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The effects of limited exhaustibility of knowledge and geographical distance on the quality of R&D collaborations: The European evidence 2000–2012

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  • Guido Pialli

    (Università di Torino
    UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University
    Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA), UCL)

Abstract

Much evidence exists of the increasing levels of research cooperation and globalization in the knowledge generation process. This paper aims to assess the determinants of the quality of research collaborations, using a sample of joint patent applications to the European Patent Office between 2000 and 2012. The results of the empirical analysis show that the limited exhaustibility of knowledge and the geographical distance among research partners are crucial determinants of research quality. Specifically, the non-exhaustible character of knowledge and cross-border knowledge creation enhance patent quality. Moreover, the distance among research partners exerts a curvilinear effect, as the quality of innovation increases when partners are either in spatial proximity or distant among each other.

Suggested Citation

  • Guido Pialli, 2023. "The effects of limited exhaustibility of knowledge and geographical distance on the quality of R&D collaborations: The European evidence 2000–2012," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 33(4), pages 1125-1169, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joevec:v:33:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s00191-023-00831-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s00191-023-00831-9
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Knowledge limited transferability; Cross-border collaborations; Patent quality; Patent co-ownership;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • 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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