This paper empirically analyzes the effects of regional knowledge base on differential growth rates. Beyond the traditional view of knowledge as an homogenous asset, it considers further characteristics that qualify its heterogeneous features. The results of the empirical estimations provide
support to the idea that knowledge characteristics are fare more important than
knowledge capital. The check for spatial dependence suggests that crossregional
externalities exert additional triggering effects on productivity growth, but without debasing the effects of knowledge. Important policy implications stem from the analysis, in that regional innovation strategies ought to be carefully coordinated so as to reach a higher degree of internal coherence and
exert positive effects on productivity.