Correlation of Relatedness and Complexity with Patent Applications: A Regional Analysis from Türkiye

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to test the hypothesis that regional innovativeness positively correlated with two main building variables smart specialization: relatedness density (a region’s potential develop new technologies compatible existing capabilities) and knowledge complexity unique hard-to-imitate technologies).Methodology: Analysis are made over a panel regression model, using data from OECD-REGPAT database for years 1978–2017 covering Türkiye’s NUTS-3 regions. dependent variable innovativeness, independent average indices each region. Per capita income, number universities, technoparks, Turkish Patent Institute, Türkiye-EU Customs Union agreement, lagged value control variables.Findings: results confirm technological portfolios (relatedness density) correlated, while measures (knowledge complexity) not statistically significant.Originality: originality work we demonstrate be one blocks specialization as innovativeness; complexity, other block, correlated.