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The role of geographic and cognitive proximity in knowledge networks: The case of joint R&D projects

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  • Viktor Květoň
  • Josef Novotný
  • Jiří Blažek
  • David Marek

Abstract

This paper explores effect of proximities on R&D collaboration and focus on a prime mechanism of intentional search for knowledge—joint R&D projects—using data on R&D projects co‐financed by various public sector bodies in the period 2003–2018. Our findings show that R&D collaboration based on cognitive proximity is intentional and firms prefer partners with technological distance smaller than expected based on a reference population. In the case of repeated R&D collaboration among the same companies in manufacturing, there is a statistically significant shift towards a higher cognitive proximity. As for geographical proximity, we found relatively low intra‐regional R‐D collaboration and high openness of regional innovation systems. Este artículo explora el efecto de las proximidades en la colaboración en I+D y se centra en un mecanismo primordial de búsqueda intencionada de conocimiento, los proyectos conjuntos de I+D, utilizando datos sobre proyectos de I+D cofinanciados por diversos organismos del sector público en el periodo 2003–2018. Los resultados muestran que la colaboración en I+D basada en la proximidad cognitiva es intencional y que las empresas prefieren socios con una distancia tecnológica menor de la esperada en función de una población de referencia. En el caso de colaboraciones repetidas en materia de I+D entre las mismas empresas en el sector manufacturero, existe un cambio estadísticamente significativo hacia una mayor proximidad cognitiva. En cuanto a la proximidad geográfica, se encontró una colaboración intrarregional en I+D relativamente baja y una alta accesibilidad a los sistemas de innovación regional. 本稿では、2003~2018年に様々な公的機関が共同出資した研究開発プロジェクトのデータを用いて、研究開発協力に対する近接性の効果を探索し、意図的な知識の探索の主要なメカニズム、すなわち共同研究開発プロジェクトに焦点を当てる。知見から、認知的近接性に基づく研究開発協力は意図的であり、対象の母集団では、予想よりも企業は技術的距離が近いパートナーを選好することが示される。製造業における同一企業間の研究開発協力が繰り返される場合では、認知的近接性が高くなる傾向が統計的に有意に認められる。地理的近接性に関しては、地域内の研究開発協力を実施する確率は相対的に低く、地域的イノベーションシステムの開放性が高いことが分かる。

Suggested Citation

  • Viktor Květoň & Josef Novotný & Jiří Blažek & David Marek, 2022. "The role of geographic and cognitive proximity in knowledge networks: The case of joint R&D projects," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 101(2), pages 351-372, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:presci:v:101:y:2022:i:2:p:351-372
    DOI: 10.1111/pirs.12656
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