International R&D cooperation between low-tech SMEs: The role of cultural and geographical proximity

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Aurora A C Teixeira (Author) FEP; Paulo Santos (Author) Other; Ana Oliveira Brochado (Author) Other

Journal

Title: European Planning Studies

Vol. 16 No. 6

Pages: 785-810

ISSN: 0965-4313

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 29 Citations

Scopus - 37 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Social sciences > Social and economic geography

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-374

DOI: 10.1080/09654310802079411

Abstract (EN): Although there is a considerable amount of empirical evidence on inter-firm collaborations within technology-based industries, there are only a few works focussing on R&D cooperation by low-tech firms, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Providing further and new evidence based on a recently built database of CRAFT projects, this study analyses the relationship between technology and proximity in international R&D networks using HOMALS and statistical cluster techniques. The resulting typology of international cooperative R&D projects highlights that successful international cooperative R&D projects are both culturally/geographically closer and distant. Moreover, and quite interestingly, geographically distant projects are technologically more advanced whereas those located near each other are essentially low-tech. Such evidence is likely to reflect the tacit-codified knowledge debate boosted recently by the information and communication technology (ICT) "revolution" emphasized by the prophets of the "Death of Distance" and the "End of Geography".

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 26