Regional Innovation Systems and Global Flows of Knowledge

Abstract

The literature on regional innovation systems emphasizes the role of the region as locus for interactive learning and knowledge exchange, stressing the importance of (geographical) proximity for innovation (Asheim and Gertler 2005). Even though the importance of extra-regional knowledge is widely acknowledged (Trippl et al. 2015), there has been only little emphasis on the particular role and the nature of global knowledge flows. The aim of this chapter is to explore the differentiated nature of global knowledge flows in regional innovation systems. We provide an overview of the different ways firms can gain access to global knowledge sources. Identified knowledge sourcing channels include international R&D collaborations, foreign direct investments, personally embedded relationships, international mobility of skilled labour, virtual communities and online platforms, and the participation in temporary clusters such as fairs, exhibitions, and conferences (Maskell et al. 2006, Aslesen and Sardo 2016). Depending on regional innovation system preconditions, firms use and combine different knowledge sourcing channels to access global knowledge. Firms in organisationally thick and diversified regional innovation systems have a geographical advantage in accessing knowledge globally, but even firms in peripheral areas can exchange knowledge worldwide, due to improved means of transport and communication at distance. Furthermore, not only multinational companies that are dominated by analytical or synthetic knowledge bases, but even small and medium sized enterprises in symbolic industries are often deeply involved in global knowledge sourcing activities. We illustrate our arguments with interview data collected among New Media firms in southern Sweden and in the Oslo Region in Norway.

Oasis in the desert? Bridging academics’ collaboration activities as a conduit for global knowledge flows to peripheral regions

“…The regional innovation literature suggests the nature of the innovation system prevailing in a region determines the level of global and local knowledge exchange (Martin et al, 2018). Peripheral regions have been described as suffering from organizational thinness.…”

“…However, it is transmitted through diverse channels and the active interaction with regional actors and organizations. Academics use both formal and informal mechanisms and practices in the knowledge-transmission process (Martin et al, 2018). The choice of a particular mechanism depends largely on the nature of the knowledge being disseminated and the cooperative relationships of the academics.…”

“…For instance, the literature documents the role of local firms in knowledge transmission (e.g., Gertler & Levitte, 2005). The competitive and cooperative activities of small and large companies in global arenas have been shown to contribute to renewed investments and the flow of new knowledge to regions (e.g., Aslesen, Hydle, & Wallevik, 2017;Martin, Aslesen, Grillitsch, & Herstad, 2018). Similarly, the activities of universities have been highlighted as conduits for attracting distant knowledge to regions (e.g., Benneworth & Hospers, 2007;Benneworth, Coenen, Moodysson, & Asheim, 2009).…”

Understanding processes of path renewal and creation in thick specialized regional innovation systems. Evidence from two textile districts in Italy and Sweden

“…The role of extra-regional sources of knowledge in processes of regional path creation and renewal has recently been addressed in the literature, particularly in thick and specialized regional innovation systems (Martin, Wiig Aslesen, Grillitsch, & Herstade, 2018;Trippl et al, 2018). The probability to link to external region sources is considered to be a function of the knowledge base prevailing in the regional industries, the specific institutional framework, the organizational infrastructure operating in the system, the embeddedness structure of relations, and the degree of urbanization (Asheim et al, 2011;Sotarauta, Ramstedt-Sen, Seppänen, & Kosonen, 2011).…”

Beyond Local: The Role of National Innovation Networks Within the 4th IR

“…The literature investigating clusters and industrial districts has often highlighted the fundamental role of global knowledge linkages as levers to support the growth of firms' cognitive and learning capabilities as well as the development of more systemic innovative capacity (Barzotto et al, 2017;Bathelt et al, 2004;Castellani et al, 2017;Chiarvesio et al, 2010;Corò et al, 2013;De Marchi et al, 2018;Martin et al, 2018).…”