Key enabling technologies (KETs) in the technological space: embeddedness and regional knowledge creation

This study investigates the impact of European Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) on regional innovation. KETs are a group of six technologies that share features with General-Purpose Technologies and are anticipated to contribute to innovation, Europe’s industrial competitiveness, and tackling grand societal challenges. As previous studies show innovation-driving effects of KETs, we are interested in the role of KETs in the regional technological space and its effect on innovation within a region. We analyse data from 141 German Labor Market Regions (LMRs) over a 15-year period and find varying and even negative impacts of individual KETs on regional knowledge creation. These findings emphasize KETs’ heterogeneity and the need for tailored regional policies.