The role of R&D collaboration networks on regional knowledge creation: Evidence from information and communication technologies

We investigate how R&D networks impact regional innovation, considering alternative connectivity structures based on co-publications, co-inventions and projects supported by the EU-FP. Patent activity impacts on ICT during 2003–2009 for 213 European regions are quantified using a spatial Durbin model. Findings indicate that local knowledge flows to proximate regions are influenced by: proximate regions that are not collaboration partners, proximate collaboration partners, and distant collaboration partners. Evidence on the role of distant collaboration partners is found only for co-invention networks.