Knowledge-based urban development and urban innovation ecosystems: an analysis in four Brazilian cities

The need to foster public policies and strategies to promote the inclusion of cities and regions in the knowledge economy became permanent. This work specifically explores the relationship between Knowledge Based Urban Development (KBUD) and Innovation Ecosystems (IE). A conceptual model, based on triangulation methods, is proposed and applied in four Brazilian ecosystems. We found that: (i) There are major conceptual similarities between KBUD and IE; (ii) KBUD and IE are sociotechnical events that occur in urban areas, revealing relationships that are intrinsic for the KBUD, and are desirable and not mandatory for the IE; (iii) there is convergence of interests and activities issued from KBUD and IE; and (iv) KBUD development perspectives can positively influence the results and impacts pursued by IE. Recommendations emerge from the combination of these findings, in order to obtain more integrated planning and thus encourage the emergence of IE.