Gatekeepers in regional networks of innovators

Holger Graf

No 2007-054, Jena Economics Research Papers from Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena

Abstract: The internal density of a local network is said to increase the region-specific knowledge-stock and might lead to a comparative advantage. However, it might also lead to a lock-in situation, if local trajectories are directed towards inferior solutions. Accordingly it is argued that successful clusters are characterised by the existence of gatekeepers, i.e. actors that generate novelty by drawing on local and external knowledge. We attempt to answer questions related to the role and characteristics of gatekeepers within regional innovation systems by applying social network analysis based on patent data for four East-German regions. The regional networks appear to be significantly different with respect to the overall degree of interaction and with respect to their relative outward orienta- tion. Concerning the characteristics of gatekeepers, we find that size does not play the major role for being a gatekeeper. It is rather absorptive capacity that matters for gatekeepers. It also shows that public research organisations serve the functions of a gatekeeper to a higher degree than private actors.

Keywords: Innovator networks; Gatekeeper; R+D co-operation; Scientist mobility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O31 R11 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007-09-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-geo, nep-ino, nep-ipr, nep-pr~, nep-knm, nep-net, nep-soc and nep-ure
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Gatekeepers in regional networks of innovators (2011)
Working Paper: Gatekeepers in Regional Networks of Innovators (2008)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2007-054

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