This paper introduces the monographic section of this journal's issue. The assumptions and the field of study are presented of a research project which gives ground to the published works. Pursuing this aim the introduction focus on four main issues: The factors of complexity and the key ideas operational for an innovative governance; a pragmatic method for developing a recurrent brainstorming within firms on this and other topics; the stylized facts underlined in the literature on this topic; the boundaries of a complex, but essential, relationship between government and governance. The author's aim is to make this monographic section able to foster a dynamic interaction between academic and business culture on local development. This interaction should be continuing over time and productive of operational results.