R&D networks and their effects on knowledge exploration versus knowledge exploitation: Evidence from a spatial econometric perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT We argue that the effects of inter-regional R&D networks on regional knowledge creation vary for different modes of knowledge creation – exploitative and explorative – as well as for the quantity and quality of new knowledge created. To explore these differences across European regions, we estimate a set of spatial Durbin models (SDMs) with altering network indicators. The results show that the embedding in inter-regional networks is in general a significant driver for both modes of knowledge creation. While we find a higher positive impact of networks on exploitative than on explorative knowledge creation for the quality of knowledge output, the opposite is true for pure knowledge quantity.