Similarity of R and D activities, physical proximity, and R&D spillovers

George Deltas, Sotiris Karkalakos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The diffusion of knowledge generates positive externalities if knowledge flows increase the productivity of R&D by the recipients of these flows. We investigate the extent to which these spillovers depend on the similarity of research activities by the originator and recipient of the knowledge, and at what rate the spillovers diminish with physical distance. We find, using regional patent and R&D expenditure data from the European Union, that similarity between R&D activities is not only statistically significant, but salient: regions with completely dissimilar R&D activities exhibit essentially no spillovers at all. An increase in the distance between the originating and recipient region by 500. km reduces spillovers by 55-70%.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)124-131
Number of pages8
JournalRegional Science and Urban Economics
Volume43
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2013

Keywords

  • Knowledge diffusion
  • Spatial effects
  • Technological similarities

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Urban Studies

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