Showing papers in "Regional Studies in 2015"
TL;DR: McCann et al. as mentioned in this paper examined the smart specialization concept and explained the challenges involved in applying this originally sectoral concept to an explicitly spatial and regional setting, and the ways in which this might be achieved so as to make the concept suitable as a building block of a reformed European Union cohesion policy.
Abstract: McCann P. and Ortega-Argiles R. Smart specialization, regional growth and applications to European Union Cohesion policy, Regional Studies. The aim of this paper is to achieve two objectives. Firstly, it examines the smart specialization concept and explains the challenges involved in applying this originally sectoral concept to an explicitly spatial and regional setting. Secondly, it explains the ways in which this might be achieved so as to make the concept suitable as a building block of a reformed European Union cohesion policy.
723 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an evolutionary perspective on regional resilience is proposed in which history is key to understand how regions develop new growth paths, and in which industrial, network and institutional dimensions of resilience come together.
Abstract: Boschma R. Towards an evolutionary perspective on regional resilience, Regional Studies. This paper proposes an evolutionary perspective on regional resilience. It conceptualizes resilience not just as the ability of a region to accommodate shocks, but extends it to the long-term ability of regions to develop new growth paths. A comprehensive view on regional resilience is proposed in which history is key to understand how regions develop new growth paths, and in which industrial, network and institutional dimensions of resilience come together. Resilient regions are capable of overcoming a trade-off between adaptation and adaptability, as embodied in related and unrelated variety, loosely coupled networks and loosely coherent institutional structures.
656 citations
TL;DR: Balland et al. as discussed by the authors proposed a dynamic extension of the proximity framework that accounts for co-evolutionary dynamics between knowledge networking and proximity, which captures the processes of learning (cognitive proximity), integration (organizational proximity), decoupling (social proximity), institutionalization (institutional proximity), and agglomeration (geographical proximity).
Abstract: Balland P.-A., Boschma R. and Frenken K. Proximity and innovation: from statics to dynamics, Regional Studies. Despite theoretical and empirical advances, the proximity framework has remained essentially static. A dynamic extension of the proximity framework is proposed that accounts for co-evolutionary dynamics between knowledge networking and proximity. For each proximity dimension, how proximities might increase over time as a result of past knowledge ties is described. These dynamics are captured through the processes of learning (cognitive proximity), integration (organizational proximity), decoupling (social proximity), institutionalization (institutional proximity), and agglomeration (geographical proximity). The paper ends with a discussion of several avenues for future research on the dynamics of knowledge networking and proximity.
340 citations
TL;DR: Castaldi et al. as mentioned in this paper investigated how variety affects the innovation output of a region and found that related variety will enhance innovation as related technologies are more easily recombined into a new technology.
Abstract: Castaldi C., Frenken K. and Los B. Related variety, unrelated variety and technological breakthroughs: an analysis of US state-level patenting, Regional Studies. This paper investigates how variety affects the innovation output of a region. Borrowing arguments from theories of recombinant innovation, it is expected that related variety will enhance innovation as related technologies are more easily recombined into a new technology. However, it is also expected that unrelated variety enhances technological breakthroughs, since radical innovation often stems from connecting previously unrelated technologies opening up whole new functionalities and applications. Using patent data for US states in the period 1977–99 and associated citation data, evidence is found for both hypotheses. This study thus sheds a new and critical light on the related variety hypothesis in economic geography.
276 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the entry and exit of US cities from patent classes are linked to local and non-local measures of technological relatedness, constructed as the probability that a patent in class j will cite a patent from class i, forming the links of a knowledge network.
Abstract: Rigby D. L. Technological relatedness and knowledge space: entry and exit of US cities from patent classes, Regional Studies. US patent and citation data are used to measure technological relatedness between major patent classes in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The technological relatedness measures, constructed as the probability that a patent in class j will cite a patent in class i, form the links of a knowledge network. Changes in this knowledge network are examined from 1975 to 2005. Evolution of the patent knowledge base within US metropolitan areas is tracked by combining the knowledge network with annual patent data for each city. Entries and exits of cities from patent classes are linked to local and non-local measures of technological relatedness.
248 citations
TL;DR: Rodriguez-Pose et al. as discussed by the authors examined the relationship between the quality of local and regional governments and regional economic performance, linking government quality to the returns of European Union Structural and Cohesion Funds.
