MAPPING AN INNOVATION SYSTEM: THE CASE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL

This article aims to develop strategies to address the challenges and leverage the opportunities presented by the characteristics of the southern region, generating an information base that enables more precise identification of the opportunities and strengths of this ecosystem. This work was developed and implemented by the INOVA RS Program, which aims to position Rio Grande do Sul on the global innovation map. The region consists of 22 municipalities, including the city of Camaquã, in the southern region of the INOVA RS Program, according to the territorial coverage of the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (ERIs) of Rio Grande do Sul (Portaria SICT nº 01/2020). To achieve this, descriptive research of qualitative and quantitative nature was conducted, with questionnaires distributed using the "Google Forms" tool to collect responses and tabulate the results. Based on the responses, it was possible to analyze five key dimensions, namely: talent and knowledge, financial capital, infrastructure for innovation, institutions and legislation, and interaction and quality of life. In the areas that represent the future of the region, the identified sectors include agribusiness, health, maritime economy, renewable energies, and tourism. This study, therefore, contributes to understanding the innovation ecosystem of the southern region, and its drivers can be applied to other innovation ecosystems.