The private-public cooperation in innovation trough technology centres

The Technology Centres (TCS) are important suppliers of technology for Spanish firms. The objective of this paper is to improve the knowledge about Spanish TCS. Firstly, we present the main characteristics and the evolution of the Spanish TCS. The second question examined refers to the great heterogeneity of this kind of agents. In this sense, we present a cluster analysis using two basic characteristics of the TCS: services to firms and technological strength. Thirdly, we analyze the adjustment of the TCS to the National Innovation System and their foreseeable evolution as basic agents of this system. Finally, we summarize the programs of public support for TCS started up by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade. (Author) 11 refs