Innovation and Spatial Knowledge Spillovers: Evidence from Brazilian Patent Data

Goncalves E. and Almeida E. Innovation and spatial knowledge spillovers: evidence from Brazilian patent data, Regional Studies. The aim of this paper is to analyse the determinants of regional innovative capacity, measured by patents per capita, for Brazil. This purpose is achieved by means of a comprehensive empirical model based upon the knowledge production function, which comprises the characteristics of the Brazilian microregions such as their industrial basis, urban environment, scientific and technological infrastructure, and also their neighbourhood's innovative activities. The results show that all these factors have a distinctive role in providing local technological change. The hypothesis concerning the existence of technological knowledge spillovers in Brazil is corroborated by the empirical model, suggesting that the industrial and regional policies should be integrated to tackle Brazilian regional disparity problems. [image omitted]