Abstract: Rodriguez-Pose A. and Garcilazo E. Quality of government and the returns of investment: examining the impact of cohesion expenditure in European regions, Regional Studies. This paper sets out to examine the relationship between the quality of local and regional governments and regional economic performance, linking government quality to the returns of European Union Structural and Cohesion Funds. Using primary data on government quality collected by the Quality of Government Institute, combined with World Bank Global Governance Indicators data, a two-way fixed effect panel regression model is conducted for a total of 169 European regions during the period 1996–2007. The results of the analysis underline the importance of government quality both as a direct determinant of economic growth as well as a moderator of the efficiency of Structural and Cohesion Funds expenditure. The analysis finds that both European Union investments targeting regions and quality of government simultaneously make a difference fo...
248 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, Essletzbichler et al. investigated the role of industry relatedness for regional economic development in 360 US metropolitan areas and found that technological relatedness is positively related to metropolitan industry portfolio membership and industry entry and negatively related to industry exit.
Abstract: Essletzbichler J. Relatedness, industrial branching and technological cohesion in US metropolitan areas, Regional Studies. Work by evolutionary economic geographers on the role of industry relatedness for regional economic development is extended into a number of methodological and empirical directions. First, relatedness is measured as the intensity of input–output linkages between industries. Second, this measure is employed to examine industry evolution in 360 US metropolitan areas. Third, an employment-weighted measure of metropolitan technological cohesion is developed. The results confirm that technological relatedness is positively related to metropolitan industry portfolio membership and industry entry and negatively related to industry exit. The decomposition of technological cohesion indicates that the selection of related incumbent industries complements industry entry and exit as the main drivers of change in metropolitan technological cohesion.
235 citations
TL;DR: In practice, the challenge of more worldly, comparative theorization has been unevenly met, often more through difference-finding and deconstructive manoeuvres than through projects of urban-theoretical renewal and reconstruction.
Abstract: Peck J. Cities beyond compare?, Regional Studies. Calls for more substantively multipolar, comparative and cosmopolitan modes of urban theory-making have been circulating for more than a decade now, and they have begun to spawn a range of alternative approaches to urban studies. But in practice, the challenge of more worldly, comparative theorization has been unevenly met, often more through difference-finding and deconstructive manoeuvres than through projects of urban-theoretical renewal and reconstruction. The provisional outcome has been interpreted as an impasse in urban theory; some are even reporting its death. While these reports are surely premature, there are risks as well as opportunities in the embrace of particularism and polycentrism in urban studies, especially if this impedes: first, the effective realization of comparative methodologies; second, the theoretical interrogation of pan-urban processes and patterns, relationally understood; and third, constructive dialogue across theoretical t...
223 citations
TL;DR: This paper sets out the main characteristics of the recent and ongoing ‘developmental turn’ in evolutionary theory and suggests how these might inform a corresponding ‘ developmental turn' in evolutionary economic geography.
Abstract: Martin R. and Sunley P. Towards a developmental turn in evolutionary economic geography?, Regional Studies. Over the past couple of decades or so there have been increasing moves within evolutionary theory to move beyond the neo-Darwinian principles of variety, selection and retention, and to incorporate development. This has led to a richer palette of concepts, mechanisms and models of evolution and change, such as plasticity, robustness, evolvability, emergence, niche construction and self-organization, This opens up a different framework for understanding evolution. This paper sets out the main characteristics of the recent and ongoing ‘developmental turn’ in evolutionary theory and suggests how these might inform a corresponding ‘developmental turn’ in evolutionary economic geography.
163 citations
TL;DR: Frenken et al. as mentioned in this paper reviewed the literature on clusters and their effects on the entry, exit and growth of firms as well on the evolutionary dynamics underlying the process of cluster formation.
Abstract: Frenken K., Cefis E. and Stam E. Industrial dynamics and clusters: a survey, Regional Studies. This paper reviews the literature on clusters and their effects on the entry, exit and growth of firms as well on the evolutionary dynamics underlying the process of cluster formation. This extensive review shows that there is strong evidence that clusters promote entry, but little evidence that clusters enhance firm growth and firm survival. From a number of open questions various future research avenues are distilled that stress the importance of firm heterogeneity and the exact mechanisms underlying localization economies.
