How Smart is Specialisation?

G.J. Heimeriks, P.M.A. Balland

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractOther research output

Abstract

This paper examines the regional specialisation patterns of knowledge production in Astrophysics, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology and Organic Chemistry between 1996 and 2012. In all fields, the rise and fall of cities over time can be attributed to their specialisation pattern of scientific knowledge production as indicated by the use of key words. It is shown that the patterns of specialisation differ systematically across scientific fields, but are remarkably similar across cities in each field. Two patterns of specialisation are identified. The first represents a turbulent pattern: concentration of research activities is low, knowledge production in cities is of small size in terms of output, stability in the ranking is low and comparative advantages are short lasting. Relatively few related topics are available for research locations. The second represents a stable pattern: concentration of research activities is higher than in the first group, cities produce more output, stability in the ranking is greater, and comparative advantages last longer. For research locations, often many related topics are available. The former group comprises biotechnology, while the latter includes astrophysics and (in later years) nanotechnology. Organic Chemistry has an intermediate position. The fields differ in the number and specific nature of the capabilities they require and require different policy measures that take into accounted the differences in accumulation and relatedness in order to achieve smart specialisation.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2014
Event2014 Eu-SPRI Conference Science and Innovation Policy: Dynamics, Challenges, Responsibility and Practice, Manchester (UK) - Manchester, United Kingdom
Duration: 17 Jun 201420 Jun 2016

Conference

Conference2014 Eu-SPRI Conference Science and Innovation Policy: Dynamics, Challenges, Responsibility and Practice, Manchester (UK)
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityManchester
Period17/06/1420/06/16

Keywords

  • Valorisation

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