We investigate evidence for spatially mediated knowledge transfer from university research. We examine whether firms locate R&D near universities, and whether those that do are more likely to co-operate with, or source knowledge from them. We find that pharmaceutical firms locate R&D near to frontier chemistry research departments, consistent with accessing localized knowledge spillovers, but also linked to the presence of science parks. Chemicals R&D exhibits co-location with materials science departments, with firms within 10 km more likely to directly engage with universities. In other industries we find less, or no evidence of co-location with university research.
Authors
Helen Simpson
Research Fellow Institute for Fiscal Studies
Laura is a Research Fellow at IFS. Her current work focuses on tax and social protection policy and programme evaluation in developing countries.
Journal article details
- DOI
- 10.1093/jeg/lbq052
- Publisher
- Oxford Academic
- JEL
- O30, R11, R13, I23
- Issue
- Volume 11, Issue 6, November 2011, pages 949-977
Suggested citation
Abramovsky, L and Simpson, H. (2011). 'Geographic proximity and firm–university innovation linkages: evidence from Great Britain' 11(6/2011), pp.949–977.
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