Spatial dependence and the representation of space in empirical models

A well-formed spatial model should most likely not produce spatial autocorrelation at all. From this perspective spatial autocorrelation is not (pure) statistical nuisance but a sign of that a model lacks a representation of an important economic phenomenon. In a Knowledge Production Function (KPF) context, this paper shows that a representation of space reflecting the potential of physical interaction between localities by means of accessibility variables on the “right-hand-side”—a simple alternative to spatial lag and spatial error which can be estimated by OLS—captures substantive spatial dependence. Results are verified with Monte Carlo simulations based on Anselin’s (Int Reg Sci Rev 26(2):153–166, 2003) taxonomy of modelled and unmodelled effects. The analysis demonstrates that an accessibility representation of explanatory variables depict the network nature of spatial interaction, such that spatial dependence is actually modelled.     

Network central: regional positioning for innovative advantage

This paper investigates the characteristics of regions that contribute to their positioning within the emerging innovative networks supported by the European Union’s Framework Program using a spatial-network approach. Although the importance of research collaborations in network formation has been generally recognized, relatively little research has investigated why some regions are able to attain prominent network positions, while others do not. We analyze a spatially detailed data base of EU Framework Program-supported research ventures in Austria to understand how specific geographical nodes come to occupy important positions within key research networks. The paper deploys what is termed here a network positioning function to investigate the question of network centrality and at the same time to illustrate the possibilities of combining network and spatial analysis to examine this or other research questions where similar approaches might be applicable. Findings reveal the factors important for understanding advantageous positions enjoyed by regional districts as measured by alternative centrality concepts. Concepts that distinguish innovation exploitation from exploration were used to interpret network positions, which further clarify positioning in highly localized versus distant member networks.     

Innovation,networking and complementarity: evidence on SME performances for a local economic system in North-Eastern Italy

New evidence and theoretical discussion on the complementarity relationships concerning different networking activities and R&D in a local SME oriented system is presented. R&D arises a main driver of innovation and productivity, even without the association to networking. The complementarity between diversified networking activities and R&D/innovation is generally found, in a discrete setting. Non-strict complementarity nevertheless prevails. On the innovation side, complementarity among performance drivers is more crucial for product/radical innovation, relatively to process innovation, which also witnesses substitutability signals. Networking can be a complementary factor in situations where cooperation and networking are needed to achieve economies of scale and/or to merge and integrate diverse skills, technologies and competencies. Managers and policy makers should be aware that in order to exploit asset complementarity, possibly transformed into competitive advantages, both R&D and networking are to be sustained and favoured. Networking elements are crucially linked to innovation dynamics; it is nevertheless innovation that explains and drives networking, and not the often claimed mere existence of local spillovers or of a civic associative culture in the territory. Such public good factors are likely to evolve with and be sustained by firm innovative dynamics.     

Knowledge networks across Europe: which distance matters?

In this paper, we address the manifold nature of knowledge through the analysis of four distinct but complementary phenomena (Internet hyperlinks, EPO co-patent applications, Erasmus students mobility and European research networks) which characterise knowledge as an intrinsic relational structure (directly) connecting people, institutions and (indirectly) regions across five European countries. We study the structure (in terms of density, centralisation, clustering, assortativity, centre-periphery and resilience) of these international knowledge flows through network analysis techniques and we test the influence of geographical distance as opposed to sectoral (based on the industrial distribution of innovative activity) and functional (based on the value of the European technological index) distances in shaping the strength of knowledge relations through a gravitational model. Network Analysis techniques applied to the configuration of international knowledge flows between European regions highlight the existence of a polarised hierarchical structure. By estimating a “gravity equation” model we demonstrate that, far from the claim of the “death of distance”, geographic distance is still relevant for determining the structure of inter-regional knowledge flows. Functional and, above all, sectoral distances play also a relevant role suggesting that knowledge flows easier between similar regions (according to their technological level and the industrial distribution of their innovation system).     

Localized inter-organizational linkages,agglomeration effects,and the innovative performance of firms

This paper focuses on the questions to what extent agglomeration effects and localized inter-organizational linkages influence different types of innovative performance of firms. Doing so adds to the relatively scarce firm-level literature regarding the role of regional environment for the innovative performance of firms by disentangling the often conflated effects of agglomeration effects and localized inter-organizational linkages. Based on data from the Dutch automation services, we show that agglomeration economies and localized inter-organizational linkages have different effects on different types of innovative performance of firms.     

The geography of collaborative knowledge production in Europe

We analyse inter-regional research collaboration as measured by scientific publications and patents with multiple addresses, covering 1316 NUTS3 regions in 29 European countries. The estimates of gravity equations show the effects of geographical and institutional distance on research collaboration. We also find evidence for the existence of elite structures between excellence regions and between capital regions. The results suggest that current EU science policy to stimulate research collaboration is legitimate, but doubt the compatibility between EU science policy and EU cohesion policy.     

Networking strategies of young biotechnology firms in Israel

This article examines the factors involved in the network development process in young biotechnology firms in Israel. The findings show that this process occurs as a result of the firm’s existing network and networking resources, as well as of exposure and activation routines that are implemented by the firm and targeted for the network development process. Exposure routines refer to the frequency at which the firm uses existing tools, such as partnering events, conferences, and publications. Activation routines refer to the extent to which the firm uses its networking resources for the benefit of the networking process.     

Polynomial coefficient finding for Root-MUSIC

Root-MUSIC (MUltiple SIgnal Classification) is the polynomial rooting form of MUSIC, namely, the spectrum peak searching is resplaced by the polynomial rooting in MUSIC implementation. The coefficients finding of the polynomial is the critical problem for Root-MUSIC and its improvements. By analyzing the Root-MUSIC algorithm thoughly, the finding method of the polynomial coefficient is deduced and the concrete calculation formula is given, so that the speed of polynomial finding roots will get the bigger ex...     

施工阶段围岩分类法在橙子沟水电站的试用

介绍了施工阶段围岩分类法在橙子沟水电站的试用情况及成果,将其成果与现行分类法结果作以对比,阐述了对施工阶段围岩分类法的修正以及在橙子沟水电站试用的效益。