High Technology, Productivity and Networks: A Systemic Approach to SME Development

Foreword; M.D.Parrilli PART I: INTRODUCTION Hi-tech Development, Productivity Increase and Networking: A Systemic Approach to the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises; M.D.Parrilli PART II: HI-TECH PROMOTION The Regional Innovation System in Emilia-Romagna, Italy; L.Ramaciotti Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Hi-Technology Industries: The Experience of the Biotech Industry in the US; S.Schweitzer& M.Di Tommaso The Start-up Process of Knowledge-based Firms in Latin America; H.Kantis& P.Angelelli PART III: PRODUCTIVITY INCREASES Business Support Services: A Conceptual Framework and some Interesting Practices; N.Bellini Entrepreneurship, Small Firms and Self-Employment; D.Audretsch, M.Callejon& M.J.Aranguren Competitiveness based on Low Production Costs or on High Specialisation and Productivity: The Case of Costa Rica; J.Aguilar& M.Elizondo PART IV: NETWORKING Trust and Social Capital in Glo-Cal Networks; L.De Propis Local and Global Linkages of Small and Medium Enterprises in Local Production Systems in Brazil; W.Suzigan, R.Garcia& J.Furtado Industrial Cluster Trajectories and Opportunities for Endogenous Upgrading in Developing Countries; P.Knorringa A Sectoral Approach to Global Value Chain and Cluster Development in Latin America; C.Pietrobelli& R.Rabellotti PART V: CONCLUSIONS Conclusions; P.Bianchi