In this paper, we outline a perspective on the spatial levels of the organization of high-tech innovations. By contrasting two innovation networks in very different socio-economic regional set-ups-one prospering like in Erlangen, one stagnating like in Frankfurt/Oder-the article presents empirical results of different spatial knowledge formations. We will apply a relational notion of space on the way firm-based strategies are able to acquire external knowledge. The main question is: how do companies in high-tech innovation contexts deal with difficulties of acquiring and organizing external knowledge? Empirically driven results reflect on the possibilities and restrictions of translocal knowledge-transfer with respect to distinct regional context conditions. The point of departure of this article is Faulconbridge's attempt to conceptualize translocal knowledge networks "stretching beyond a local fix" (Faulconbridge, J. (2006) Stretching tacit knowledge beyond a local fix? Global spaces of learning in advertising professional service firms, Journal of Economic Geography, 6, pp. 517-540). Taking into account that innovation-oriented networks extend beyond the firm, the city's administrative ground, person-based social interaction abilities, we will argue for new conceptual understanding of the notion of space as introduced by Coe and Bunnell ((2003) "Spatializing" knowledge communities: Towards a conceptualization of transnational innovation networks, Global Networks, 3(4), pp. 437 -456). Knowledge workers and their communities are considered to represent the desired and much needed contextual "innovation climate" in urban-regional settings. At the same time, these "long-distance-connections" are of great importance for gaining access to different knowledge forms and expertise. So this paper starts with the assumption, that "learning at a distance" can be as important-and sometimes even more important-as local face-to-face contact when it comes to the question, how to generate new ideas and innovation in the field of high-techproduction. Two contrasting cases within the high-tech sector (Erlangen and Frankfurt/Oder) allow for drawing subordinate conclusions to new forms of gaining external knowledge.

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Wissensnetze im Stadtumbau des Landes Brandenburg -Analysen und EmpfehlungenNetworks ofknouiledge in the state 0/ Brandenburgs Urban Reneration Programme -analysis and recommendationsKurzfassung Mit aller Kraft kampfen die ostdeutschen Lander fur den Erhalt der hochmobilen Ressource .Humankapital". Mittlerweile wurde sogar schon vorgeschlagen, denjenigen aIle Studiengebiihren zu erstatten, die nach dem Hochschulabschluss im Lande bleiben. Zunehmend stellt sich in diesem Zusammenhang die Frage, wie im Stadtumbau die Wissensinfrastrukturen tiber ihre Funktion als Lern-und Ausbildungsressourcen hinaus auch die Entwicklung stimulierender und attraktiver Sozial-Raurne befordern konnen. In diesem Beitrag werden vier Wissensnetze mit ihren Schlusselakteuren, Praktiken und Verfahrensweisen analysiert und mit Handlungsvorschlagen verbunden, wie sie vermutlich nicht nur ftir das Land Brandenburg relevant sind. AbstractWith all their strength, the East German states are struggling to maintain the highly mobile resource "human capital': In the meantime, there was even a suggestion to reimburse the tuition fees to everybody who would also after his degree stay in the state where he or she studied. Increasingly the question arises, how knowledge building infrastructures might, beyond their function as resource for learning and training, promote the development ofattractive sociospatial areas. The following article will analyse four knowledge networks and their key actors, practitioners and policies and will provide recommendations for action, which are probably relevant even out ofrange ofthe state ofBrandenburg.

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