Spatial interaction modelling of cross-region R&D collaborations: empirical evidence from the 5th EU framework programme

The focus of this study is on cross-region R&D collaborations in Europe. We use data on collaborative R&D projects funded by the 5th EU Framework Programme (FP5). The objective is to identify separation effects - such as geographical or technological effects - on the constitution of cross-region collaborative R&D activities within a Poisson spatial interaction modelling framework. The results provide striking evidence that geographical factors are important determinants of cross-region collaboration intensities, but the effect of technological proximity is stronger. R&D collaborations occur most often between organizations that are located close to each other in technological space.