Knowledge brokers for circular bioeconomy: evidence from European regions

The transition to a Circular Bioeconomy (CBE) requires effectiveknowledge recombination across scientific and technologicaldomains. This study examines how universities, Research andTechnology Organisations (RTOs), and firms contribute to regionalknowledge recombination in the CBE domain through theirbrokerage roles in collaboration networks. Using a unique dataseton CBE-related Horizon 2020 projects (2015–2019) and regionalpatenting activity, we exploit the structural and geographicaldimensions of entities within the CBE research network and employeconometric models to assess the role of inter-organizationalpartnerships in fostering knowledge recombination. Our findingshighlight that universities and RTOs are more effective in facilitatingknowledge recombination when acting as brokers in cross-regionalcollaborations, whereas firms have a stronger impact whenbrokering connections within their own region. These results providenovel insights into the geography of innovation, emphasizing theimportance of brokerage roles in shaping regional technologicalcapabilities. By advancing our understanding of collaborativeknowledge spillovers, this study also offers valuable implications forpolicymakers seeking to strengthen CBE innovation ecosystems.