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Skill capabilities behind the scenes. The role of occupational portfolio in regional industrial evolution

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  • Suelene Mascarini
  • Pierre-Alexandre Balland
  • Renato Garcia

Abstract

This study examined the effects of intra-regional and transnational linkages on technological diversification in Brazilian regions from 1997 to 2020, highlighting the role of stakeholder collaboration in fostering knowledge and skill development. Our findings reveal that regional linkages positively influence diversification, whereas transnational connections primarily help to preserve existing technological specialisations. These results offer valuable insights for policymakers seeking to promote innovation and diversification in emerging economies, underscoring the importance of both regional and international collaborations for technological growth. This study investigates how intra-regional and transnational linkages affect technological diversification in Brazilian regions between 1997 and 2020. We focus on both the emergence of new technological specialisations and the persistence of existing ones. Using patent data from the Brazilian Patent Office and panel regression models with fixed effects, we examine how the structure of inter-regional and international connections relates to the dynamics of diversification. Our findings suggest that domestic regional linkages promote the entry of new specialisations, while transnational linkages are more closely associated with the retention of existing ones. These results offer insights for policymakers seeking to foster innovation in emerging economies by strengthening both regional networks and global connections.

Suggested Citation

  • Suelene Mascarini & Pierre-Alexandre Balland & Renato Garcia, 2025. "Skill capabilities behind the scenes. The role of occupational portfolio in regional industrial evolution," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2509, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Apr 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:egu:wpaper:2509
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    File URL: http://econ.geo.uu.nl/peeg/peeg2509.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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