The effect of micro‐territorial networks on industrial small and medium enterprises' innovation: A case study in the Spanish region of Cantabria

Abstract

This study examines the effect of networks derived from the geographical proximity of economic agents on industrial small and medium enterprises' innovation. We designed a proxy to measure firms' innovation through disclosed information from websites. We geo‐located economic agents and facilities located near the firms whose physical proximity could affect the firms' innovation. Our results highlight the need to distinguish between inter and intra‐specialization and to confirm the proximity paradox in innovation. This study contributes to the identification of geographical elements that should be considered in the design of micro‐territorial innovation policies.

[Retracted] Application of Intelligent Optimization Technology for Territorial Spatial Planning Based on Edge Network

“…A commonly used model for predicting land-use change is the meta-automaton Markov model (CA-Markov). Among them, the beta cellular automaton (CA) is a spatiotemporally discrete, state-limited, local rule-controlled lattice dynamical model with the ability to simulate the Spatio-temporal evolution process of complex systems [16][17][18][19]. Each cell's T-temporal state is determined by the temporal state of T-1 neighboring cells; Markov chain (Markov chain) is a stochastic process in state space that undergoes a transition from one state to another, and the The transfer between land-use types in a certain time phase is regarded as the "possible state" in the Markov process, and the transfer area between land-use types in a certain time phase is regarded as the transfer probability matrix [20][21][22][23].…”

Factors influencing small and medium enterprises’ innovativeness: Evidence from manufacturing companies in Harare, Zimbabwe

“…A similar study was conducted by López‐Fernández et al. (2021) to examine the impact of micro‐territorial networks on the innovation of SMEs in the Cantabria region in Spain. It was found that geographical proximity and networking enable firms to innovate.…”

“…Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play an essential role in economic growth and sustainable development worldwide. SMEs have significantly contributed to gross domestic product, employment creation, income generation and poverty alleviation in developing and developed nations (Bomani et al., 2018; Damoah, 2020; Dvouletý & Orel, 2019; Gherghina et al., 2020; López‐Fernández et al., 2021; Madison et al., 2022). Because of this, SMEs have been dubbed engines for economic development in many countries (Akin‐Adetoro & Kabanda, 2021).…”

“…Innovation can take place at both the firm and national levels. At a national level, an innovative economy is likely to be profitable and achieve fast growth (López‐Fernández et al., 2021). In this regard, innovation has become a key indicator of national progress.…”

“…A plethora of research has found that innovation is a critical factor that improves organizational performance and chances of survival (Dana et al., 2021; Makanyeza & Dzvuke, 2015. Similarly, several studies have been conducted to determine factors that influence innovation (Akin‐Adetoro & Kabanda, 2021; Kaur & Kaur, 2021; López‐Fernández et al., 2021; Niroumand et al., 2021; Sun & Mamman, 2021; Tran et al., 2021). Moreover, many studies have investigated factors influencing innovation in large‐scale firms.…”