Abstract

NATARIO, Maria Manuela; BRAGA, Ascensão Martins  and  FERNANDES, Gonçalo Poeta. Determinants of entrepreneurial and innovation performance in cross-border regions. Innovar [online]. 2018, vol.28, n.70, pp.39-54. ISSN 0121-5051.  https://doi.org/10.15446/innovar.v28n70.74445.

This paper addresses new approaches and knowledge about entrepreneurial and innovation processes in cross-border regions. Results derive from an exploratory study with companies from the regions of Beira Interior Norte and the Province of Salamanca, located on the border of Portugal and Spain, respectively. Despite the adverse conditions of this region, given its demographic evolution and economic disarticulation during the last three decades, factors influencing the entrepreneurial performance of companies in the region are identified. Therefore, this research shows how the business scenario can be boosted and renewed in peripheral border regions such as the studied through the development of local networks, the intensification of internationalization and the reinforcement of the local infrastructure related with regional and local industries. Consequently, this work presents a pioneering case based on a type of entrepreneurship that is essentially different from that of central regions, that is, of positive dynamics for development and strong urbanity. Results suggest that key factors for influencing the entrepreneurial and innovation performance of border regions are associated with the type of company for sectors deeply rooted in the region, the resources and the creation process facilitated by less bureaucracy, the profile of the entrepreneur, the internationalization of the target market, and the communication and marketing channels adopted.

Keywords : Entrepreneurship; innovation; renewal; cross-border regions.

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