Research and technology organizations' mobilizers of the regional environment Competitive strategies

Abstract

[EN] Purpose ¿ The purpose of this paper is to propose a contingent model that facilitates knowledge of the strategies followed by the research technology organizations (RTOs) of Valencia and the Basque Country, Spain, to adapt to the turbulence of their environment. Design/methodology/approach ¿ Theresearch includes context,organizational and resultsvariablesand identifiessome barriersthattheRTOsencounterincollaboratingwithSMEs andalsothe bestpractices they follow to develop competitive advantages. The methodology used consisted of applying the proposed model tothe27RTOsofbothautonomousregions;afactoranalysiswasthenperformedtodeterminewhetherthere exist groups of related (correlated) variables; finally, the authorsproceeded to carry out a hierarchical cluster analysis to observe how the 27 RTOs are distributed according to their ability to adapt and respond to environmental turbulence. Findings ¿ The technological policy must consider the characteristics of each region to propose more efficient and equitable mechanisms that allow the RTOs to face new challenges. Originality/value ¿ This study proposes a theoretical model suitable for RTOs to respond to environmental changes,tothecurrenteconomyglobalizationandtocopewithnewchallenges.ThisproposalmeansthatRTOs must manage an appropriate combination of key factors, including the development of more proactive innovation strategies, an organic organizational structure to relate better with other innovation agents and universities,whichhelpthemtoworkmoreefficientlywithSMEsandtoobtainahigherinnovativeperformance.