Innovation Dynamics in Türkiye: Is there any convergence?

Öz

This study examines regional innovation convergence in Türkiye by employing Phillips and Sul (2007, 2009) club convergence algorithm. Descriptive results show that the relative dispersion (coefficient of variation) of innovation signals no evidence of sigma convergence. Moreover, log t regression results confirm that absolute convergence does not exist among 81 provinces. Instead, regions form two innovation clubs which converge to their respective steady-states. Regions from the relatively developed west form Club 1 whilst Club 2 mostly consists of eastern regions. Furthermore, innovation clubs do not demonstrate a convergent behaviour among themselves. According to the empirical results, innovation is heterogeneously distributed across Turkish regions. The existence of innovation clubs indicates the need for region-specific policies rather than “one-size-fits-all” policies.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• innovation
• convergence
• club convergence
• log t regression

Türkiye’de İnovasyon Dinamikleri: Yakınsama Var mı?

Öz

Bu çalışma Türkiye’deki bölgesel inovasyon yakınsamasını Phillips ve Sul (2007, 2009) kulüp yakınsaması yöntemi ile incelemektedir. Betimsel sonuçlara göre (varyasyon katsayısı) bölgeler arasında sigma yakınsaması yoktur. Log t regresyon sonuçlarına göre 81 il arasında mutlak inovasyon yakınsaması da bulunmamaktadır. Aksine, bölgeler kendi durağan durum değerlerine yakınsayan iki inovasyon kulübü oluşturmaktadır. Nispeten gelişmiş batı bölgeleri Kulüp 1’i oluştururken, Kulüp 2'yi daha çok doğu bölgeleri oluşturmaktadır. Ek olarak, kulüpler kendi aralarında da yakınsama göstermemektedir. Ampirik sonuçlara göre, Türkiye'de inovasyon bölgeler arasında heterojen dağılmıştır. İnovasyon kulüplerinin varlığı, tüm bölgeleri kapsayan politikalardan ziyade bölgeye özgü politikalara duyulan ihtiyacı göstermektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• inovasyon
• yakınsama
• kulüp yakınsaması
• log t regresyonu

Kaynakça

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