Proximity, Networks and Knowledge Production in Europe

35 Pages Posted: 6 Dec 2011

See all articles by Emanuela Marrocu

Emanuela Marrocu

Universita di Cagliari - Centre for North South Economic Research (CRENOS)

Raffaele Paci

University of Cagliari - Centre for North South Economic Research (CRENOS)

Stefano Usai

Universita di Cagliari

Date Written: November 1, 2011

Abstract

This paper aims at investigating the role of different types of proximity on the technological activity of a region within the context of a knowledge production function where R&D expenditure and human capital are the main internal inputs. We intend to assess if, and how much, the creation of new ideas in a certain region is the result of knowledge flows coming from proximate regions. In particular, we examine in detail the concept of proximity combining the usual geographical dimension with the institutional, technological, social and organizational proximity. The analysis is implemented for an ample dataset referring to 276 regions in 29 European countries (EU27 plus Norway, Switzerland) for the last decade. Results show that human capital and R&D are clearly essential for innovative activity but with an impact which is much higher for the former factor. As for the proximity and network effects, we find that geography is important but less than technological and cognitive proximity. Social and organizational networks are also relevant although their role is modest.

Keywords: technological production, proximity, networks, human capital

JEL Classification: O31, R12, O18, C31

Suggested Citation

Marrocu, Emanuela and Paci, Raffaele and Usai, Stefano, Proximity, Networks and Knowledge Production in Europe (November 1, 2011). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1968472 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1968472

Emanuela Marrocu

Universita di Cagliari - Centre for North South Economic Research (CRENOS) ( email )

V. S. Ignazio 78
Cagliari, 09124
ITALY
+39.0706753764 (Phone)
+30.0706753760 (Fax)

Raffaele Paci (Contact Author)

University of Cagliari - Centre for North South Economic Research (CRENOS) ( email )

Viale S. Ignazio, 78
Cagliari I-09123
Italy
+70-6753764 (Phone)
+70-6753760 (Fax)

Stefano Usai

Universita di Cagliari ( email )

Cagliari, 09124
Italy

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