148 citations
TL;DR: Kemeny et al. as discussed by the authors found that growing absolute specialization is positively linked to wages, while changes in relative concentration are not significantly associated with wage dynamics, and they investigated whether specialization refers to the absolute or relative scale of an activity in a region.
Abstract: Kemeny T. and Storper M. Is specialization good for regional economic development?, Regional Studies. Debates about urban growth and change often centre on specialization. However, arguments linking specialization to metropolitan economic development contain diverse, and sometimes conflicting, claims. Is it better to be highly specialized or diversified? Does specialization refer to the absolute or relative scale of an activity in a region? Does specialization have static or evolutionary effects? This paper investigates these questions in theoretical and empirical terms. By analysing local agglomerations over time, it is found that growing absolute specialization is positively linked to wages, while changes in relative concentration are not significantly associated with wage dynamics.
TL;DR: Hansen et al. as discussed by the authors examined the relations between geography and these non-spatial dimensions by distinguishing two mechanisms: the substitution mechanism, where nonspatial forms of proximity substitute for geographical proximity; and the overlap mechanism where geographical proximity facilitates non-Spatial proximity.
Abstract: Hansen T. Substitution or overlap? The relations between geographical and non-spatial proximity dimensions in collaborative innovation projects, Regional Studies. Traditionally, economic geographers stress geographical proximity's positive impact on collaboration processes. However, effects of cognitive, organizational, social and institutional proximity dimensions have been emphasized recently. This paper examines the relations between geography and these non-spatial dimensions by distinguishing two mechanisms: the substitution mechanism, where non-spatial forms of proximity substitute for geographical proximity; and the overlap mechanism, where geographical proximity facilitates non-spatial proximity. The two mechanisms’ importance is analysed in collaborative innovation projects in the Danish cleantech industry. Regression models are complemented by a qualitative analysis of the relationship between the geographical and institutional dimensions.
TL;DR: Coenen et al. as mentioned in this paper analyzed the potential, barriers and limitations for regional innovation policy to facilitate industrial renewal in old industrial regions and showed that infusion of radical emergent technology is necessary for new regional path development, but not sufficient, and that policy should pay more attention to complementary experimentation processes in relation to demand-side characteristics, firm strategies and business models as well as regulatory aspects.
Abstract: Coenen L., Moodysson J. and Martin H. Path renewal in old industrial regions: possibilities and limitations for regional innovation policy, Regional Studies. This paper analyses the potential, barriers and limitations for regional innovation policy to facilitate industrial renewal in old industrial regions. It draws on a case analysis of the policy programme ‘Biorefinery of the Future’ geared to promote renewal of the forest industry in Northern Sweden. It is shown that infusion of radical emergent technology is necessary for new regional path development, but not sufficient. To avoid a singular focus on technology-push, policy should pay more attention to complementary experimentation processes in relation to demand-side characteristics, firm strategies and business models as well as regulatory aspects. Moreover, coordination between regional innovation policy and adjacent domains and levels of policy-making is needed as some of the most pressing obstacles for renewal are not specific to the region but i...
TL;DR: Pinto et al. as mentioned in this paper found that absorptive capacity remains a central dimension in interactions with universities and the use of KIBS, which is evidence of knowledge circulation between innovative firms.
Abstract: Pinto H., Fernandez-Esquinas M. and Uyarra E. Universities and knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) as sources of knowledge for innovative firms in peripheral regions, Regional Studies. Knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) make a crucial contribution to regional innovation. Their relevance is potentially higher in peripheral territories, assisting small and medium-sized enterprises to access knowledge. Nevertheless, regions often concentrate research and development capabilities in the public sector, while highly specialized services provided by firms are scarce. Using data from 737 firms in Andalusia, Spain, this article connects the literatures of KIBS and university–industry interactions. This paper finds that absorptive capacity remains a central dimension in interactions with universities and the use of KIBS. Even if KIBS firms do not demonstrate higher propensities to interact with universities, the use of both channels is evidence of knowledge circulation between innovative firms an...
TL;DR: Rigby D. L. and Brown W. M. as mentioned in this paper examined the benefits of agglomeration among business establishments according to their characteristics and found that most manufacturing plants benefit from co-location, but that plants with different characteristics benefit in different ways.
