The role of universities in a network of subsidized R&D collaboration: The case of the biotechnology-industry in Germany

Review of Regional Research - Tập 37 - Trang 135-160 - 2017
Christoph Roesler1, Tom Broekel2,1
1Institute of Economic and Cultural Geography, Leibniz University of Hanover, Hanover, Germany
2Department of Economic Geography, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Tóm tắt

This paper contributes to the growing literature on knowledge network evolution. It provides an analysis of the role universities play in a network emerging from the joint participation of organizations in R&D projects subsidized by public authorities. In addition to theorizing universities’ effect on network formation processes, the paper includes an empirical study identifying the main drivers behind the formation of the subsidized network of R&D collaboration in the German biotechnology industry. We find that universities strongly shape the evolution of the network in the period 2007–2010. They are clearly central knowledge sources and dominate the network as partners in many R&D projects. While knowledge links among universities are an essential part of the network, universities are also able to connect local firms to inter-regional knowledge networks. Accordingly, subsidies for joint R&D support universities in acting as regional gatekeepers and thereby facilitate local and inter-regional knowledge diffusion.

Tài liệu tham khảo

Asheim BT, Coenen L (2005) Knowledge bases and regional innovation systems: Comparing nordic clusters. Res Policy 34(8):1173–1190 Asheim BT, Gertler MS (2004) Regional innovation systems and the geographical foundations of innovation. In: Fagerberg J, Mowery DC, Nelson RR (eds) Oxford handbook of innovation. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK Balland P (2012) Proximity and the evolution of collaboration networks: Evidence from research and development projects within the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) industry. Reg Stud 46(6):741–756 Barab’asi A‑L, Albert R (1999) Emergence of scaling in random networks. Science 286(5439):509–512 Barajas A, Huergo E (2010) International R&D cooperation within the EU framework programme: Empirical evidence for Spanish firms. Econ Innov New Technol 19(1):87–111 Beise M, Stahl H (1999) Public research and industrial innovations in Germany. Res Policy 28(4):397–422 Blind K, Grupp H (1999) Interdependencies between the science and technology infrastructure and innovation activities in German regions: Empirical findings and policy consequences. Res Policy 28(5):451–468 BMBF (2006) Bericht zur technologischen Leistungsfähigkeit Deutschlands 2006 Boschma R (2005) Proximity and innovation: A critical assessment. Reg Stud 39(1):61–74 Boschma R, Frenken K (2010) The spatial evolution of innovation networks. A proximity perspective. In: Boschma RA, Martin R (eds) The handbook of evolutionary economic geography. Edward Elgar, Cheltenham, pp 120–135 Boschma R, Balland P, Kogler D (2011) A relational approach to knowledge spillovers in biotech. Network structures as drivers of inter-organizational citation patterns. Pap Evol Econ Geogr 11:20 Breschi S, Cusmano L (2004) Unveiling the texture of a European research area: Emergence of oligarchic networks under EU framework programmes. Int J Technol 27(8):747–772 Broekel T, Boschma R (2011) The cognitive and geographical composition of ego-networks of firms—and how they impact on their innovation performance. Pap Evol Econ Geogr 11:18 Broekel T, Boschma R (2012) Knowledge networks in the Dutch aviation industry: The proximity paradox. J Econ Geogr 12(2):409–433 Broekel T, Brachert M (2015) The structure and evolution of inter-sectoral technological complementarity in R&D in Germany from 1990 to 2011. J Evol Econ 25(4):755–785 Broekel T, Graf H (2012) Public research intensity and the structure of German R&D networks: A comparison of 10 technologies. Econ Innov New Technol 21(4):345–372 Broekel T, Hartog M (2013a) Determinants of cross-regional R&D collaboration networks: An application of exponential random graph models. In: Scherngell T (ed) The geography of networks and R&D. Springer, Switzerland, pp 49–70 Broekel T, Hartog M (2013b) Explaining the structure of inter- organizational networks using exponential random graph models. Ind Innov 20(3):277–295 Broekel T, Balland P‑A, Burger M, van Oort F (2014) Modeling knowledge networks in economic geography: A discussion of four methods. Ann Reg Sci 53(2):423–452. