The technological innovation of multinational corporations in the French regions

In a rapidly globalising economy, and particularly in the face of a process of economic integration such as that occurring in the EU, regions forge an increasing number of linkages with other locations within and across national boundaries through the local technological development efforts of multinational corporations (MNCs). By using patents granted to the largest industrial firms - arranged by the region (NUTS 1) host to the research facility responsible - the paper explores the location of innovative activities of MNCs in France, and the relationship between the profiles of technological specialisation of foreign-owned and indigenous companies in the French regions.