Impacts of EU funded R&D networks on the generation of key enabling technologies: Empirical evidence from a regional perspective

Abstract

Cross‐regional R&D networks are essential for regional innovativeness. Yet, we lack insights into technology field‐specific effects of a region's network connectivity. This study investigates key enabling technologies (KETs) to compare knowledge creation effects of EU funded R&D networks for different technological fields. By applying spatially filtered regression models together with marginal effect interpretations for non‐linear models we quantify and compare network effects across KET fields. Results show that the generally positive network effects differ depending on region‐internal endowments and the nature of the underlying technologies. Policy implications arise for the interrelations between EU research, industrial and regional policy.

The geographical dynamics of global R&D collaboration networks in robotics: Evidence from co-patenting activities across urban areas worldwide

“…Although the robotics network is highly dynamic, spatial proximity stays relevant, given that the majority of links still occur between cities that are geographically close to each other, and this is due to the necessity for exchanging tacit knowledge components–especially in knowledge intensive segments like robotics–that are costly to be transferred in geographical space. Second , we can observe specific network structural mechanisms discussed in related literature inspired from a social network perspective (see, e.g., [ 7 ]), such as the growing integration and increasing connectedness of social systems over time, but also the structuring of such networks by changing roles of nodes in terms of their network positioning. Third , the study provides conceptual inputs to the debate on regional diversification and path-dependence [ 63 , 64 ], showing that some cities are able to branch into new technologies and diversify their productive structure.…”

“…However, most of these works tend to look at knowledge creation and R&D collaboration networks from an aggregated perspective, in particular in terms of different underlying knowledge domains or technological fields [ 7 ]. Therefore, interest in tracing the geography of knowledge creation and R&D collaboration networks for specific relevant technological fields has grown tremendously, also, for instance, in context of the revitalised debate on mission-oriented research policies [ 8 ].…”

Effects of Cluster Policies on Regional Innovation Networks: Evidence From France

“…Connectivity is also known to facilitate knowledge spillovers since a network with high connectivity allows knowledge to flow through direct and indirect linkages (Nooteboom and Klein-Woolthuis, 2005). Wanzenböck et al (2019) provide empirical evidence of the positive effect of R&D network embeddedness on innovation performances at the EU level. Accordingly, the first research question is as follows:…”

Skills for smart specialisation: Relatedness, complexity and evaluation of priorities

“…5.1 | Regional disparities: Leading and lagging regions Some regions are more prosperous than others, and thereby they possess healthy innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, well-connected industry and knowledge networks (Wanzenböck et al, 2020), diverse and valuable capabilities including well-developed human capital, supportive institutional environment and technological diversity, which enable them to create new innovation-led growth paths (Dotti & Spithoven, 2018;Fratesi & Perucca, 2019;Varga et al, 2020). These regions are called leading regions.…”