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Assessing Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS3) Through Competitive Public Project Networks: The Case of Aragón 2014–2020

Author

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  • David Rodríguez Ochoa

    (CIRCE Foundation-Research Centre for Energy Resources and Consumption-Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
    PhD Programme in Economics and Business, UNED, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Nieves Arranz

    (Department of Applied Economics, School of Economics and Business, UNED, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Marta Fernández de Arroyabe

    (Essex Business School, University of Essex, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1LW, UK)

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Aragón’s Regional Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization (RIS3) 2014–2020 by applying Social Network Analysis (SNA) to a comprehensive dataset of regional, national, and European competitive public projects involving Aragonese entities between 2014 and 2023. The analysis explores how collaborative structures—weighted by funding amounts—impact knowledge transfer, stakeholder participation, and strategic alignment within Aragón’s innovation ecosystem. Findings reveal a significant concentration of funding in European projects (86% of total ecosystem investment), contrasted with varying degrees of local and national involvement. Cohesion metrics show the high connectivity and closure of the European network, whereas regional calls, though exhibiting tighter density, remain comparatively fragmented and reliant on public research centres and universities. Centrality measures identify key bridging institutions, which facilitate advanced knowledge diffusion but also expose potential over-dependence on a small subset of actors. The analysis results highlight the value of integrating SNA metrics into RIS3 evaluations to better capture how resources, governance mechanisms, and institutional pressures interact. By offering a data-driven methodology that can be monitored continuously and policy recommendations, it aims to guide Aragón and other regions in refining their regional innovation strategies towards more inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • David Rodríguez Ochoa & Nieves Arranz & Marta Fernández de Arroyabe, 2025. "Assessing Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS3) Through Competitive Public Project Networks: The Case of Aragón 2014–2020," Economies, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-47, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:13:y:2025:i:3:p:71-:d:1609473
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kang, Moon Jung & Hwang, Jongwoon, 2016. "Structural dynamics of innovation networks funded by the European Union in the context of systemic innovation of the renewable energy sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 471-490.
    2. Hervás-Oliver, José-Luis & Parrilli, Mario Davide & Rodríguez-Pose, Andrés & Sempere-Ripoll, Francisca, 2021. "The drivers of SME innovation in the regions of the EU," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(9).
    3. Raquel Coelho Reis & Eduardo Gonçalves & Juliana Gonçalves Taveira & André Suriane da Silva & Pedro Vasconcelos do Amaral, 2023. "How do gatekeepers in networks influence the production of new knowledge? Evidence from Brazilian co‐invention networks," Regional Science Policy & Practice, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 15(9), pages 2046-2064, December.
    4. repec:dau:papers:123456789/13553 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Elena Calvo-Gallardo & Nieves Arranz & Juan Carlos Fernandez de Arroyabe, 2022. "Contribution of the Horizon2020 Program to the Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialization in Coal Regions in Transition: The Spanish Case," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-28, February.
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