The overall goal of this project is to establish the bases to become regions of excellence (regions that have a proven record in competitiveness, economic growth, sustainable development and social cohesion through implementation of a common methodology for managing scientific and technical knowledge and innovation at the regional level). Five major goals have been identified for the project: ·Evaluate the current strengths and development perspectives for each of the regions participating in the project, in the fields of innovation, science, and technology. ·Study the feasibility of a common strategic plan for research and innovation in the A.A. ·Reinforce the influence of A.A. regions in the European Research Area (ERA). ·Define a common methodology for managing skills in science, technology, and innovation at the regional level (RIKM). ·Use the methodology in participating regions through implementation of a regional knowledge-based innovation system (RIKS).