The evolution of intra- and inter-sector knowledge spillovers in the EU Framework Programmes

In this paper we compute knowledge spillovers springing from R&D co-operation in the EU Framework Programmes. Contrary to most other methods we estimate spillovers in a direct way, following a limited number of assumptions. Intra- and inter-sector spillovers are computed for the first four FWPs, to analyse the evolution of the pattern of co-operation in response to policy and other (e.g. technology) shifts. We endorse a ‘learning by networking’ perspective, which acknowledges 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 network-promoting policies.