Encouraging research and development collaboration amidst geographical challenges in less developed regions of the European Union: a systematic literature review

This study explores the growing literature on research and development (R&D) collaboration in the context of less developed regions (LDRs) in the European Union (EU) and examines the opportunities for LDRs to successfully collaborate with developed regions. A systematic review of the literature shows that studies on R&D collaboration in LDRs are at the forefront of regional innovation research in the EU and that opportunities to explore this research topic are still wide open. A critical review and synthesis of the selected articles shows that LDRs have equal opportunities to collaborate and build successful relationships with developed regions by paying attention to at least five motivational drivers and critical factors to enhance the success of their R&D collaborations.