Are trade fairs relevant for local innovation knowledge networks? Evidence from Shanghai equipment manufacturing

The role of trade fairs in local innovation knowledge networks is studied by combining data on co-patenting networks in the Shanghai equipment manufacturing (machinery) industry with data from the Shanghai Metalworking and CNC Machine Tool Show (MWCS). Three propositions are developed, suggesting that: (1) local firms attending the MWCS are more research and development intensive than other firms; (2) trade fair attendees are linked with each other more closely in co-patenting networks than non-attendees; and (3) participating firms have more local co-patenting linkages than non-participating firms. The results largely support these propositions, confirming that participation in flagship fairs is associated with strong integration in innovation knowledge networks.