Hinging on the collaboration-induced knowledge diffusion literature, this paper aims at investigating how the landscape of knowledge production and diffusion has changed over the years and whether there is evidence of knowledge convergence among European regions. Using the European Union Framework Programme data from 1984 to 2016 and network analysis and regressions, we show that there are signs of knowledge convergence within the NUTS2 regions of Europe. Even though the top performers persist over the years, convergence is much stronger among the less developed regions even after controlling for R&D expenditures, patent applications, and human resources in science and technology. Our results have implications for knowledge generation, diffusion, and the design of cohesion policy in Europe.

本文基于协作引发的知识传播文献，旨在研究多年来知识生产和传播的格局如何变化以及欧洲地区之间是否存在知识融合的证据。使用1984年至2016年的欧盟框架计划数据以及网络分析和回归，我们显示出欧洲NUTS2地区内部存在知识融合的迹象。即使多年来表现最好的公司仍然存在，但即使在控制了研发支出，专利申请和科学技术人力资源之后，欠发达地区之间的融合也会更加强烈。我们的研究结果对欧洲的知识产生，传播和凝聚力政策设计产生了影响。