Inter-regional betweenness centrality in the European R&D network: Empirical investigation using European Framework data

Given the great current interest in European R&D networks, in which organizations from the science and the industry sectors perform joint R&D, we investigate knowledge flows in the European R&D network, as inferred from Framework Programme (FP) data. We make use of the concept of edge betweenness centrality, which assesses the power of a relation based on the load placed on the corresponding network edge. Edges with high betweenness centrality have the greatest load, are strategically positioned, and potentially can act as bottlenecks for the flows. We use this idea to evaluate knowledge flows between organizations in the European R&D network, considering several ways to relate the betweenness centrality at the level of FP project participants to knowledge flows at the NUTS2 regional level. We do so by aggregating betweenness centrality values calculated using bipartite graphs linking organizations to the FP projects in which they participate, condensing inter-organizational centralities to inter-regional betweenness centralities. We determine the most central inter-regional knowledge flows, and consider the implications for knowledge flows in European R&D networks. We model the betweenness centrality by means of spatial interaction models, estimating how geographical, technological, and social factors influence the centralities. The results have meaningful implications to European R&D policy, in particular concerning which region pairs become bottlenecks in the flow of knowledge.