Mapping regional strengths in a key enabling technology: The distribution of Internet of Things competences across European regions

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) can trigger innovation processes across all sectors of the economy. However, this potential is not available to all regions. As with other enabling technologies, the competences required to develop IoT solutions are numerous and varied, ranging from hardware to software and related services, and are often provided by different companies. To map the application potential of these technologies across European regions, we use textual analysis to identify the NACE codes associated with five main IoT domains. We identify clusters of regions characterized by different mixes of competences in IoT technologies and we discuss the policy implications of our findings at both European and regional levels.