PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the dynamics of the triple helix model in less favoured regions, examining the role of three spheres: universities, firms, and government. The paper identifies profiles of behavior in terms of triple helix model performance from the firm's perspective and recognizes key factors for successful innovation dynamics in a less favored region of Portugal.Design/methodology/approachA brief bibliographic revision regarding development of the triple helix model in the innovation process is followed by a description of the role of the helixes and the presentation of a model, after which the hypotheses are defined for testing. The methodology consists of a survey involving companies in a less favored region of Portugal and the application of multivariate statistical analysis “k‐means clusters” to detect behavioral patterns in terms of performance and dynamics of the triple helix model from the firm's viewpoint. In order to verify the hypotheses, tests of multiple average differences are used to assess the unique characteristics of each cluster and the independent test of Chi‐square.FindingsThe results point to the existence of a positive relationship between the dynamics of the triple helix model in terms of different types and objectives to innovate, namely, in regards to introducing new products as well as ecological innovation and their efforts to improve communications relative to the obstacles to innovate – explicitly, the lack of information and geographical location, the companies' innovation performance, and the level of cooperation and interaction with the university producing benefits for them in obtaining additional financial resources and prestige for the researcher, as well as by obtaining information for the education process.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to a greater theoretical understanding of the variables influencing implementation of the triple helix model in less favoured regions. It reveals conditions associated with a more active and proactive stance and consequently better innovation dynamics and regional attractiveness.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show the relevance of territorial innovation systems approach for non-central regions’ development strategies. The research made allowed to identify actions of collective efficiency to strengthen endogenous capacity for regional innovation, and also to detect some institutional weaknesses that inhibit the innovation dynamics in a particular rural region (Tagus Valley). Design/methodology/approach – The research followed an interpretive case study, of explanatory type. Data collecting method comprised semi-structured face-to-face interviews with business agents and local government members, direct observation of innovation activities and documentary analysis. Statistical methods to analyse the firms’ innovation behaviour, as well as owners and managers’ perceptions, were also used in order to improve the trustworthiness of the research. Findings – The results show that innovation is positively associated to a diverse set of institutional factors that shape a territorially embedded innovation system, in which the firms’ innovation activity is chiefly based on localized learning processes. Moreover, a path of smart and creative diversification area is detected, but there are substantial differences between firms belonging to agro-food supply chain. While food industries and wineries show very interesting levels of investment in innovation activities and external knowledge synergies, farmers/producers depend greatly from producers’ organizations. Research limitations/implications – Given the absence of generalizability and some speculative argumentation, further research needs to be done, especially about the critical role of higher education institutions to promote innovation. Practical implications – The paper provides empirical insights about the role of actors belonging to the governance layer inherent to the territorial innovation system in discussion. Originality/value – The paper fulfils an identified need to systematize institutional factors able to affect non-central regions innovation.

The objective of this study is to analyze Portugal clusters recognized by the Operational Programme Competitiveness Factors within the scope of the National Strategic Reference Framework 2007-2013. It is intended through the study of indicators of geographical concentration measures, as well as the application of a questionnaire to examine whether the eight recognized clusters foreshadow and work with the necessary characteristics for the cluster classification. It is concluded that two clusters are assumed as cluster and two clusters have interaction links/more meaningful cooperation. Moreover, results show that only one cluster is functioning at its fullest while cluster.

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Este trabalho de pesquisa incide sobre novas abordagens e conhecimentos relativos aos processos de empreendedorismo e inovação que podem ocorrer em regiões de fronteira. Os principais resultados alcançados provêm de um estudo exploratório com as empresas das regiões de fronteira da Beira Interior Norte e Província de Salamanca, localizadas respetivamente na fronteira de Portugal e Espanha. Apesar das condições desfavoráveis desta região de fronteira, em face da sua evolução demográfica e desarticulação económica verificada nas últimas três décadas, detetam- se fatores que influenciam o desempenho empreendedor das empresas desta região. Assim, esta pesquisa mostra como o ambiente empresarial pode ser incentivado e renovado nas regiões de fronteira periféricas, como a região em estudo, através do desenvolvimento de redes locais, da intensificação da internacionalização e do reforço das infraestruturas locais relacionadas com as indústrias regionais e locais. Consequentemente, esta pesquisa oferece um caso pioneiro baseado num tipo de empreendedorismo que, em essência, é diferente do verificado em regiões centrais, isto é, de dinâmicas positivas de desenvolvimento e de forte urbanidade. Os resultados sugerem que os fatores considerados importantes para influenciar o desempenho inovador e empreendedor das regiões de fronteira prendem-se com a tipologia da empresa em setores predominantemente enraizados na região, com os recursos e o processo de criação facilitado por menor burocracia, com o perfil do empresário, com a internacionalização do mercado-alvo e com os canais de divulgação e comercialização adotados.