Objective:

To analyze the main lessons derived from the promotion of cross-border spaces for innovation in the European Union (EU), as a basis for reflecting on the prospects for the creation of Cross-Border Regional Innovation Systems (CBRIS) in regions with wide socio-economic and institutional asymmetries, as happens on the border between Mexico and the United States. For this purpose, the case of the Sonora-Arizona Region is taken as a reference.

Methodology:

The evolution and current situation of the formation of the CBRIS in the Sonora-Arizona Region is taken as a basis, in order to carry out a contrasting exercise with the experience and lessons obtained in the EU, a leading region in this matter. For the analysis, the dimensions of innovation, proximity / distance and governance are considered.

Results:

The European experience represents a great reference to understand the perspectives and challenges to build an integrated CBRIS. Among the central contrasting aspects are the motivations and approach adopted on the integration and formation of cross-border innovation spaces, with a more comprehensive vision, of social and territorial cohesion, and greater institutionalization at the supra-national level.

Limitations:

There are relatively few comprehensive studies on the evolution, results and impacts of CBRIS. This represents an area of opportunity to advance theoretically and methodologically on the subject.

Conclusions:

Geographic proximity and political will, although necessary, are not sufficient conditions for the establishment of strengthened CBRIS. It is required to have the basic components of an innovation system. This represents a fundamental challenge that the Sonora-Arizona Region will have to face immediately in order to scale in its stages of integration of the CBRIS.

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