The networked nature of R&D in a spatial context

Abstract

Starting with the seminal works of Feldman (1994) and Audretsch and Feldman (1996), the Geography of Innovation has – without doubt – evolved to one of the main research fields in Economic Geography and Regional Science. A great deal of theoretical and empirical literature has been followed in this area, drawing on significant methodological advancements in spatial analysis, spatial statistics and spatial econometrics as well as on the availability of novel, systematic information sources on the innovative activity of firms, regions and countries. The Geography of Innovation literature describes the role of proximity and location for innovative activity. It is emphasised that spatial studies of innovation provide pivotal anchor points for understanding and explaining the space-economy (see Feldman and Kogler 2010).