How can R&D programs induce unplanned R&D collaborative networks in clusters?

Belso-Martínez José A. (), Díez-Vial Isabel (), López-Sánchez María J. () and Sánchez María D. ()
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Belso-Martínez José A.: Miguel Hernandez University of Elche Department of Economic and Financial Studies 03206 Elche Spain
Díez-Vial Isabel: Complutense University of Madrid Department of Business Organization Madrid Spain
López-Sánchez María J.: Miguel Hernandez University of Elche Department of Economic and Financial Studies Elche Spain
Sánchez María D.: Miguel Hernandez University of Elche Department of Economic and Financial Studies Elche Spain

ZFW – Advances in Economic Geography, 2021, vol. 65, issue 3-4, 118-131

Abstract: R&D policies are usually designed to enhance firms’ internal capabilities, but do not explicitly target R&D cooperation. In this research, we propose that R&D programs can be a suitable instrument when it comes to fostering informal collaborative networking. We focus on a regional level, the cluster, and establish that firms can use their R&D subsidies not only to become more innovative, i. e. input-output additionality, but also to develop R&D informal collaborations, i. e. behavior additionality. To test this hypothesis, relational data from a biotechnological cluster in Alicante (Spain) have been analyzed. Results from ERGM confirm that promoting internal R&D efforts prompts the formation of knowledge-based relationships at the cluster level. Policy makers should consider this unforeseen behavior when designing and evaluating non-collaborative R&D support programs. New evidence on the role of distant and diverse non-local linkages on local network dynamics is also provided.

Keywords: Industrial cluster; Innovation policy; Exponential Random Graph Model; Behavioral additionality; Informal Networks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L53 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bpj:zfwige:v:65:y:2021:i:3-4:p:118-131:n:9

DOI: 10.1515/zfw-2021-0001

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