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Actor Fluidity and Knowledge Persistence in Regional Inventor Networks

Author

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  • Michael Fritsch

    (Department of Economics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Carl-Zeiss-Str. 3, 07743 Jena, Germany)

  • Moritz Zoellner

    (Department of Economics, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Carl-Zeiss-Str. 3, 07743 Jena, Germany)

Abstract

The development of inventor networks is characterized by the addition of a significant number of new inventors, while a considerable number of incumbent inventors discontinue. We estimated the persistence of knowledge in the inventor networks of nine German regions using alternative assumptions about knowledge transfer. Based on these estimates, we analyzed how the size and structure of a network may influence knowledge persistence over time. In a final step, we assessed how persistent knowledge as well as the knowledge of new inventors affect the performance of regional innovation systems (RIS). The results suggest that the knowledge of new inventors is much more important for RIS performance than old knowledge that persists.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Fritsch & Moritz Zoellner, 2022. "Actor Fluidity and Knowledge Persistence in Regional Inventor Networks," Economies, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-20, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:10:y:2022:i:12:p:298-:d:985272
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael Fritsch & Mirko Titze & Matthias Piontek, 2020. "Identifying cooperation for innovation―a comparison of data sources," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(6), pages 630-659, June.
    2. Michael Fritsch & Martina Kauffeld-Monz, 2010. "The impact of network structure on knowledge transfer: an application of social network analysis in the context of regional innovation networks," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 44(1), pages 21-38, February.
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    8. Michael Fritsch & Mirko Titze & Matthias Piontek, 2018. "Knowledge Interactions in Regional Innovation Networks: Comparing Data Sources," Jena Economics Research Papers 2018-003, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
    9. Michael Fritsch, 2002. "Measuring the Quality of Regional Innovation Systems: A Knowledge Production Function Approach," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 25(1), pages 86-101, January.
    10. Michael Fritsch & Holger Graf, 2011. "How sub‐national conditions affect regional innovation systems: The case of the two Germanys," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 90(2), pages 331-353, June.
    11. Michael Fritsch & Moritz Zoellner, 2020. "The fluidity of inventor networks," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 45(4), pages 1063-1087, August.
    12. Cohen, Wesley M & Klepper, Steven, 1996. "Firm Size and the Nature of Innovation within Industries: The Case of Process and Product R&D," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 78(2), pages 232-243, May.
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    2. Michael Fritsch & Muhamed Kudic, 2022. "Micro dynamics and macro stability in inventor networks," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 47(2), pages 353-382, April.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights
    • R1 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics
    • D2 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations
    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty

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