Integration Processes in European Research and Development: A Comparative Spatial Interaction Approach Using Project Based Research and Development Networks, Co-Patent Networks and Co-Publication Networks

Abstract

This study focuses on integration processes in European Research and Development (R&D) by analyzing the spatiotemporal dimension of three different R&D collaboration networks across Europe. The studied networks cover different types of knowledge creation, namely project-based R&D networks within the European Union (EU) Framework Programmes (FPs), co-patent networks, and co-publication networks. Integration in European R&D—one of the main pillars of the EU Science Technology and Innovation policy—refers to the harmonization of fragmented national research systems across Europe and to the free movement of knowledge and researchers. The objective is to describe and compare spatiotemporal patterns at a regional level and to estimate the evolution of separation effects over the time period 1999–2006 that influence the probability of cross-region collaborations in the distinct networks under consideration. The study adopts a spatial interaction modeling perspective, econometrically specifying a panel generalized linear model relationship, taking into account spatial autocorrelation among flows using eigenfunction spatial filtering methods. The results show that geographical factors are a lower hurdle for R&D collaborations in the FP networks than in co-patent networks and co-publication networks. Furthermore, it is shown that the geographical integration is higher in the FP network.