the latter represents an incipient and emerging activity in the region. Based on qualitative methodologies and stakeholder’s participation it presents a description of each of the ecosystems described focusing on socio-economic aspects in a context of digital transformation. In addition, the article includes some policy implications and conclusions that can contribute to ecosystem development. In particular, the ability to extract knowledge that can be transferred from one ecosystem to another.

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