In order to learn more about sectoral differences of knowledge networking in a regional development context, we apply the knowledge base concept, distinguishing the analytical (science based) and synthetic (engineering based) knowledge base. We aim at comparing knowledge networking with the help of network analyses in two knowledge bases in Germany: the analytical knowledge base with the help of the biotechnology industry in the Aachen Technology Region and the synthetic knowledge base with the help of the automotive industry in Southwest Saxony. The paper concludes that there are some main differences found in the characteristics of knowledge networking between the two different knowledge bases.JEL classification: O31, O32, O33, R11

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So far little research has been undertaken on analysing automotive clusters from a knowledge base perspective. Existing studies provide ambiguous hints as to which knowledge base is crucial for automotive manufacturing and innovation processes. This article therefore aims to analyse the knowledge base configuration of automotive clusters in more detail. It does so by investigating the nature and geography of knowledge sourcing and interactive innovation processes of southwest Saxony’s automotive firms. Drawing on face-to-face interviews with representatives of 58 firms and social network analyses of knowledge transfers we show that the firms rely heavily on the synthetic knowledge base whereas the analytical knowledge base is comparatively weak. In the face of its precarious position between the highly innovative western automotive centres and the low-cost sites in central and eastern Europe, it is at least uncertain whether this knowledge base configuration will safeguard the clusters’ competitiveness in the long run.

So far, relatively little research has been done on sectoral differences of innovation processes. In order to learn more about these differences, we apply the knowledge base concept which helps us to characterize the nature of critical knowledge that is indispensable for innovation activities. Two knowledge bases are distinguished: the analytical (science based) and the synthetic (engineering based) knowledge base. This paper focuses on the emerging biotechnology industry in the Aachen Technology Region in Germany. It aims to identify the knowledge base which is crucial for the development of new products and processes. Additional questions are as follows: How intense are cross-sectoral knowledge transfers and labour mobility? In which way can we observe innovation-oriented systemic interactions within the region and to which extent are the biotechnology firms connected to extra-regional knowledge sources? In order to investigate these questions, we apply social network analyses and descriptive statistics. Our results show that the knowledge base that is crucial for innovation activities is primarily of analytical nature. Interactive learning of biotechnology firms within the region is clearly dominated by industry -university links, while the vertical dimension of co-operative innovation processes is rather shaped on national and global scales for most firms.

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