Research seminar at the Centre of Innovation Research. Guest Speaker: Dr. Jessica Birkholz, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bremen, Germany
Dr. Jessica Birkholz, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bremen, Germany
The Dynamic Relationship Between Funding Networks and Innovation Networks for Hydrogen Technologies.
Thursday, May 22th, 12.00–13.00 EOJ 276/277, or join on Teams
(Photo by Matej Maze)
Abstract:
Description: Hydrogen technologies can be a cornerstone in a future net-zero energy system. However, the development and diffusion of hydrogen technologies depend on the policy landscape. R&D subsidies are a prominent policy tool to foster the development and diffusion of technology, whereby recent focus has been on joint projects bringing together several actors. One insight from a systemic view on innovation is that collaboration in R&D projects leads to innovation by creating new links between formerly unconnected actors, which enables new knowledge flows and learning.
In this paper, we analyse whether joint hydrogen projects impact the structure of inter-regional hydrogen innovation networks in Germany. To do so, we employ a rich data set on joint hydrogen projects and patent data to create a harmonized multi-layer network on NUTS-2 level. We compare the two network structures based on measures of centrality and density and estimate their co-evolution with a quadratic assignment procedure. Additionally, we check which conditions enable hydrogen projects to build lasting links. Our results provide important insights into the mechanisms behind successful R&D funding in joint projects.