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Policy Influence in the Knowledge Space: a Regional Application

Author

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  • Stefano Basilico

    (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Economics Department)

  • Uwe Cantner

    (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Economics Department, and University of Southern Denmark, Odense)

  • Holger Graf

    (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Economics Department)

Abstract

Cluster policies aim at improving collaboration between co-located actors to address systemic failures. As yet, cluster policy evaluations are mainly concerned with effects on firm performance. Some recent studies move to the system level by assessing how the structure of actor-based knowledge networks is affected by such policies. We continue in that direction and analyze how technology-based regional knowledge spaces structurally respond to the introduction of a cluster policy. Taking the example of the German BioRegio contest, we examine how such knowledge spaces in winning and non-winning regions evolved before, during and after the policy. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we identify treatment effects of increased knowledge space embeddedness of biotechnology only in the post-treatment period. Our findings imply that cluster policies can have long-term structural effects typically not accounted for in policy evaluations.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefano Basilico & Uwe Cantner & Holger Graf, 2021. "Policy Influence in the Knowledge Space: a Regional Application," Jena Economics Research Papers 2021-011, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
    • Handle: RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2021-011
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    Cited by:

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    2. Mariane Santos Françoso & Vanessa Lima Avanci & Alysson Fernandes Mazoni, 2024. "Green technologies in the knowledge space: Insertion and the moderating role of industry knowledge bases," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 34(3), pages 675-697, July.
    3. Raquel Ortega-Argilés & Pei-Yu Yuan, 2024. "Do UK Research and Collaborations in R&I Promote Economic Prosperity and Levelling-up? An analysis of UKRI funding between 2004-2021," Working Papers 046, The Productivity Institute.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    BioRegio contest; network analysis; knowledge space; difference in differences; patents;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy
    • 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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