The Spatial Extent of University Effects: MSA Level Analysis

Abstract

In chapter 2, knowledge transfer from university departments to industrial R&D laboratories was considered the specific way universities can affect regional economies. As a result of university knowledge transfers, new products can be developed in local R&D laboratories. In addition, the expectation of possible future knowledge transfers may attract new firms into the vicinity of a university. Although university knowledge effects have been widely documented for the well-known high technology concentrations, it is still not clear whether they can be considered common components of high technology activities. The major motivation of this book is to shed further light on the issue of local economic importance of universities in this regard.