Abstract: Rigby D. L. and Brown W. M. Who benefits from agglomeration?, Regional Studies. Theories of the firm and strategic management argue that competitive advantage originates in the development and exploitation of assets or capabilities that may be internal or external to the firm. It might be anticipated that older, larger, foreign-owned and multi-plant firms draw upon internal resources more readily than young, small, domestic, single-plant firms. Do the benefits of agglomeration vary among business establishments according to their characteristics? This question is examined using plant-level, longitudinal, micro-data from the Canadian manufacturing sector. It is shown that most manufacturing plants benefit from co-location, but that plants with different characteristics benefit in different ways.
TL;DR: Royuela V. and Garcia G. A. as mentioned in this paper investigated economic and social convergence between regions in Colombia in the period 1975-2005 and found that spatial autocorrelation reinforces convergence processes through deepening market and social factors, while isolation condemns regions to non-convergence.
Abstract: Royuela V. and Garcia G. A. Economic and social convergence in Colombia, Regional Studies. Gross domestic product (GDP) has usually been used as a proxy for human well-being. Nevertheless, other social aspects should also be considered, such as life expectancy, infant mortality, educational enrolment and crime issues. This paper investigates economic and social convergence between regions in Colombia in the period 1975–2005. The main results confirm that there is convergence in Colombia in key social variables, although not in the classic economic variable, GDP per capita. It is also found that spatial autocorrelation reinforces convergence processes through deepening market and social factors, while isolation condemns regions to non-convergence
TL;DR: Holm et al. as mentioned in this paper used a novel quantitative approach to investigate the regional industrial resilience of the Danish information and communication technology (ICT) sector to the shock following the burst of the dot.com bubble.
Abstract: Holm J. R. and Ostergaard C. R. Regional employment growth, shocks and regional industrial resilience: a quantitative analysis of the Danish ICT sector, Regional Studies. The resilience of regional industries to economic shocks has gained a lot of attention in evolutionary economic geography recently. This paper uses a novel quantitative approach to investigate the regional industrial resilience of the Danish information and communication technology (ICT) sector to the shock following the burst of the dot.com bubble. It is shown that regions characterized by small and young ICT service companies were more adaptable and grew more than others, while diversity and urbanization increased the sensitivity to the business cycle after the shock. Different types of resilient regions are found: adaptively resilient, rigidly resilient, entrepreneurially resilient and non-resilient regions.
TL;DR: In the fields of economic geography and urban and regional studies some ideas have clearly resonated more than others as mentioned in this paper, while others are ignored, while some academic ideas gain political traction.
Abstract: Why do some academic ideas gain political traction while others are ignored? In the fields of economic geography and urban and regional studies some ideas have clearly resonated more than others wi...
TL;DR: In this article, a socio-economic analysis of cultural factors in economic change and development is presented, where cultural factors are often absent from analyses of economic change, divorcing the nature of social places from the economic spaces within which they are situated.
Abstract: Culture and place-based development: a socio-economic analysis, Regional Studies. Cultural factors are often absent from analyses of economic change and development, divorcing the nature of social places from the economic spaces within which they are situated. In response to this, the paper seeks both to conceptualize and to operationalize a framework of place-based culture. It develops a framework capturing the economic culture and community culture of places, and examines the relationship between the two, as a means of developing a broader understanding of the notion of culture than is usually considered by the extant literature. Empirically, the paper utilizes Wales as a reference region, with its culture compared with other regions of the UK, along with an analysis of cultural differences found across its localities. Overall, considerable variability is found in the cultural characteristics across both regions and localities, with the type of community culture embedded in places often found to be associated with the prevailing economic culture in these places, suggesting a strong symbiotic association.
TL;DR: Broekel et al. as mentioned in this paper showed that subsidies for R&D cooperation are a suitable policy measure for stimulating the innovation efficiency of regions, and that regions with low innovation capacities benefit the most from cooperation among regional firms and subsidized links to non-regional public research institutes.
