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More digitalization does not always imply more technology transfer: an analysis within the horizon Europe strategy

Author

Listed:
  • Marta Ferrer-Serrano

    (University of Santiago de Compostela)

  • Lucio Fuentelsaz

    (University of Zaragoza)

  • Mercedes Gil-Lamata

    (University of Zaragoza)

Abstract

Digitalization plays a pivotal role in today’s economies, facilitating global collaboration by overcoming geographical barriers and enabling technology exchange. Conventional wisdom holds that digitalization directly impacts technology transfer (TT). However, this relationship is not always straightforward. This research challenges this assumption by arguing that countries with higher levels of digitalization may be less effective in TT activities than countries with intermediate digital performance. Drawing on data from Horizon Europe and the Digital Economy and Society Index, the study conducts a two-stage analysis (first a network analysis, followed by a clustering and ANOVA) covering 411 collaborative projects in 31 countries, involving 2,890 participating organizations. Our findings confirm that countries with intermediate levels of digitalization emerge as leaders within the TT network. Furthermore, the study sheds light on specific digitalization indicators (connectivity, human capital, and the integration of digital technology) that can improve the position of European countries within the network.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Ferrer-Serrano & Lucio Fuentelsaz & Mercedes Gil-Lamata, 2025. "More digitalization does not always imply more technology transfer: an analysis within the horizon Europe strategy," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 50(2), pages 419-445, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:50:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10961-024-10104-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-024-10104-7
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Collaboration; Digitalization; Horizon Europe; Network; Technology transfer;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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