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-014-0616-2 Bryce DJ, Winter SG (2009) A general Interindustry relatedness index. Manage Sci 55(9):1570–1585 Buchmann T, Pyka A (2014) The evolution of innovation networks: The case of a publicly funded German automotive network. Econ Innov New Technol 24(1–2):1–26 Camagni R (1991) Local “milieu”, uncertainty and innovation networks: Towards a new dynamic theory of economic space. In: Camagni R (ed) Innovation networks: Spatial perspectives. Belhaven Stress, London, UK and New York, USA, pp 121–142 Cantner U, Meder A (2007) Technological proximity and the choice of cooperation partners. J Econ Interact Coord 2(1):45–65 Cassi L, Morrison A, Wal TALJ (2012) The evolution of trade and scientific collaboration networks in the global wine sector: A longitudinal study using network analysis. Econ Geogr 88(3):311–334 Cockburn I, Henderson R (1997) Public-private interaction and the productivity of pharmaceutical research. National Bureau of Economics Research working papers, vol. 6018. Cohen WM, Levinthal DA (1990) Absorptive capacity: A new perspective on learning and innovation. Adm Sci Q 35(1):128–152 Dohse D (2000) Technology policy and the regions—The case of the BioRegio contest. Res Policy 29:1111–1133 Feldman MP, Florida R (1994) The geographic sources of innovation: Technological infrastructure and product innovation in the United States. Ann Assoc Am Geogr 84(2):210–229 Fontana R, Geuna A, Matt M (2006) Factors affecting university-industry R&D projects: The importance of searching, screening and signalling. Res Policy 35(2):309–323 Fornahl D, Broekel T, Boschma RA (2011) What drives patent performance of German biotech firms? The impact of R&D subsidies, knowledge networks and their location. Pap Reg Sci 90(2):395–418 Fritsch M, Lukas R (2001) Who cooperates on R&D? Res Policy 30(2):297–312 Fritsch M, Slavtchev V (2007) Universities and innovation in space. Ind Innov 14(2):201–218 Gibbons M (1994) The new production of knowledge: The dynamics of science and research in contemporary societies. SAGE, Thousand Oaks. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781446221853 Giuliani E, Bell M (2005) The micro-determinants of meso-level learning and innovation: Evidence from a Chilean wine cluster. Res Policy 34(1):47–68 Graf H, Henning T (2009) Public research in regional networks of innovators: A comparative study of four East German regions. Reg Stud 43(10):1349–1368 Grant R (1996) Toward a knowledge-based theory of the firm. Strateg Manag J 17:109–122 Hagedoorn J (1993) Understanding the rationale of strategic technology partnering: Organizational modes of cooperation and sectoral differences. Strateg Manag J 14(5):371–385 Hagedoorn J (2002) Inter-firm R&D partnerships: An overview of major trends and patterns since 1960. Res Policy 31(4):477–492 Jaffe AB (1989) Real effects of academic research. Am Econ Rev 79(5):957–970 Kesteloot K, Veugelers R (1995) Stable R&D cooperation with spillover. J Econ Manag 4:651–672 Kogut B, Zander U (1992) Knowledge of the firm, combinative capabilities, and the replication of technology. Organ Sci 3(3):383–397 Lazarsfeld PF, Merton RK (1954) Friendship as social process: A substantive and methodological analysis. In: Freedom and control in modern society, vol 2, pp 18–66 Levitt B, March J (1988) Organizational learning. Annu Rev Sociol 14:319–340 Mansfield E, Lee JY (1996) The modern university: Contributor to industrial innovation and recipient of industrial R&D support. Res Policy 