Innovative linkages and proximity

Empirical results from recent surveys of small and medium sized firms in German regions

authored by: Rolf Sternberg
Abstract: Recent theoretical discussion about modern approaches to explaining knowledge-based regional development in terms of industrial district, innovative milieu and network hypotheses emphasizes the importance of intraregional linkages between innovative actors. Among these, innovative firms and research institutions are regarded as most important for influencing regional economic development by intraregional linkages. This paper supplies databased research by analysing several comprehensive surveys in three German regions. It focuses on the role that spatial proximity of partners plays in the establishment of innovative linkages between manufacturing SMEs and other actors, such as research institutions, customers and suppliers. The results in general confirm the hypothesis of strong and increasing intraregional linkages between innovative actors. However, some of the empirical findings regarding industrial districts like Baden do surprise.
External Organisation(s): University of Cologne
Type: Article
Journal: Regional studies
Volume: 33
Pages: 529-540
No. of pages: 12
ISSN: 0034-3404
Publication date: 1999
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Environmental Science(all), Social Sciences(all)
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1080/00343409950078224 (Access: Closed)