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Diverging or converging technology capabilities in the European Union?

Author

Listed:
  • Jonas Grafström

    (The Ratio Institute
    Luleå University of Technology)

  • Carl Alm

    (The Ratio Institute)

Abstract

The ongoing debate among economists regarding the presence of economic convergence or divergence has been reignited. This paper aims to dissect the extent of technological divergence or convergence among European Union member states, evaluating the effectiveness of the EU’s pronounced goals for convergence. Defining a countries technological level is not straightforward, this study examines six key indicators: (a) scientific journal publications, (b) total patents, (c) high tech exports, (d) Gross domestic expenditure on R&D, (e) government budget on R&D, and (f) human resources in science and technology as a share of the active population. Employing both time-series and longitudinal methodologies, the analysis spans from 2000 to 2019. The findings reveal a gradual catching-up trend in the inventive capabilities across the EU. This modest pace of convergence necessitates a critical reassessment by policymakers of the current EU convergence strategies to ensure they effectively foster technological parity among member states.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonas Grafström & Carl Alm, 2025. "Diverging or converging technology capabilities in the European Union?," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 50(2), pages 728-751, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:50:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10961-024-10070-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-024-10070-0
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Convergence; Divergence; Technology; Development; Europe; Science;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E61 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • Q2 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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