The objective of this work is to explore the context in which the Instituto Euvaldo Lodi has induced University-Enterprise relations within the local Science and Technology System in Bahia, Brazil, between 1996 and 1998. In order to do so, the authors analyses a few relevant aspects of the Brazilian Innovation System and its Bahia sub-system. Such analysis takes into account three basic points of view: that of the productive sector (i.e., how the intra-firm work is organized and how inter-firm exchanges affect the system), that of the State (financial support and public policies) and that of the research and higher education institutions. Against this background, the authors describes the IEL programs for bridging university knowl-edge and entrepreneurial practice in Bahia, aiming at creating better conditions for technological innovation. Among the main conclusions of this dissertation is the realization that, in spite of the limited potential of innovation in technologically fragmented environments, the bridging work of agents such as IEL may promote specific interactions between enterprises and universities, creating an environment in which information exchange, cooperative projects and consulting activities may be stimulated.
university-enterprise relationship; local innovation systems; science and technology policy; IEL
