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Corporate control, location and complexity of ICT R&D: A network analysis at the city level

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  • Daniel Nepelski

    (European Commission, JRC Institute for Prospective Technological Studies, Spain)

  • Giuditta De Prato

Abstract

We study the global system of information and communication technology (ICT) research and development (R&D) locations at city level by applying network analysis and profiling R&D locations with respect to technological complexity. We analyse how the position of a city in the network interacts with the level of its technological complexity. The results show that the ownership and location of R&D activities are concentrated. However, cities with high levels of R&D-centre ownership are not necessarily the most important locations of R&D activity. Instead, cities where the corporate control of R&D activities is concentrated play the role of the network hubs. We find that there is a clear relationship between the level of technological complexity and the choice of a city as a location for R&D activity and its role as a network hub. Along with the already established global cities, Chinese cities now occupy key positions in the ICT R&D network.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Nepelski & Giuditta De Prato, 2015. "Corporate control, location and complexity of ICT R&D: A network analysis at the city level," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 52(4), pages 721-737, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:52:y:2015:i:4:p:721-737
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098014534735
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    1. Daniel Nepelski & Giuditta De Prato, 2020. "Technological complexity and economic development," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(2), pages 448-470, May.
    2. Burlina, Chiara & Casadei, Patrizia & Crociata, Alessandro, 2023. "Economic complexity and firm performance in the cultural and creative sector: evidence from Italian provinces," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 116979, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Daniel Nepelski & Giuseppe Piroli & Giuditta De Prato, 2016. "European Start-up Hotspots: An Analysis based on VC-backed Companies," JRC Research Reports JRC101215, Joint Research Centre.
    4. Jiangjiang Kang & Chuankai Yang & Yuemin Ning, 2023. "Analysis of Regional Division of Labor in Value Chain Patterns and Driving Factors in the Yangtze River Delta Region Using the Electronic Information Manufacturing Industry as an Example," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-18, September.
    5. Alonso-Martínez, Daniel, 2018. "Social progress and international patent collaboration," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 169-177.
    6. Daniel Nepelski & Giuditta de Prato, 2014. "Key Findings and Implications of the European ICT Poles of Excellence Project," JRC Research Reports JRC85408, Joint Research Centre.

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