The triple helix model as a motor for the creative use of telematics

This paper opposes the view which points to the declining importance of nation states and the elimination of space and territory as an effect of the increased trends towards globalisation. The argument has its foundations in the evolutionary approach of economic development and argues that the importance of the national level grows within a globalised world which is becoming increasingly complex, disorganised and, simultaneously, monotonous. Monotony can be reduced through the emergence of national diversity based on specific development paths of spatially defined regional economic systems, in which creativeness and selective capacity generate innovation and replication processes. National and regional productive systems must be organised according to a triple helix model of institutional networking. This model can be applied to the particular case of developing economies based on traditional and mature sectors. These economies can start a catching up process by becoming creative users of technology and advanced users of telematics. The theoretical framework is used to discuss the innovative capacity of the Portuguese economy and to point out some solutions to overcome barriers to innovation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.