Centripetal and centrifugal forces in technological activities: linking regional innovation performances to EU Science & Technology policies

Abstract

In this paper we analyse the technological activities of EU regions to assess the degree of technological concentration and asymmetries in the EU area and the role of the EC Programme for research and innovation – Horizon 2020 – at reducing or amplifying regional asymmetries. Technological capabilities are very unevenly distributed in the EU, and spatial concentration is much higher than that of GDP. Over the period examined (2001-16) some technological convergence of the most peripheral and least innovative regions of Europe has occurred even if it has been slow, involving almost exclusively the Eastern EU regions. Horizon 2020 seems to favour the integration of regions from peripherical countries. However, the focus on scientific excellence, particularly of the European Research Council, may instead contribute to exacerbate the technological gaps across EU regions. Our results suggest there is a trade-off between inclusion and excellence when designing research and innovation policies. This finding will help to inform policy makers and policy analysists in implementing the Horizon Europe scheme (2021-2027).