Agglomeration, diversity, and tradition: an analysis of fractionalized web of science publications in EU regions

Abstract

ABSTRACT A region’s science output depends on several spatial factors. A generalized least squares function with random effects was estimated to gauge the impact of such factors in European NUTS2 regions. The main findings are that output is positively associated with the number of researchers in higher education institutions and negatively associated with the Herfindahl index of disciplinary specialization. Regions with old universities and good accessibility are also more productive, but these effects are mostly limited to Europe’s core. Most leading science regions are in western or northern Europe. They combine large agglomerations of university scientists, disciplinary diversity, old university traditions, and good interregional accessibility.