Technological Dynamics and Social Capability: Comparing U.S. States and European Nations
CERGE-EI Working Paper Series No. 455
50 Pages Posted: 27 Apr 2012
There are 2 versions of this paper
Technological Dynamics and Social Capability: Comparing U.S. States and European Nations
Date Written: April 1, 2012
Abstract
This paper analyzes factors that shape the technological capabilities of individual U.S. states and European countries, which are arguably comparable policy units. The analysis demonstrates convergence in technological capabilities from 2000 to 2007. The results indicate that social capabilities, such as a highly educated labor force, an egalitarian distribution of income, a participatory democracy and prevalence of public safety, condition the growth of technological capability. The analysis also considers other aspects of territorial dynamics, such as the possible effects of spatial agglomeration, urbanization economies, and differences in industrial specialization and knowledge spillovers from neighboring regions.
Keywords: innovation, technological capabilities, European Union, United States
JEL Classification: R11, R12, O32, O33
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation