The domestic localization of knowledge flows as evidenced by publication citation: The case of Italy

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method to measure geographic knowledge flows through citation analysis, revealing that larger Italian regions tend to export more knowledge and that intraregional flows correlate with regional research output.

Contribution

It develops a novel approach to analyze knowledge flows based on citation linkages, providing insights into regional knowledge dynamics in Italy.

Findings

Larger regions are more likely to be net exporters of knowledge.

Positive correlation between intraregional flows and regional scientific output.

Regional specialization indexes for knowledge inflows and outflows.

Abstract

This work applies a new approach to measure knowledge flows. Assuming that citation linkages between articles imply a flow of knowledge from the cited to the citing authors, we investigate the geographic flows of scientific knowledge produced in Italy across its regions, at both overall and field level. Furthermore, we measure the the specialization indexes for outflows and inflows of knowledge by a given region. Findings show that larger regions in terms of research output are more likely net exporters of new knowledge. At the same time, we register a positive correlation between the share of intraregional flows and the size of overall scientific output of a region.