Abstract
The design and creation of technological districts (TDs) recently emerged in the academic and policy circles as key-levers to activate smart specialisation strategies (SSS) supporting the vision of a smart growth (SG). However, it has been outlined that high-performing TDs and their knowledge base do not automatically translate into wealth and well-being for their territories and communities. The ‘knowledge paradox’ – suggesting that concentration of knowledge-intensive firms grouped in TDs and high level of investments in new knowledge do not necessarily and automatically generate the expected levels of competitiveness and growth, but other mediating factors may play a relevant role – is advocated to better understand these kinds of territorial development dynamics. Accordingly, a set of business, geographical and institutional factors as potential moderators of the impact that a TD may generate on the SG are introduced and analysed. To support these arguments, the authors integrate the conceptual framework with the analysis of a case study of an Italian TD aimed to enrich the proposed theoretical arguments with empirical evidences. Specifically, the authors provide the case example of the National Energy Technological District which is impacted in different ways by the effects of business, geographical and institutional factors.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
