Technological diversification in the mesoregions of the state of São Paulo: an analysis based on relational density and complexity

Abstract

This paper analyzes the opportunities for technological diversification in the mesoregions of São Paulo based on relational density and complexity indices. Considering the importance of structural change for economic growth and that it can be understood as a branching process, data from patent applications submitted to the INPI from 2016 to 2020 with at least one Brazilian inventor are used. The results show the great heterogeneity between the state's regions, as few regions have opportunities for diversification with high relational density and complexity. The distinct settings may impact public policies. While there is great potential for identifying highly complex and related technological opportunities in some regions, such as the São Paulo Metropolitan area, the same does not occur in most state regions, where there is low relational density in more complex technologies.

Keywords
Relatedness density; Technological complexity; Smart specialization; Technological capabilities.