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The key to knowledge: evaluating the role of gatekeepers on regional inventive performance

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  • Eduardo Gonçalves

    (CNPq Researcher, Department of Economics, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Territorial and Sectorial Analysis Laboratory (LATES))

  • Ademir Rocha

    (University of São Paulo)

  • Raquel Reis

    (Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Territorial and Sectorial Analysis Laboratory (LATES))

Abstract

Gatekeepers have been studied as knowledge mediators for companies, institutions, and regions. This paper contributes to the discussion of the effects of the presence of gatekeepers on regional inventive performance. Specifically, the article tests whether there is a causal effect of the presence of gatekeepers on the number of patents per capita, on high-tech patents, and on the degree of technological diversification or specialization. Based on a rich Brazilian microdatabase, we use the propensity matching score to infer causal effects without incurring bias stemming from selection. The main results show a causal effect running from the presence of gatekeepers to a higher number of patents per capita, to a higher number of high-tech patents and to a higher technological specialization level.

Suggested Citation

  • Eduardo Gonçalves & Ademir Rocha & Raquel Reis, 2023. "The key to knowledge: evaluating the role of gatekeepers on regional inventive performance," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(4), pages 1274-1299, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:48:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s10961-022-09967-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-022-09967-5
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gatekeepers; Inventor networks; Regional performance; Effects of gatekeepers; Propensity score matching;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation

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