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Trusted Research and Innovation: How knowledge leakage affects the Research & Innovation ecosystem

Author

Listed:
  • Searle, Nicola
  • Ganglmair, Bernhard
  • Borghi, Maurizio

Abstract

A robust Research & Innovation (R&I) ecosystem is essential for progress, economic resilience, and addressing complex challenges. At the heart of this ecosystem, knowledge fuels innovation and further discovery. However, knowledge leakage (the loss of valuable information) can disrupt this cycle. This poses a challenge for what is known as Trusted Research & Innovation (TRI), a framework designed to strengthen research security, protect national interests, and build resilient research systems. Despite its significance, the challenges of TRI remain poorly understood. This report investigates knowledge leakage. It begins with an overview of the TRI context, focusing on policymaking, and then reviews the literature on knowledge leakage and related concepts. An exploratory data analysis examines novel empirical data to better understand the extent of knowledge leakage and how it impacts economic areas of defence, economic, and national security importance. The data analysis finds that industries deemed important for economic and national security (the UK's 'sensitive economic areas') have an 18% higher incidence of leakage than those that are not.

Suggested Citation

  • Searle, Nicola & Ganglmair, Bernhard & Borghi, Maurizio, 2025. "Trusted Research and Innovation: How knowledge leakage affects the Research & Innovation ecosystem," ZEW Discussion Papers 25-030, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:zewdip:321868
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F52 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - National Security; Economic Nationalism
    • O25 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Industrial Policy
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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