From Federal Republic to Regierungsbezirke – the Multilevel Landscape of Knowledge in Germany Cover Image

Od republiki federalnej do Regierungsbezirke - niemiecki krajobraz wiedzy na różnych poziomach analizy
From Federal Republic to Regierungsbezirke – the Multilevel Landscape of Knowledge in Germany

Author(s): Marta Götz
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: EUROREG - Uniwersytet Warszawski, Regional Studies Association - Sekcja Polska
Keywords: Germany; Bundesländer; knowledge based economy; R&D

Summary/Abstract: Endogenous growth theories presume knowledge plays the key role in economic growth (1). Yet, new economic geography along with empirical findings suggest the possibility of divergence occurring in development processes (2). Combining (1) and (2) indicates the importance of studying knowledge factors’ distribution. To obtain the fully fledged picture of a given economy one shall go beyond simply analyzing knowledge factors but include also their spatial location. The article touches upon this issue. It is devoted to Germany and examines three territorial and administrative levels: one referring to former country division (DDR & BRD), the second relating to NUTS 1 (16 Bundesländer) and third represented by 41 Regierungsbezirke (NUTS 2). Results are obtained by investigating 5 factors (e.g. expenditure on R&D, human resources in S&T, patent applications) and applying 4 measures (Gini, Rosenbluth, Ellison–Glaeser and Herfindahl–Hirschman Coefficients). This paper is meant to supplement earlier studies as well as a good starting point for further research devoted to country’s knowledge landscape.

  • Issue Year: 10/2009
  • Issue No: 35
  • Page Range: 5-31
  • Page Count: 27
  • Language: Polish