Abstract
This paper explores the drivers behind a recent “urban turn” of planned knowledge locations in Europe. While acknowledging a general tendency towards more urbanity, we argue that a dense and diverse urban environment is not equally relevant for all types of knowledge-based activities because of nuanced workers’ preferences and innovation modes. Based on a theory “considering different types of knowledge bases”, we suggest that activities that more intensively rely on symbolic knowledge (e.g., media, design) tend to have a stronger preference for urban settings, while this is less the case for activities based on analytical and synthetic knowledge (e.g., biotechnology and advanced engineering). We illustrate our thesis by three case studies: Kista Science Park in Stockholm, The Digital Hub in Dublin, and Biocant in Coimbra.
Highlights
In recent decades, many cities and regions developed “knowledge locations:” planned, area-based initiatives aimed at agglomerating knowledge-based activities in designated city districts
This paper explores the drivers behind a recent “urban turn” of planned knowledge locations in Europe
We have seen a remarkable development in the conception and design of knowledge locations, which may be dubbed as an “urban turn.”
Summary
Many cities and regions developed “knowledge locations:” planned, area-based initiatives aimed at agglomerating knowledge-based activities in designated city districts. Based on the distinction between three general types of knowledge—analytical (science-based), synthetic (engineering and problemsolving based), and symbolic (aesthetic and artistic based)—they review and analyze significant differences in the modes of knowledge creation and innovation across activities, and in the ways knowledge workers weigh their living and working preferences within urban regions. The evidence reviewed above helps to better understand the persistence of a rich diversity of knowledge locations within functional urban regions, or, why many knowledge locations (but not all) are moving back to cities centers and/or becoming more “urban.” The changing preferences of companies and workers affects the investment decisions of planners and developers of planned knowledge locations, with expected variations according to the types of dominant knowledge base involved. The urban turn is likely to be more pronounced when the dominant (or planned) activities depend on symbolic knowledge (e.g., concept design, fashion, digital media, audio-visual)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: 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.
