Knowledge brokers for Circular Bioeconomy: Evidence from European regions

The transition to a Circular Bioeconomy (CBE) requires effective knowledge recombination across scientific and technological domains. This study examines how universities, Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs), and firms contribute to regional knowledge recombination in the CBE domain through their brokerage roles in collaboration networks. Using a unique dataset on CBE-related Horizon 2020 projects (2015–2019) and regional patenting activity, we exploit the structural and geographical dimensions of entities within the CBE research network and employ econometric models to assess the role of inter-organizational partnerships in fostering knowledge recombination. Our findings highlight that universities and RTOs are more effective in facilitating knowledge recombination when acting as brokers in cross-regional collaborations, whereas firms have a stronger impact when brokering connections within their own region. These results provide novel insights into the geography of innovation, emphasizing the importance of brokerage roles in shaping regional technological capabilities. By advancing our understanding of collaborative knowledge spillovers, this study also offers valuable implications for policymakers seeking to strengthen CBE innovation ecosystems.