Territorial Knowledge Dynamics and Governance of Industry Networks: A Systematic Quantitative Review of Empirical Literature

Abstract

Despite the impacts of globalization and market liberalization on economic development, factors such as location, space, industrial agglomeration, and local knowledge remain strong determinants of innovation performance and adaptive capacity in regional economies. The role of networks and institutions in knowledge sharing and innovation is therefore of paramount importance in analyzing regional development and has received significant academic attention accordingly. This review discusses trends and developments in a growing body of empirical research investigating these issues. The aim is to highlight some of the gaps between empirical research, policy relevance, and practical impact by focusing on the crucial but underdeveloped theoretical contributions of network governance approaches.