This paper is an attempt to clarify recent trends in the distribution of knowledge intensive services (KIS) in Europe, which have emerged during the last decade as key agents for sustaining local and regional competitiveness. Firstly, particular attention is paid to the definition, the characteristics, and the role played by knowledge intensive services in the economy, and some explanatory factors determining their distribution patterns are considered. Secondly, on the basis of data collected from the REGIO database (Eurostat), KIS industry concentration levels at the regional level in Europe are analysed. Finally, the statistical significance of those factors explaining KIS location patterns is evaluated through a multivariate regression analysis and a panel data modelling.