Economic drivers and specialization patterns in the spatial distribution of Framework Programme's participation*. (15th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dotti, Nicola Francesco; Spithoven, André
• Is Part Of: Papers in regional science. Volume 97:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 863
• Page End: 882
• Publication Date: 2017-06-15
• Subjects: Framework Programmes -- spatial distribution -- economic development -- specialization and diversification; Regional planning -- Periodicals; City planning -- Periodicals; Urbanization -- Periodicals; Economic geography -- Periodicals; 307.12
• DOI: 10.1111/pirs.12299
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1056-8190

Abstract

Abstract: While R&D activities are known for being unevenly distributed across space, how EU policy contributed to their regional dynamics is less explored. Since the 1980s, the EU Framework Programmes (FP) have promoted and supported transnational R&D projects through open and highly competitive calls for funding driven by 'scientific excellence' regardless of location. This paper aims to show the drivers of this spatial distribution and evolution of FP participations, arguing that this depends on cumulative effects of regional economic development and growth, while scientific specialization rarely is the best strategy to improve regional competitiveness in terms of FP participations.