The Dynamics of Regional Clusters of Nanotechnologies: Evidences from German Länder and Two Spanish Autonomous Communities

Abstract

In the present article, we use a dynamic approach to analyse the topography of regional/local nanotechnologies clusters through the agents that make them up. These agents include firms of different sizes and characteristics, universities, research centers and intermediary organizations supporting the creation of firms. Our study examines scientific publications as well as the gaps observed in some clusters and how the weakest clusters could be strengthened. Our spatial scope of analysis is region-based. We begin with the study of German länder which serve as references to aid understanding the cases of the two Spanish autonomous communities: the Basque Country and Catalonia.

Keywords: Nanotechnology, Dynamics of Regional Clusters, Regional Innovation Systems, German Länder, Basque Country

JEL Classification: O3, R12, L69