Local Development and Innovation: The Experience of a Brazilian Aquaculture Network
Cláudia Souza Passador, João Luiz Passador, JulioAraujo Carneiro da Cunha

Abstract
One of the Brazilian poorest regions, the Piauí State is facing an important revolution. An innovative production system promoted by CODEVASF (governmentalcompany) is the basis of these changes. It’s about the Local Productive Arrangements (LPA), a cluster type that consists of groups of agents performing related economic activities in the same region developing cooperation and learning processes. Among other activities the aquaculture is highlighting in the region since it wasn’t intensively promoted there and now represents an important role in the local economy. The present paper discuss about the aquaculture network and its impacts in the local economy, such as the role of intermediary agents in stimulating the increase of social capital among the network. Although these agents cannot be considered the only and final solution for networks integration, they can support higher social capital exchange, what contributes for social and economic joint development, what facilitates innovative initiatives.

Full Text: PDF