Fostering the Western Territory of Paraná State in Brazil: the ITAIPU/PTI innovation ecosystem strategy

This paper introduces the current ITAIPU/PTI strategy to conduct sustainable development involving 64 organizations in 54 cities. It concerns one possible understanding of the strategy issued from a case study methodology conducted during the last quarter of 2017. The strategy assumes that a regional innovation ecosystem is a competitiveness asset in the knowledge-based economy, fully or partially integrated within urban spaces, and capable of fostering regional and socioeconomic development. The strategy is constituted of five interrelated components: i) a strong commitment with sustainable development, ii) a common view for innovation ecosystems in Brazil, iii) a ground strategic level that focuses on the present needs of the region, iv) an upper strategic level, which aims to go beyond the current needs and focuses on new developments influenced by innovation capabilities, and v) technological platforms. The strategy intends to preserve the high commitment with the SDG, with special attention to Partnerships, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Life and Land goals.