nep-ino New Economics Papers
on Innovation
Issue of 2024‒09‒02
three papers chosen by
Uwe Cantner, University of Jena


  1. The KSTE+I approach and the advent of AI technologies: evidence from the European regions By D'Al, Francesco; Santarelli, Enrico; Vivarelli, Marco
  2. Circular transitions in global production networks? A multi-scalar approach to anticipating socio-economic and socio-environmental effects of ‘x-shoring’ By Friedrich, Jonathan; Stihl, Linda; Grillitsch, Markus
  3. Techno-industrial Policy for New Infrastructure: China’s Approach to Promoting Artificial Intelligence as a General Purpose Technology By Ding, Jeffrey

  1. By: D'Al, Francesco; Santarelli, Enrico; Vivarelli, Marco
    Abstract: In this paper we integrate the insights of the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (KSTE+I) with Schumpeter's idea that innovative entrepreneurs creatively apply available local knowledge, possibly mediated by Marshallian, Jacobian and Porter spillovers. In more detail, in this study we assess the degree of pervasiveness and the level of opportunities brought about by AI technologies by testing the possible correlation between the regional AI knowledge stock and the number of new innovative ventures (that is startups patenting in any technological field in the year of their foundation). Empirically, by focusing on 287 Nuts-2 European regions, we test whether the local AI stock of knowledge exerts an enabling role in fostering innovative entry within AI-related local industries (AI technologies as focused enablers) and within non AI-related local industries, as well (AI technologies as generalised enablers). Results from Negative Binomial fixed-effect and Poisson fixed-effect regressions (controlled for a variety of concurrent drivers of entrepreneurship) reveal that the local AI knowledge stock does promote the spread of innovative startups, so supporting both the KSTE+I approach and the enabling role of AI technologies; however, this relationship is confirmed only with regard to the sole high-tech/AI-related industries.
    Keywords: KSTE+I, Artificial Intelligence, innovative entry, enabling technologies
    JEL: O33 L26
    Date: 2024
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:glodps:1473
  2. By: Friedrich, Jonathan (CIRCLE, Lund University); Stihl, Linda (CIRCLE, Lund University); Grillitsch, Markus (CIRCLE, Lund University)
    Abstract: The circular economy (CE) is argued as a possible model for dealing with value chain instabilities in global production networks. Since geographical proximity is central to unlocking circular potential, x-shoring (including concepts like reshoring, resourcing, or friendshoring) is arguably key to this process. Often, spatial restructurings of the CE are embraced without a critical examination of their multi-scalar effects. Nevertheless, spatial restructuring of the economy inevitably produces winners and losers. To navigate the tensions that arise in the context of uneven development and environmental (in)justice, we present a framework for anticipating plausible socio-economic and socio-environmental effects of x-shoring processes across place, scale, and time. We illustrate our framework with insights from the literature on old industrial regions and cases documented in the Environmental Justice Atlas. Our framework represents a holistic approach that integrates interdisciplinary literature from different disciplines. We discuss the ambivalent effects of x-shoring across space, scale, and time, principles for navigating the tensions that arise, and outline research avenues for a thorough exploration of the geography of x-shoring in the CE and beyond. Because of the ambivalence of these processes, we conclude that research must embrace the complexity of these developments by employing integrative, multi-scalar approaches that empower local agency.
    Keywords: global production networks; global value chains; trade-offs; circular economy; anticipation
    JEL: F63 F64
    Date: 2024–08–09
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:lucirc:2024_009
  3. By: Ding, Jeffrey
    Abstract: Scholars connect China’s technology policy to government interventions that target particular industrial sectors. But not all sectors are created equal. Relying on evidence from China’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies, this paper develops a framework for assessing China’s approach toward promoting a technological domain that permeates across many industrial sectors: general-purpose technologies. It shows that China’s AI strategy diverges from expectations derived from typical characterizations of China’s industrial policy, which stress an emphasis on self-sufficiency, support for a limited number of national champions, and the essential role of military investment and demand for progress in dual-use domains.
    Keywords: Social and Behavioral Sciences, Emerging technology, geopolitics, economic security, artificial intelligence
    Date: 2022–12–09
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cdl:globco:qt1sb844ws

This nep-ino issue is ©2024 by Uwe Cantner. It is provided as is without any express or implied warranty. It may be freely redistributed in whole or in part for any purpose. If distributed in part, please include this notice.
General information on the NEP project can be found at https://nep.repec.org. For comments please write to the director of NEP, Marco Novarese at <director@nep.repec.org>. Put “NEP” in the subject, otherwise your mail may be rejected.
NEP’s infrastructure is sponsored by the School of Economics and Finance of Massey University in New Zealand.