Science and knowledge flows: evidence from the French case

Public research is often considered as essential in the technological change process. Yet, few studies have been undertaken to measure its real impact on innovation. The objective of this study is therefore to evaluate the presence of public technological externalities. From the results, it appears that public research produces positive effects both directly in increasing innovation level and indirectly in favoring private research. However, these externalities are not widespread. They are geographically localized. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.