University research and the location of patents in Spain

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between innovative capacity and the presence of innovative inputs at a geographical level in Spain. Within the framework of a Griliches-Jaffe knowledge production function the effects of university research on corporate patents in four high and medium technology sectors are explored. In contrast to other studies carried out on this subject in the United States, the results do not provide evidence, except in the electronics industry, to support a positive relationship between university research and regional innovation.