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[2602.15249] Artificial Intelligence Specialization in the European Union: Underexplored Role of the Periphery at NUTS-3 Level
Summary
This study analyzes AI research production across European regions at the NUTS-3 level, highlighting the specialization of peripheral regions and their potential for developing competitive scientific niches.
Why It Matters
Understanding the geographical distribution of AI research is crucial for policymakers and researchers. It reveals opportunities for peripheral regions to enhance their scientific profiles and contribute to the EU's AI landscape, which is vital for economic growth and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Peripheral regions in Eastern Europe and Spain show high relative AI specialization.
- There is no correlation between regional specialization and citation impact.
- Four distinct regional profiles of AI research emerge from the analysis.
- Peripheral regions can leverage AI research for competitive advantages.
- International visibility requires more than just research volume.
Computer Science > Digital Libraries arXiv:2602.15249 (cs) [Submitted on 16 Feb 2026] Title:Artificial Intelligence Specialization in the European Union: Underexplored Role of the Periphery at NUTS-3 Level Authors:Victor Herrero-Solana View a PDF of the paper titled Artificial Intelligence Specialization in the European Union: Underexplored Role of the Periphery at NUTS-3 Level, by Victor Herrero-Solana View PDF Abstract:This study examines the geographical distribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) research production across European regions at the NUTS-3 level for the period 2015-2024. Using bibliometric data from Clarivate InCites and the Citation Topics classification system, we analyze two hierarchical levels of thematic aggregation: Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Computer Science (Macro Citation Topic 4) and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (Meso Citation Topic 4.61). We calculate the Relative Specialization Index (RSI) and Relative Citation Impact (RCI) for 781 NUTS-3 regions. While major metropolitan hubs such as Paris (IIle-de-France), Warszawa, and Madrid lead in absolute production volume, our findings reveal that peripheral regions, particularly from Eastern Europe and Spain, exhibit the highest levels of relative AI specialization. Notably, we find virtually no correlation between regional specialization and citation impact, identifying four distinct regional profiles: high-impact specialized regions (e.g., Granada, Jaen, Vilniaus), high-vol...
