ICT Research networks and regional competitiveness: an analysis of the 7th Framework Program

Using Social Network Analysis and the novel concept of bridging centrality this paper investigates the links generated by the research networks created by two of the European Union-funded Programs, the 7th Framework Program (FP7) and the ICT action of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Program (CIP) and their impacts on regional competitiveness. Our findings show a positive impact on the competitiveness of both networks. Those regions with higher capacities to establish bridging paths tend to show higher levels of competitiveness. Moreover, our results indicate that these effects differ between research and diffusion networks. Whereas the FP7-related network impacts all the dimensions of competitiveness, the CIP influences competitiveness only through the innovative channel. Our results highlight the importance of facilitating intra- and inter-regional collaboration networks between core and peripheral regions in Europe.