Research and Development Intensity in Romania. A Regional Perspective

The potential contribution of research, development and innovation to enhance the economic competitiveness and support economic growth is largely acknowledged nowadays. Our aim is to explore the factors that influence the R&D intensity in Romania from a regional perspective, on the assumption that the ability to attract research funds varies territorially, shaped by a wide range of socio-economic, structural and political characteristics. Applying econometric panel model techniques that allow for an in-depths exploration of the regional fixed-effects and random-effects, we found a positive influence of regional specialization in high- and medium-high technology, and also in knowledge-intensive services, on R&D intensity in Romania.