spatial proximity is relevant for science after controlling for relations

What is it about?

Using two complementary econometric techniques we assess those what determine patenting activity, distinguishing structural features from geographical and relational spillovers. Through these variables we measure the intrinsic relational structure of knowledge flows which directly connects people, institutions and, indirectly, regions, across European countries in order to test whether hierarchical relationships based on a-spatial networks between geographically distant excellence centres prevail over diffusive patterns based on spatial contiguity

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Why is it important?

Because the paper shows that, even in the globalisation era where digital communication have reduced distance, space is still an important determinants in the production of new knowledge