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Knowledge Flows and Productivity

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  • Giovanni Peri

    (University of California, Davis)

Abstract

National and international flows of knowledge are fundamental determinants of technological progress. In this article we review the existing literature on knowledge flows and we propose a method for estimating them, based on patent citations. Citations are links between inventions that reveal a learning process at the technological frontier. We use data for the period 1975-1996 for 147 subnational regions in Europe and North America. We find that geographical distance and technological differences constitute major barriers to knowledge flows. We also show that these flows may have positive, but small, effect on total factor productivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni Peri, 2004. "Knowledge Flows and Productivity," Rivista di Politica Economica, SIPI Spa, vol. 94(2), pages 21-59, March-Apr.
    • Handle: RePEc:rpo:ripoec:v:94:y:2004:i:2:p:21-59
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Sheila Chapman & Valentina Meliciani, 2017. "Behind the Pan-European Convergence Path: The Role of Innovation, Specialisation and Socio-economic Factors," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(1), pages 61-90, March.
    2. Daniela Cagno & Andrea Fabrizi & Valentina Meliciani, 2014. "The impact of participation in European joint research projects on knowledge creation and economic growth," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 39(6), pages 836-858, December.
    3. Bronwyn H. Hall, 2020. "Tax Policy for Innovation," NBER Chapters, in: Innovation and Public Policy, pages 151-188, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. Hall, Bronwyn H. & Mairesse, Jacques & Mohnen, Pierre, 2010. "Measuring the Returns to R&D," Handbook of the Economics of Innovation, in: Bronwyn H. Hall & Nathan Rosenberg (ed.), Handbook of the Economics of Innovation, edition 1, volume 2, chapter 0, pages 1033-1082, Elsevier.
    5. Paolo Guerrieri & Bernardo Maggi & Pier Carlo Padoan, 2006. "Economic growth and diffusion of knowledge: the role of distance," Working Papers 70, Sapienza University of Rome, CIDEI.
    6. Di Cagno, Daniela & Fabrizi, Andrea & Meliciani, Valentina & Wanzenböck, Iris, 2016. "The impact of relational spillovers from joint research projects on knowledge creation across European regions," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 83-94.
    7. Chen, Jong-Rong & Kan, Kamhon & Tung, I-Hsuan, 2016. "Scientific linkages and firm productivity: Panel data evidence from Taiwanese electronics firms," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(7), pages 1449-1459.
    8. Rinaldo Evangelista & Valentina Meliciani & Antonio Vezzani, 2015. "The Specialisation of EU Regions in Fast Growing and Key Enabling Technologies," JRC Research Reports JRC98111, Joint Research Centre.
    9. Rinaldo Evangelista & Valentina Meliciani & Antonio Vezzani, 2019. "Fast Growing and Key Enabling Technologies and their impact on regional growth inEurope," Working Papers 42, Birkbeck Centre for Innovation Management Research, revised Feb 2021.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • F02 - International Economics - - General - - - International Economic Order and Integration

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