Innovative services and public action to boost territorial economies: elements of analysis[Services innovants et action publique pour dynamiser les économies territoriales: éléments d’analyse]

The current economic context is one in which innovation increasingly conditions the economic growth prospects of territories and where the service sector represents almost 70% of the GDP of developed countries. Innovation in the service sector is a major issue for the economic development of territories. However, there is little empirical evidence on the question of service innovation and there is, to date, a limited number of studies allowing us to characterize the innovation processes in this sector, as well as their implications in terms of public policies. However, this seems paradoxical, given the significant share that the service sector represents in our economies. The objective of this article is to provide an analysis that will help us to better understand the challenges relating to innovation in the service sector. First, the definition of service innovation will be presented. Secondly, the specifics of the innovation processes in this sector will be presented, then the territorial impacts observed and, finally, the public policies that have been implemented to promote the local dynamics of innovation in these activities.