There is a broad consensus among scholars and policy makers that the development and diffusion of clean and related digital technologies are crucial steps towards a global green economy (OECD, 2011). However, not all countries own the technological capabilities needed to carry out such a transition (Corrocher et al. 2021). Global linkages (FDI, cooperation, trade) can represent important channels to tap into these missing capabilities and speed up the process of greening the global economy.This project will investigate this process by looking at both advanced and emerging economies. The empirical analysis will rely on two main data sources: patents, foreign direct investments. Patent data will be extracted from PATSTAT, which covers patents registered at national patent offices around the world. Foreign direct investments data come from ORBIS, with a focus on multinationals with green investments.The project addresses the following main research questions: To what extent and how (if at all) do Global Linkages contribute to the deepening of sustainability-oriented innovative capacity in the host regions? Do they drive an expansion of the variety of green technologies or a specialisation in distinct sustainability-related technology domains?Answering these questions provides important insights for scholars and policy makers on the role of international connections in fostering the diffusion of green technologies.

• Strong and proven interest on the topics of the project (climate change, innovation, regional diversification, role of global linkages). • Background in social sciences (e.g. economics, geography, international relations, management, innovation studies) or environmental sciences, but with a strong interest on its socio-economic impact. • Strong quantitative skills. • Excellent communication and writing skills in English.

The team is formed by Andrea Morrison and Roberta Rabellotti. Andrea Morrison is associate professor of Applied Economics at University of Pavia and Adjunct Professor of Innovation and Sustainability at Bocconi University. He has developed a research agenda around clean technologies. Roberta Rabellotti is Professor of Economics and regularly provides academic advice to international organisations. Her research is focused on innovation in developing countries, clusters, Global Value Chains. The project will be developed in collaboration with Prof. Ron Boschma at Utrecht University. The PhD candidate will have the opportunity to visit Utrecht University.