Abstract

This paper explores the strategic role of intermediary bodies within the regional innovation ecosystem of Abruzzo, using Innovation Systems Theory, particularly the Regional Innovation Systems (RIS) framework, as its main interpretative lens. Intermediaries are conceptualized as boundary-spanning actors that connect fragmented institutional domains and facilitate multi-stakeholder coordination. The study employs a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews with key regional stakeholders. A purposive sampling strategy was adopted, targeting actors with institutional embeddedness. A SWOT analysis reveals strengths such as territorial embeddedness, multi-level connectivity, and alignment with EU policy frameworks, alongside weaknesses like limited absorptive capacity among SMEs, fragmented governance, and reliance on public funding. External threats, including economic volatility and demographic decline, further constrain the operational capacity of intermediaries. Despite these challenges, findings show that intermediary bodies play a crucial role in aligning top-down policy frameworks (e.g., RIS3 2021–2027, Abruzzo Prossimo) with bottom-up innovation dynamics. Their strategic positioning is key to leveraging opportunities from the European Green Deal, Horizon Europe, and Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. While not claiming statistical representativeness, the study offers contextually grounded insights. Its methodological rigor lies in transparent sampling, coherent coding, and source triangulation. However, excluding certain stakeholder categories may limit the ability to capture the full pluralism of the innovation system. Future research could address this gap and extend the design to other Italian regions, enhancing theoretical generalizability and contributing to a comparative taxonomy of regional innovation ecosystems.

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