R&D, innovative collaborations and the role of public policies

R&D investments have the potential to boost innovation at the local level. However, this only happens where appropriate complementary skills and conditions are available locally to support knowledge generation and absorption. Where major R&D facilities are located in regions that lack the appropriate receptive environment the local mismatch between R&D and skilled labor can persistently hinder innovation and local spillovers. How can this be avoided? Public policies have an important role to play. They should facilitate the development of connections between local teams and those active in the research facility. The presence of star researchers in large research facilities might—for example—be a key factor to facilitate collaboration with local industrial partners offering significant opportunities for technological upgrading.