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The role of non-local linkages for innovation

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  • Ron Boschma

Abstract

Non-local linkages are considered to be crucial for innovation in regions because they provide access to new knowledge and ideas. This helps places to avoid or overcome lock-in situations. The cluster literature has focused on gatekeepers that may diffuse non-local knowledge to cluster firms. In the global city literature, this gatekeeping role is taken up by multinational enterprises and knowledge-intensive-business-services. However, little attention has yet been focused on the nature of these non-local linkages. Not all non-linkages matter for the capacity of a region to innovate. What matters in particular is the extent to which types of knowledge that flow through non-local linkages are complementary to the local knowledge base. What matters is not being connected to other regions per se, but being linked to regions that give access to complementary capabilities. Also inflows of external agents are crucial for regional innovation, especially for more radical innovations.

Suggested Citation

  • Ron Boschma, 2021. "The role of non-local linkages for innovation," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2113, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Mar 2021.
    • Handle: RePEc:egu:wpaper:2113
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    non-local linkages; geography of innovation; relatedness; global innovation networks; complementary inter-regional linkages;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O25 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - Industrial Policy
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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