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This paper attempts to identify the suitability of centrally designed innovation-related regional actions, examining the case of regions that started innovative activities from a low development level. Using the case of two Greek regions, the paper analyses the legacy left to the regional systems by a series of regional innovation programmes implemented during the 1990s and 2000s, whose main priorities were designed centrally without any regional consultation. The findings suggest that these programmes often provide the means for generating the first steps towards the creation of a Regional Innovation System; however often they create a dependency on publicly funded programmes.

The effective management of industry/university research linkages has always been a challenge — for both partners. Moreover, a greater understanding is required for the role that these partners can play in developing strong linkages between them, particularly through mechanisms such as liaison offices and technology parks. This paper will examine the role of such mechanisms for the case of Greece. Basing on interviews with individuals in technology transfer process between academia and industry, it will examine the role and function of Academic Liaison Offices and Technology Transfer Units. Moreover, the development of effective strategies which is a matter for serious concern will be proposed in order to bridge the gap between them. Finally, the addressed model, such as a combined bridge linking both partners is to promote the liaison between the two and to overcome the traditional university structures which have not been designed for technology transfer purposes but for research and education only.

Innovation plays an important role in the process of regional development and even more in an Industrial and Manufacturing environment. This paper analyses the process of innovation and the models that proposed in the past to explain that process. Furthermore describes the development of a simple new model of the innovation process, which could become the base of the analysis of Innovation Management Techniques (IMTs), techniques which are a necessity to the manager of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as well asLarge Companies in order to sustain the innovative edge of their business.

Acceleration programs can have an effect on business advancement prospects by offering access to mentors and information, capacity building, connections and networks with corporates and startups, all of which contribute to increasing the chances of entrepreneurial success. This study explores the effectiveness of an acceleration program, implemented in the cross-border region of Greece–Albania, where there are limited similar business support initiatives. The survey conducted among participants in the acceleration program aimed at identifying key elements that can contribute to shaping entrepreneurial potential in the cross-border region offering preliminary insight to policy makers in designing relevant business support measures. There is common consensus among both cross-border populations that the acceleration program has helped them develop their business ideas. The study reveals the different types of business weaknesses the acceleration program helped to address in the two populations and key criteria perceived to be contributing to business development. However, acceleration programs effectiveness is affected not only by criteria internal to business and the markets but also by the entrepreneurial ecosystem conditions pertaining. In this respect, business acceleration program designs should be tailored to address particularities in the entrepreneurial environment so as to be effective and contribute to business growth.

The unprecedented development of the information and communication technologies sector has accelerated the spectacular changes in societies and employment trends worldwide. The adoption of ICTs in innovation systems has been a key factor in the overall competitiveness of economic regions and national economies. This paper studies the impact of ICT on regional development. To do so, a modelling approach is used to develop a framework-guidance tool that can formulate what-if scenarios of smart technology enhancement in a regional innovation system. The model is applied in two Greek regions with different development backgrounds, and the findings emphasise the importance of smart technologies in regional development in both cases.