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Proximity, Innovation and Networks: A Concise Review and Some Next Steps

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  • Pierre-Alexandre Balland
  • Ron Boschma
  • Koen Frenken

Abstract

We review proximity research on collaborative innovation among organizations. We discuss the basic theorical tenets of collaborative innivation and summarize empirical findings on the roles of various forms of proximity. At the aggregative level, we look at studies of inter-organizational relations at the aggregate level of innovation systems. We end with a discussion of next steps in proximity research on collaborative innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Pierre-Alexandre Balland & Ron Boschma & Koen Frenken, 2020. "Proximity, Innovation and Networks: A Concise Review and Some Next Steps," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2019, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Mar 2020.
    • Handle: RePEc:egu:wpaper:2019
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    Cited by:

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    2. Kabirigi, Michel & Abbasiharofteh, Milad & Sun, Zhanli & Hermans, Frans, 2022. "The importance of proximity dimensions in agricultural knowledge and innovation systems: The case of banana disease management in Rwanda," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    3. Pablo Galaso & Jaromír Kovářík, 2021. "Collaboration networks, geography and innovation: Local and national embeddedness," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 100(2), pages 349-377, April.
    4. Janssen, Matthijs J. & Abbasiharofteh, Milad, 2022. "Boundary spanning R&D collaboration: Key enabling technologies and missions as alleviators of proximity effects?," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 180.
    5. Abbasiharofteh, Milad & Kinne, Jan & Krüger, Miriam, 2021. "The strength of weak and strong ties in bridging geographic and cognitive distances," ZEW Discussion Papers 21-049, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    6. Cathrin Söllner & Dirk Fornahl, 2021. "Unleashing Inventive Power - Solving cognitive, social and geographic distance issues with cultural proximity," Bremen Papers on Economics & Innovation 2103, University of Bremen, Faculty of Business Studies and Economics.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    proximity; innovation; networks; inter-organizational relations; innovation systems; knowledge base;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B25 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - Historical; Institutional; Evolutionary; Austrian; Stockholm School
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights
    • R1 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics

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