The Role of Open Knowledge in Regional Development � Case Study (Track 1, Session 8)
Author(s) :
Claudio Inguaggiato (CSP - Innovazione nelle ICT, Italy)
Susanna Longo (CSP - Innovazione nelle ICT, Italy)
Michela Garbarini (CSP - Innovazione nelle ICT, Italy)
Abstract : The paper presents the regional experience of CSP - Innovazione nelle ICT (www.csp.it), a local development agency in the field of Information Society. CSP, as catalyst for innovation in Piedmont region (north-west of Italy), has been working in line with the regional strategy for the development of a knowledge-based economy. CSP is currently running a Structural Fund Project (DIADI 2000) focusing on technology transfer towards SMEs. Looking at state-of-art initiatives such as the R&D EU DBE projects, CSP aims at introducing the business ecosystem pattern in Piedmont. The paper outlines the key elements of the regional development strategy and describes CSP model and results. Three interconnected domains are addressed: culture, business models and technology. According to CSP experience, the open knowledge paradigm is a possible approach to increase local competitiveness, favouring the widespread of competences and tools, as well as the rise of new business opportunities. The project has so far disseminated some key concepts towards SMEs � such as a focus on highly customised services (rather than on software), reassurance that the software elements needed are widely available (importance of OS components), and that there are merits in reinforcing the dynamics of networked businesses and ecosystems. Furthermore, the project saw the implementation of a software framework, released following the Open Source paradigm in order to promote its use in SMEs business networks: the project co-financed some Pilot Projects in order to stimulate local SMEs to implement new knowledge-intensive services. According to CSP vision, the open knowledge paradigm - as to say a model of production based on knowledge openness and sharing - represents one of the main challenges for the local entrepreneurial system in the near future.

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