Spaces of Innovation: Learning, Proximity and the Ecological Turn

Abstract

of innovation: learning, proximity and the ecological turn, Regional Studies. Contrary to the fashionable 'death of distance' thesis, the socio-spatial context for innovation remains as important as ever for firms, networks and the public institutions that tend to be neglected in orthodox narratives of learning. This article explores the changing socio-spatial dynamics of innovation through the medium of three arguments: (1) that the 'Learning Region' debate was worth having because it triggered a fruitful dialogue between innovation theorists and economic geographers; (2) that geographical proximity remains a powerful explanatory concept; and (3) that 'the ecological turn' challenges conventional conceptions of learning, innovation and development. LearningRegions Innovation Proximities HEALY A. and MORGAN K.Des espaces d'innovation: l'apprentissage, la proximité et le virage écologique, Regional Studies. Contrairement à la thèse en vogue appellée 'la mort de la distance', le contexte socio-géographique de l'innovation reste toujours aussi important pour les entreprises, les réseaux et les institutions publiques dont on a tendance à ne pas tenir compte dans les récits d'apprentissage orthodoxes. Cet article cherche à examiner la dynamique socio-géographique changeante de l'innovation par l'intermédiaire des affirmations suivantes: (1) le débat sur la 'région d'apprentissage' valait la peine parce qu'elle a déclenché un dialogue fructueux entre les théoriciens d'innovation et les géographes économiques; (2) la proximité géographique reste une notion explicative puissante; et (3) 'le virage écologique' remet en question les notions conventionnelles d'apprentissage, d'innovation et de développement. Apprentissage Régions Innovation Proximités HEALY A. und MORGAN K. Räume der Innovation: Lernen, Nähe und die ökologische Wende, Regional Studies. Ungeachtet der in Mode gekommenen These vom 'Tod der Distanz' hat der sozialräumliche Kontext der Innovation für Firmen, Netzwerke und öffentliche Einrichtungen -die in den orthodoxen Darstellungen des Lernens oft vernachlässigt werden -nichts von seiner Bedeutung verloren. In diesem Artikel wird die veränderliche sozialräumliche Dynamik der Innovation anhand von drei Argumenten untersucht: (1) dem Argument, dass die Debatte über die 'Lernregion' lohnend war, weil sie einen fruchtbaren Dialog zwischen Innovationstheoretikern und Wirtschaftsgeografen auslöste, (2) dem Argument, dass die geografische Nähe nach wie vor ein wichtiges erläuterndes Konzept darstellt, und (3) dem Argument, dass die 'ökologische Wende' die herkömmlichen Auffassungen von Lernen, Innovation und Entwicklung in Frage stellt. Lernen Regionen Innovation NäheHEALY A. y MORGAN K. Espacios de la innovación: aprendizaje, proximidad y el giro ecológico, Regional Studies. A pesar de la moderna tesis de la 'muerte de la distancia', el contexto socioespacial para la innovación sigue siendo igual de importante para las empresas, las redes y las instituciones públicas que tienden a ignorarse en los relatos ortodoxos...

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