Journalartikel

Jahr der Veröffentlichung: 1997

Seiten: 113-128

Zeitschrift: Geographical Journal

Bandnummer: 85

Heftnummer: 2-3

ISSN: 0016-7479

Verlag: Franz Steiner Verlag

Abstract: 

This study provides new insights into the spatial nature of patent and invention activities of industrial firms in West Germany based on a data set of about 33,000 patent applications in 1992. The spatial structure of invention activities is analyzed by a simple black box model in which the number of R&D employees in industrial firms is used as the input and the number patent applications as the output variable. The results, based on labour market regions, suggest that.

First agglomeration economies, spatial proximity and quick access to specific know-how have an important influence on innovation processes, given that research and innovation are spatially concentrated.

Second, use of the spatial system in the innovation process might differ by sector. Intraregional networks of firms are in the main less important than interregional networks.

Third, the spatial distribution of patent applications is primarily shaped by the locational structure of large firms which account for about 70% of all German patent applications.

Fourth, the number (intensity) of patent applications also differs by industrial sector and technology, a factor which has to be considered when trying to explain the spatial structure of invention activities.

Fifth, when using the number of R&D employees as a size indicator of labour market regions it becomes obvious that the intensity of patent applications is higher in medium-sized than in large labour market regions. This might be due to a more efficient organization of R&D activities in medium-sized labour markets. These regions are characterized by a high percentage of Mittelstand firms and good access to research facilities such as universities.

Harvard-Zitierstil: Giese, E., Greif, S. and Von Stoutz, R. (1997) The spatial structure of invention activities in West Germany, 1992, Geographical Journal, 85(2-3), pp. 113-128

APA-Zitierstil: Giese, E., Greif, S., & Von Stoutz, R. (1997). The spatial structure of invention activities in West Germany, 1992. Geographical Journal. 85(2-3), 113-128.