EU Study Reveals Strategic Regions for Research & Innovation
A comprehensive study has shed light on the strategic importance of various regions within the EU and globally for research and innovation (R&I). The analysis, based on the Digital Techno-Economic ecoSystem (DGTES) methodology, focuses on NUTS-3 regions and aims to inform policy development for enhanced innovation-led growth.
The study assesses regions' strategic importance through several indicators, including the number of R&I players, intermediation for knowledge exchange, GDP, employment-to-population ratio, and the presence of startups. Some regions, like Stockholm and Dresden, stand out for their global strategic significance due to international co-patenting activities, while Brussels, Barcelona, Milan, and Zuidoost-Noost-Brabant are pivotal within the EU due to intra-EU project collaborations.
Notably, the group of 'widening countries' in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, including Lithuania, Bulgaria, Poland, Croatia, Latvia, Greece, Montenegro, and Albania, has shown significant improvement in strategic importance for R&I in recent years. These regions hold untapped potential for innovation and investment. Conversely, areas like Erlagen and Brussels-Hoofdstad lack a strong R&I startup presence, presenting opportunities for growth and investment.
The top three most strategic regions globally are Munich, Paris, and Madrid. However, when considering only EU regions, Paris and Madrid lead the pack, highlighting their significant role in the digital R&I ecosystem.
The study offers a unique perspective on the R&I landscape, identifying strategic regions and supporting policy initiatives to enhance EU competitiveness. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different regions, tailored policies can be developed to foster innovation-led growth and capitalise on the untapped potential of areas like the 'widening countries'.
