The role of Science and Technology infrastructures on the development strategies of low density territories the case of Brigantia EcoPark

Brigantia EcoPark is a Science & Technology (S&T) Park located in the city of Bragança, in the Northeast of Portugal (Trás-os-Montes region). Due to its location, Bragança faces the risks and challenges of a low-density territory. In this context, Brigantia EcoPark represents a successful example of a strategic approach towards urban development of low-density territories. It is the result of a long-term process, performed at both local and regional level, which resulted in the development of a quadruple helix innovation ecosystem, embedded in a very consistent conceptual design and in line with the new strategic guidelines for integrated development set out at the European level for the next seven years. The focus of Brigantia EcoPark is also illustrative of the abovementioned alignment and also represents a practical example of how to operate the concept of smart specialization on the ground.