The Evolution of Intra- and Inter-sector Knowledge Spillovers in the EU Framework Programmes

In this chapter we investigate knowledge spillovers stemming from research and development (R&D) cooperation in the context of the EU Framework Programmes (EU-FWPs). We measure spillovers in a direct way, following a limited number of assumptions. Intra-and inter-sector spillovers are computed for the first four Framework Programmes (FWPs) (1984-98), in order to analyse the evolution of cooperation patterns in response to policy and other (that is, technology) shifts. We adopt a ‘learning by networking’ perspective, which assumes that knowledge flows are not limited to flows of codified information and argue that measuring spillovers is essential in assessing the rationale and the impact of networkpromoting policies.