Research Networks As Infrastructure For Knowledge Diffusion In European Regions

This paper concentrates on the role of research network infrastructure in fostering the dissemination of innovation-related knowledge. It examines the structure of collaborative networks and of knowledge transfer between research, innovation and deployment activities in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for the European Union as a whole and for several European regions. Research networks complement diffusion networks by providing additional links and by increasing the number of the organizations involved in sharing and exchanging knowledge.