Abstract: Broekel T. Do cooperative research and development (R&D) subsidies stimulate regional innovation efficiency? Evidence from Germany, Regional Studies. The subsidization of research and development (R&D) and R&D cooperation has gained in importance in recent years. Building on a rich panel dataset, covering 270 German labour market regions and four industries, it is shown that subsidies for R&D cooperation are a suitable policy measure for stimulating the innovation efficiency of regions. The empirical findings suggest that regions with low innovation capacities benefit the most from cooperation among regional firms and subsidized links to non-regional public research institutes. The subsidization of cooperation with non-regional universities is more important for regions with large innovation capacities. Support for non-cooperative projects is related to negative effects.
TL;DR: Hracs et al. as discussed by the authors explored the limitations of the contemporary do-it-yourself model of music production and the recent shift towards respecialization in Toronto in Ontario, Canada.
Abstract: Hracs B. J. Cultural intermediaries in the digital age: the case of independent musicians and managers in Toronto, Regional Studies. This paper explores the limitations of the contemporary do-it-yourself model of music production and the recent shift towards re-specialization in Toronto in Ontario, Canada. It argues that freelance managers are re-emerging as key intermediaries who catalyse and facilitate new organizational forms and strategic partnerships between creative workers. Attention is paid to how digital technologies and shifting market dynamics influence and alter the relationships and contracts between these individuals. The spatial concentration of managers and other ‘helpers’, including fashion designers, photographers and web designers, is also used to explain why music production remains clustered in space despite the decentralizing potential of digital technologies.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed whether the massive increase in imports from China impacted on the labour markets of Spanish provinces to differing degrees, due to differences in their initial productive specialization, and found that Spanish provinces with a higher exposure to Chinese imports experienced larger drops in manufacturing employment as a share of the working-age population.
Abstract: Donoso V., Martin V. and Minondo A. Do differences in the exposure to Chinese imports lead to differences in local labour market outcomes? An analysis for Spanish provinces, Regional Studies. In the period 1999–2007 Spanish imports from China multiplied six times, making that Asian country the fourth largest supplier to the Spanish economy. This paper analyses whether this massive increase in imports impacted on the labour markets of Spanish provinces to differing degrees, due to differences in their initial productive specialization. The results show that Spanish provinces with a higher exposure to Chinese imports experienced larger drops in manufacturing employment as a share of the working-age population. However, this reduction was compensated for by increases in non-manufacturing employment.
TL;DR: O'Connor as discussed by the authors conducted an historical and conceptual review of the idea of cultural intermediaries and set up a contrast between the cultural and creative industries, suggesting that the former was organized around the culturalization of the economy and the second around the economization of culture.
Abstract: O'Connor J. Intermediaries and imaginaries in the cultural and creative industries, Regional Studies. This paper conducts an historical and conceptual review of the idea of ‘cultural intermediaries’ and sets up a contrast between the cultural and creative industries. It draws on theorizations of ‘economic imaginaries’ and reconstructs the respective imaginaries of cultural and creative industries. It suggests that the former was organized around the culturalization of the economy and the second around the economization of culture. Nevertheless, there are complicities between them, not least in the contention that a new set of economic developments would redeem the traditional promises of culture.
TL;DR: Tan et al. as discussed by the authors reviewed the empirical evidence about whether the spatial equilibrium model holds in reality and found that even in the United States where labour mobility is thought to be much higher than in Europe, at best weak support for the spatial equilibria hypothesis is found.
Abstract: Tan Y. When spatial equilibrium fails: is place-based policy second best, Regional Studies. Place-based or geographically targeted policy often is promoted to help poor regions. Based on the spatial equilibrium model, economists routinely argue that place-based policies are distortionary and only slow the needed economic adjustments. This paper reviews the empirical evidence about whether the spatial equilibrium model holds in reality and finds that, even in the United States where labour mobility is thought to be much higher than in Europe, at best weak support for the spatial equilibrium hypothesis is found. Although this suggests potential efficacy of place-based policy, the informational and political economy conditions required for place-based policy to be effective are described.
TL;DR: In this paper, economic geographers increasingly consider the significance of history in shaping the contemporary socio-economic landscape, inspired by evolutionary economics (Nelson and Winter, 1982), it is ackn...
Abstract: Economic geographers increasingly consider the significance of history in shaping the contemporary socio-economic landscape. Inspired by evolutionary economics (Nelson and Winter, 1982), it is ackn...
