The role of green networks for environmental innovation in European regions

This paper investigates the role of green research networks in green innovation capabilities (proxied by green patents) in European regions. Our hypothesis is based on the idea that cross-border collaboration facilitates the diffusion of knowledge, thereby favouring the green innovation of the regions belonging to the network. We exploit information contained in the European Framework Programmes by looking at the role of intra and extra-regional collaborations and at the diversity of institutional partners. We find that both intra and extra regional collaborations matter for green innovation, although external knowledge appears to be more relevant. We also find a positive effect of firms in the network, of projects involving both firms and universities and a non-linear effect of network heterogeneity. We discuss the implications of the results for green innovation policies.