Scholars recently observe an increasing spatial disconnect between research and development (R&D) activities within global firms, in particular from emerging markets. This is of major concern to our society because this spatial split channels global knowledge flows and affects the ability of regions to produce innovative output such as climate-friendly engines or vaccines against new viruses, and has further implications for the economic and social welfare of regions. The DISCO (Disconnected research and development: The (temporary) spatial patterns of innovation) project aims at understanding the dynamics of spatial (re-)organization of R&D in relation to firm development as well as economic shocks and social crises. DISCO uses information from patents to build an indicator and a firm-typology revealing the global patterns of which type of R&D activity is performed at which locations. Applying these indicators to almost 200 years of historical patent data yields insights into the effect of economic shocks on the spatial organization of R&D. Further, it reveals similarities and differences between the development of currently emerging firms and early activities of today’s global players. This can yield new evidence on innovation capability building and successful development trajectories in R&D internationalization.
DISCO is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions by the EU. Dr. Kerstin Schäfer was granted 124.000 € to conduct the project together with Prof. Riccardo Crescenzi at the Department of Geography and Environment at London School of Economics and Political Science.
