The diffusion of Local Innovation Systems - LIS can be understood as one of the expressions of a new form of cooperation manifested in the context of the organizational changes faced by modern societies. In this regard, the diffusion of this one particular organizational form - that brings together the advantages of clustering and networking - can be understood in light of the perceived benefits from heightened cooperation to innovative activities. The objective of this dissertation is to understand the properties and dynamics of a LIS and, in particular, of University-based LIS, to shed more light into the elements of its structure and governance that promote cooperation among the many players involved. The dynamics of technological innovation, as well as the environmental changes faced by productive firms are also studied. One particular contextual interest presented in this dissertation is the ongoing effort of PUC-Rio to establish an University-based LIS in order to increase its capacity to transfer results of its academic research to society. Such effort faces the challenge of planning a governance structure that contends with the many issues involved in managing such complex social-technical system, a rather new subject of academic research. To assist in meeting this challenge, the PUC-Rio LIS will be understood as an organizational ecology. Hence, the theoretical framework provided by the socioecological approach will be used in understanding the environment as an open system, which is more dynamic and appropriate for the characteristics of LIS. Therefore, rather than a case study on innovation systems, this dissertation is an attempt to contribute to the Universitys effort of planning its LIS.