25(7):1047–1058 Marin PL, Siotis G (2008) Public policies towards research joint venture: Institutional design and participants’ characteristics. Res Policy 37(6–7):1057–1065 Meyer-Krahmer F, Schmoch U (1998) Science-based technologies: University-industry interactions in four fields. Res Policy 27:835–851 Niosi J, Banik M (2005) The evolution and performance of biotechnology regional systems of innovation. Cambridge J Econ 29(3):343–357 Owen-Smith J, Riccaboni M, Pammolli F, Powell WW (2002) A comparison of U.S. and European university-industry relations in the life sciences. Manage Sci 48(1):24–43 Plum O, Hassink R (2011) Comparing knowledge networking in different knowledge bases in Germany. Pap Reg Sci 90(2):355–371 Powell WW, Koput KW, Smith-doerr L (1996a) Interorganizational collaboration and the locus of innovation: Networks of learning in biotechnology. Adm Sci Q 41(1):116–145 Powell WW, Koput KW, Smith-Doerr L, Walter W (1996b) Interorganizational collaboration and the locus of innovation: Networks of learning in biotechnology. Adm Sci Q 41(1):116–145 Powell WW, White DR, Koput KW, Smith OJ (2005a) Network dynamics and field evolution: The growth of Interorganizational collaboration in the life sciences. Am J Sociol 110(4):1132–1205 Powell WW, White DR, Koput KW, Owen-Smith J (2005b) Network dynamics and field evolution: The growth of interorganizational collaboration in the life sciences. Am J Sociol 110(4):1132–1205 Ripley R, Snijders T, Preciado P (2011) Manual for RSIENA. University of Oxford, Oxford Ripley R, Snijders T, Preciado P (2016) Manual for RSIENA. University of Oxford, Department of Statistics, Oxford Scherngell T, Barber MJ (2009) Spatial interaction modeling of cross-region R&D collaboration. Empirical evidence from the 5th EU framework programme. Pap Reg Sci 88(3):531–546 Scherngell T, Barber MJ (2011) Distinct spatial characteristics of industrial and public research collaborations: Evidence from the fifth EU framework programme. Ann Reg Sci 46(2):247–266 Snijders TAB (1996) Stochastic actor-oriented dynamic network analysis, J Mathematical Sociol 21:149–172. https://doi.org/10.1080/0022250X.1996.9990178 Snijders T (2001) The Statistical Evaluation of Social Network Dynamics. Sociol Methodol 31(1):361–395 Snijders T, Van de Bunt GG, Steglich CE (2010) Introduction to stochastic actor-based models for network dynamics. Soc Networks 32(1):44–60 Soete B, Wurzel U, Drewllo H (2002) Innovationsnetzwerke in Ostdeutschland: Ein noch zu wenig genutztes Potential zur regionalen Humankapitalbildung. DIW Wochenber 16:251–256 Staehler T, Dohse D, Cooke P (2007) Evaluation der Fördermaßnahmen BioRegio und BioProfile. Technical report. Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF), Berlin Steglich C, Snijders T, Pearson M (2010) Dynamic networks and behavior: Separating selection from influence. Sociological 40(1):329–393 Teece DJ, Rumelt R, Dosi G, Winter S (1994) Understanding corporate coherence. J Econ Behav Organ 23(1):1–30 Ter Wal ALJ (2013) The dynamics of the inventor network in German biotechnology: Geographic proximity versus triadic closure. J Econ Geogr 8(1):1–6 Toole A (2012) The impact of public basic research on industrial innovation: Evidence from the pharmaceutical industry. Res Policy 41(1):1–12 Van de Bunt GG, Groenewegen P (2007) An actor-oriented dynamic network approach: The case of interorganizational network evolution. Organ Res Methods 10(3):463–482 Varas MLL (2007) Essays in social space: Applications to Chilean communities on inter-sector social linkages, social capital, and social justice. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (Dissertation) Zeller C (2001) Clustering biotech: A recipe for success? Spatial patterns of growth of biotechnology in Munich, Rhineland and Hamburg. Small Bus Econ 17(1–2):123–141 Zollo M, Reuer J, Singh H (2002) Interorganizational routines and performance in strategic alliances. Organ Sci 13(6):701–713. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.13.6.701.503