| By: |
Adam Whittle;
Balázs Lengyel;
Dieter F. Kogler |
| Abstract: |
The diversification of regions into new technologies is driven by the degree
of relatedness to existing capabilities in the region. However, in such case
where the necessary skills for diversification are missing, the importation of
external knowledge from neighbouring regions or from further away is
necessary. Despite the importance of interregional knowledge flows through
collaborative work, we still have a very limited understanding of how
collaboration networks across regions facilitate diversification processes.
The present study investigates the diversification patterns of European NUTS2
regions into new knowledge domains via CPC technology classes reported in
patent applications to the European Patent Office. The findings indicate that
externally oriented inventor collaboration networks increase the likelihood
that a new technology enters a region. The influence of interregional ties is
higher if the external knowledge sourcing is based on a diverse set of regions
and if collaboration is intense within entities located in distinct regions.
Further, the results demonstrate that interregional collaboration networks in
general provides the final push into related diversification activities. At
the same time, internal collaboration promotes entry into knowledge domains
that are weakly related to already present technologies in the region.
Finally, evidence shows that diverse external connections and intense
collaboration within companies across distant sites compensate for missing
related skills in the region. |
| Keywords: |
Economic Diversification, Regional Knowledge Networks, Inventor Collaboration Networks, Firm Linkages, Knowledge Sourcing, Specialisation, Patent Data Analysis |
| JEL: |
O33 O52 R11 |
| Date: |
2020–02 |
| URL: |
https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:egu:wpaper:2006 |