In contrast, Parteka and Tamberi (2008) and De Benedictis et al. ( Rationales specifically for territorial inclusiveness policies include fostering the development of more productive and innovation-intensive activities in lagging regions, by supporting entrepreneurship and the development of these activities. Strengthening the innovation capacities of lagging regions (i.e. the absorptive capacity of individuals and firms located there) also increases the chances of other initiatives, such investment in R&D and transport infrastructure, to have their intended effects on innovation performance and economic development.