Impacts of EU funded R&D networks on the generation of key enabling technologies: Empirical evidence from a regional perspective

Abstract

Cross‐regional R&D networks are essential for regional innovativeness. Yet, we lack insights into technology field‐specific effects of a region's network connectivity. This study investigates key enabling technologies (KETs) to compare knowledge creation effects of EU funded R&D networks for different technological fields. By applying spatially filtered regression models together with marginal effect interpretations for non‐linear models we quantify and compare network effects across KET fields. Results show that the generally positive network effects differ depending on region‐internal endowments and the nature of the underlying technologies. Policy implications arise for the interrelations between EU research, industrial and regional policy.