Spatial distribution of patents in Spain: Determining factors and consequences on regional development

Innovation and technological development are crucial factors in the economic growth of any country or region. In this paper we set out to analyse the provincial distribution of such activities by looking at the result of the innovative process: i.e. first patent application per province of residence of the applicant. We will consider the factors determining its behaviour by means of regression analysis. We will focus on one of the major instruments of governmental policy regarding technology: financial aid from the CDTI (Centre for Industrial and Technological Development). This variable contributes greatly to the technological development of the most innovative provinces, but the criteria of productivity and efficiency governing this variable render it an element which generates important territorial imbalances or differences.