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SAMF-Fagkomiteen for samfunnsvitenskap

The knowledge-based society: Transition, geography and competition policy

Tildelt: kr 3,9 mill.

Several challenges arise when a society becomes knowledge-based. We propose to look at how and why knowledge is produced and shared and the implications that this has for competition policy. The project is divided into three topics. One of the main aim s of the project will be to create a dynamic team of experts in Tromsø that can contribute to easing the transition from traditional to knowledge-based industry in the local region. Briefly, the three topics are: 1. R&D leadership: setting the pace or l osing the race? Here we will examine perspectives involving being an R&D leader. An incumbent firm has incentives and opportunities to participate in R&D activity that sets it aside from other competitors. This part of the project will look at how leade rs affect R&D activity and the business strategies employed in order to maintain a leading position. An example is Statoil's involvement in the Snow White project in North Norway; the project in itself will make a loss, but it is widely accepted that it w ill establish Statoil as a technology leader in the field, giving it a toehold for securing other more lucrative contracts in the future. 2. The geography of Research and Development This topic combines the vibrant research areas of "new economic geograp hy" and "R&D cooperation". We will look at the extent to which knowledge spillovers can be regarded as a centripetal force which contributes to centralisation of industry, with obvious repercussions on regional growth patterns; we also intend to look at the role of public policy in managing the dissemination of information, and in aligning incentives between the industry, governmental and university sectors. 3. Dynamic efficiency considerations in competition policy and regulation. This topic looks at h ow the design of regulatory and competition policy should incorporate dynamic efficiency considerations with an emphasis on industries where innovation, R&D and investment in infrastructure are important.

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SAMF-Fagkomiteen for samfunnsvitenskap