Changes in the Core-Periphery Structure of the Framework Programme's Regional Network

Subject and purpose of work: The aim of this paper is to measure whether the regions lagging behind in the European knowledge field could get closer to the core of the Framework Programmes’ (FP) R&D network. Materials and methods: Annual snapshots of the network have been analysed between 2004- 2014. With the use of four different core-periphery measures, regions with converging and diverging tendencies have been identified. The author analysed how the results vary with different regions and indicators used. Results: The few core regions of the network in the eastern bloc tend to diverge from the core, while almost none of the peripheral regions in these countries could even get to the semi-periphery of the network in the examined timeframe. Conclusions: Although one of the goals of the EU with the European Research Area was to help peripheral regions catch up, this has not yet happened in the case of the examined collaborative R&D network.