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The structure and evolution of inter-sectoral technological complementarity in R&D in Germany from 1990 to 2011

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  • Tom Broekel

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  • Matthias Brachert

Abstract

Technological complementarity is argued to be a crucial element for effective R&D collaboration. The real structure is, however, still largely unknown. Based on the argument that organizations’ knowledge resources must fit for enabling collective learning and innovation, we use the co-occurrence of firms in collaborative R&D projects in Germany to assess inter-sectoral technological complementarity between 129 sectors. The results are mapped as complementarity space for the Germany economy. The space and its dynamics from 1990 to 2011 are analyzed by means of social network analysis. The results illustrate sectors being complements both from a dyadic and portfolio/network perspective. This latter is important, as complementarities may only become fully effective when integrated in a complete set of different knowledge resources from multiple sectors. The dynamic perspective moreover reveals the shifting demand for knowledge resources among sectors at different time periods. Copyright Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015

Suggested Citation

  • Tom Broekel & Matthias Brachert, 2015. "The structure and evolution of inter-sectoral technological complementarity in R&D in Germany from 1990 to 2011," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 25(4), pages 755-785, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joevec:v:25:y:2015:i:4:p:755-785
    DOI: 10.1007/s00191-015-0415-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Matthijs J. Janssen, 2015. "Cross-specialization: A New Perspective on Industry Policy," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 1519, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Jun 2015.
    2. Jing Xiao & Ron Boschma & Martin Andersson, 2018. "Industrial Diversification in Europe: The Differentiated Role of Relatedness," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 94(5), pages 514-549, October.
    3. Ascani, Andrea & Balland, Pierre-Alexandre & Morrison, Andrea, 2020. "Heterogeneous foreign direct investment and local innovation in Italian Provinces," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 388-401.
    4. Lucena-Piquero, D. & Vicente, Jérôme, 2019. "The visible hand of cluster policy makers: An analysis of Aerospace Valley (2006-2015) using a place-based network methodology," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(3), pages 830-842.
    5. Ron Boschma, 2017. "A concise history of the knowledge base literature: challenging questions for future research," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 1721, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Sep 2017.
    6. Ron Boschma, 2017. "Relatedness as driver behind regional diversification: a research agenda," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 1702, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Jan 2017.
    7. Christoph Roesler & Tom Broekel, 2017. "The role of universities in a network of subsidized R&D collaboration: The case of the biotechnology-industry in Germany," Review of Regional Research: Jahrbuch für Regionalwissenschaft, Springer;Gesellschaft für Regionalforschung (GfR), vol. 37(2), pages 135-160, October.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Collaborative R&D projects; Resource complementarity; Co-occurrence analysis; L14; O31;

    JEL classification:

    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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