Creativity, Connections and Innovation: A Study of Linkages in the Montréal Region

Abstract

BackgroundThe importance of creativity as a driving force in regional economic growth and prosperity has been previously documented by one of us (Florida, 2002a;2002b;2002c). However, the mechanisms of this relationship not well understood. Knudsen et al (2003) have shown that innovative activity within a region is positively associated with population density and creative-class workforce, both jointly and separately. The explanation put forth suggests, but does not confirm, that high levels of density and creative-class employment create conditions under which innovations generated by the interactions between individuals are more likely to occur. In this paper we present evidence of these innovation-generating interactions. Theories of regional economic growth have stressed the importance of the role played by technological spillovers (for example,

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