Geographies of Knowledge Formation in Firms
Posted: 9 Nov 2009
Date Written: 2005
Abstract
For many years, time has been viewed as the significantfactorin economic knowledge. Using an expanded definition of space, thispaper explores the spatial dimension of learning and its impact on learningwithin firms. Two categories of the spatial dimension of learning have beenconsidered in recent years: national systems of innovation and localagglomeration. Building on the role of spatial proximity and territorial embeddedness inthe process of knowledge formation, the concept of learning based onrelationships at a distance is proposed. Reconsidering the idea ofterritorial knowledge results from the overlap noted in knowledge work of thosefirms in close proximity with those involved in distance networks. Knowledge isshown to be increasingly circulatory in nature. As a result, the ideathat knowledge accumulation results from local contexts has become lessconvincing. Using Silicon Valley as an example, the concept that knowledge work withinclusters depends upon trans-local connections and mobilities is demonstrated.The analysis leads to the conclusion that the differences in local and globalrelationships may be more a result of differences in the architecture andtopology of the learning networks than in the nature of the type of learningthat is occurring. (SRD)
Keywords: Codified knowledge, Proximity, Relationships, Localization, Organizational learning, Cluster formation, Clusters, Learning networks, Knowledge production, Geography, Tacit knowledge, Information networks, Communities
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