Knowledge creation and knowledge diffusion in space and regional innovation performance: introductory remarks

Abstract

This special issue of the Annals of Regional Science provides an up to date state of the art in understanding the complex relationship between knowledge creation, knowledge diffusion, regional innovation, and local economic performance. Research on this issue dates back to the eighties when the neoclassical approach of innovation as a manna from heaven was left aside, and contributions in the field of innovationdriven regional development were put forward. Concepts like innovative milieux, technological districts, regional innovation systems, learning regions, etc., have been introduced at that time to underline the importance of space and regions, as key drivers of innovation (Camagni 1991; Cooke 1992; Storper 1992; Asheim 1996). Nowadays, the issue of knowledge creation and diffusion in determining growth performance is still a hot topic for different reasons. On the one hand, the normative strategy around theEuropeanUnion’sAgenda 2020 calls for ad hoc innovation policies to move toward a knowledge-intensive growth model for Europe on a regional base, supplying operational answers to the request of one of its ‘flagship initiatives’, namely ‘Innovation Union’ (EC 2010). On the other hand, the role of space in knowledge creation and diffusion processes requires additional thoughts largely expanding from the initial simple interpretation of space as a geographic barrier. In fact, over time, a strong belief accompanied innovation studies at local level that not only spatial proximity matters as a channel for knowledge transmission, but different types of cultural, social, and cognitive proximities make the difference: “being simply there” is not enough (Boschma 2005; Capello 2009; Breschi and Lissoni 2001; Capello