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Technological knowledge spaces and the resilience of European regions

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  • Silvia Rocchetta
  • Andrea Mina
  • Changjun Lee
  • Dieter F Kogler

Abstract

Regional knowledge spaces are heterogeneous, and the structure of these knowledge spaces can play a significant role in shaping regional economic performances during economic downturns. This article explores the relationship between a region’s technological profile and its resilience to exogenous shocks. To identify the determinants of regional economic resilience, we perform panel analyses of EU 15 NUTS II level data covering the years before and after the 2008 financial crisis. The most significant results are that, beyond pure diversification effects, regions endowed with technologically coherent capabilities adapted better in times of economic downturn, and that resilience is influenced by a region’s capacity to generate new growth paths. These findings deepen our understanding of the evolution of regional economies and have relevant implications for the design of appropriate regional development policy instruments.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvia Rocchetta & Andrea Mina & Changjun Lee & Dieter F Kogler, 2022. "Technological knowledge spaces and the resilience of European regions," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 22(1), pages 27-51.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:jecgeo:v:22:y:2022:i:1:p:27-51.
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Giacomo Lo Conte & Andrea Mina & Silvia Rocchetta, 2023. "Turning technological relatedness into industrial strategy: The productivity effects of Smart Specialisation in Europe," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2323, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Dec 2023.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Resilience; innovation; technological capabilities; knowledge space; diversification; financial crisis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • 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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