Building Successful Knowledge Cities in the Context of the Knowledge-Based Economy

Abstract

The topics of Knowledge-Based Development (KBD) and especially of Knowledge Cities (KCs) have attracted the interest of many researchers and practitioners during the last years. In a previous research work of the authors, a set of hypotheses for the design, development and operation of successful KCs had been proposed and validated through the analytical study of KCs cases’ support to these hypotheses, resulting to a related Framework. However, the rapid changes in the field render more than necessary today to re-examine the elements which had leaded to the formulation of the Framework, so as to update it and conclude on a modern strategic framework. The methodology followed is based on the examination of the already identified KCs and the inclusion of five additional KCs cases. For the new set of KCs, the authors examine at which degree each case supports the hypotheses. Modifications in the set of hypotheses are proposed. The hypotheses that continue to be valid are considered as dominant, thus leading to the modern strategic Framework. Among the main findings is that all cities previously examined continue to actively support their KBD, through a series of strategies and appropriate actions. The majority of the hypotheses continue to be valid, while three of them need to slightly change so as to adapt to prevailing current conditions