TL;DR: Broekel et al. as mentioned in this paper showed that a number of networks' internal proximity structures are interrelated, which may give rise to specific types of co-evolution dynamics.
Abstract: Broekel T. The co-evolution of proximities – a network level study, Regional Studies. Little is known about how network structures and proximity relations between linked actors evolve over time. This paper argues that a number of networks’ internal proximity structures are interrelated, which may give rise to specific types of co-evolution dynamics. An empirical investigation tests these arguments using information on the evolution of 280 networks of subsidized research and development (R&D) collaboration in Germany. The empirical findings clearly confirm the existence of systematic and dynamic interrelatedness between proximities. In this way, the paper underlines the need to consider such relations when investigating the evolution of knowledge networks.
TL;DR: Ostergaard et al. as mentioned in this paper analyzed the process of decline of the wireless communication cluster in Denmark and revealed that technological lock-in and exit of key firms have contributed to the decline.
Abstract: Ostergaard C R and Park E What makes clusters decline? A study on disruption and evolution of a high-tech cluster in Denmark, Regional Studies Most studies on regional clusters focus on identifying factors and processes that make clusters grow However, sometimes technologies and market conditions suddenly shift, and clusters decline This paper analyses the process of decline of the wireless communication cluster in Denmark The longitudinal study on the high-tech cluster reveals that technological lock-in and exit of key firms have contributed to decline Entrepreneurship has a positive effect on the cluster's adaptive capabilities, while multinational companies have contradicting effects by bringing in new resources to the cluster but being quick to withdraw in times of crisis
TL;DR: This paper investigates the determinants of co-inventor tie formation using micro-data on genomic patents from 1990 to 2006 in France to consider the relational and proximity perspectives that are usually treated separately.
Abstract: Cassi L. and Plunket A. Research collaboration in co-inventor networks: combining closure, bridging and proximities, Regional Studies. This paper investigates the determinants of co-inventor tie formation using micro-data on genomic patents from 1990 to 2006 in France. In a single analysis, it considers the relational and proximity perspectives that are usually treated separately. In order to do so, it analyses various forms of proximity as alternative driving forces behind network ties that occur within existing components (that is, closure ties) as well as those between two distinct components (that is, bridging ties). Thus, the paper investigates not only the respective impacts of network and proximity determinants, but also how they overlap, interact and possibly act as substitutes or complements.
TL;DR: Breschi et al. as discussed by the authors examined the role of external linkages and gatekeepers for the renewal and expansion of cities' knowledge base in US metropolitan co-invention networks and found that direct external relations, on average, contribute to broadening and rejuvenating the local knowledge base and outperform external links mediated by gatekeepers.
Abstract: Breschi S. and Lenzi C. The role of external linkages and gatekeepers for the renewal and expansion of US cities’ knowledge base, 1990–2004, Regional Studies. This paper examines the role of external linkages and gatekeepers for the renewal and expansion of cities' knowledge base in US metropolitan co-invention networks. It is argued that the relative importance of direct external linkages and external relations mediated by gatekeepers varies according to specific local conditions. It is found that direct external relations, on average, contribute to broadening and rejuvenating the local knowledge base and outperform external links mediated by gatekeepers; the latter, however, are especially important in cities with a localized and specialized knowledge base, as they enable the trans-coding and absorption at the local level of externally sourced knowledge.
TL;DR: Martinez-Galarraga et al. as discussed by the authors found that sustained economic growth and the progressive integration of national markets have been accompanied by an inverted ‘U’-shaped evolution of regional income inequality.
Abstract: Martinez-Galarraga J., Roses J. R. and Tirado D. A. The long-term patterns of regional income inequality in Spain, 1860–2000, Regional Studies. Building on a new estimation of regional gross domestic product (GDP) from 1860 to 2000, this paper evaluates the long-run evolution of regional income inequality in Spain. It is found that sustained economic growth and the progressive integration of national markets have been accompanied by an inverted ‘U’-shaped evolution of regional income inequality. Regional inequality in income per worker rose during the second half of the nineteenth century, peaked in the year 1900 and decreased over the following ninety years. Since 1990, together with the exhaustion of the convergence in regional productive structures, Spain's membership in the European Union generated a new upsurge of differences in labour productivity across the country that could be the basis for a new phase of regional income divergence.