Wissensabsorption—die Stadt als Magnet

Abstract

The paper explores the dynamics of the knowledge absorption process and its locational conditions in cities and regions. Because both firms and governments cannot rely on generating new knowledge themselves through research and development only, the absorption of new ideas, concepts and technologies created elsewhere around the world seems to be important forstaying on top in the race for global competitiveness. Imported knowledge needs to be combined with locally available knowledge in order to update one's own products and services. However, linking into the international diffusion of knowledge firms and government agencies depends on having prior related knowledge, both codified and tacit. To take a model analogy from medical infection research: the recipient's opportunity to be infected by new knowledge that is circulating depends on both his predisposition and the frequency of his contacts. Cities and regions act as magnets, attracting talented people (migration) and developing diverse labour pools, ...