La R\&D au niveau des entreprises belges: une approche spatiale

The main aim of this study is to analyse the spatial distribution of R\&D activity, as well as to measure whether this distribution has any impact on the location decision of innovating firms. To that extent, we work on firm level data. The first approach allows us to give an instantaneous representation of the spatial distribution of R\&D activity, for each sector. Clusters of R\&D activity appear to provide strong incentives for further investments in R\&D, in the same sector as well as in the same area. Moreover, our analysis allows us to measure how geographic proximity helps firms benefiting from localization/urbanization economies. Some further policy implications conclude the paper.