Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Series: Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers Creation-Date: 2011-08-09 Number: 11-116/3 Author-Name: Andrea Caragliu Author-Workplace-Name: Politecnico di Milano Author-Name: Peter Nijkamp Author-Workplace-Name: VU University Amsterdam Title: Cognitive Capital and Islands of Innovation: The Lucas Growth Model from a Regional Perspective Abstract: This discussion paper led to an article in Regional Studies (2014). Volume 48, issue 4, pages 624-645.
Knowledge triggers regional growth. Evidence suggests that skilled labour force concentrates in islands of innovation, determining an advantage for innovative regions and a challenge for lagging ones. We address the role of knowledge in shaping effective markets for skilled labour. Estimates are based on the Lucas (1988) model, with EVS and EUROSTAT data. The externality driving growth in the model is cognitive capital. Empirical tests show that a higher endowment of cognitive capital generates increasing returns to knowledge, favouring the emergence of islands of innovation; regions with a high endowment of cognitive capital attract knowledge spillovers from neighbours. Classification-JEL: C21, E24, R11 Keywords: human capital, cognitive capital, knowledge spillovers, islands of innovation File-Url: https://papers.tinbergen.nl/11116.pdf File-Format: application/pdf File-Size: 317947 bytes Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20110116