The Spatial Distribution of Internet Backbone Networks in Europe: A Metropolitan Knowledge Economy Perspective

European Urban and Regional Studies, Vol. 16, No. 4, pp. 423-437, 2009

Posted: 2 Apr 2012

See all articles by Emmanouil Tranos

Emmanouil Tranos

University of Birmingham

Andy Gillespie

University of Newcastle upon Tyne

Date Written: April 2, 2012

Abstract

This article attempts to explain the factors which determine the spatial distribution of the Internet backbone networks in Europe.These networks facilitate the modern economy by interconnecting cities, enabling communication and exchange and, consequently, enhancing the interaction between them.This infrastructural capital for the knowledge economy is far from evenly spread across Europe.The article uses principal components analysis and regression models to examine the influence of a range of socio-economic variables on the spatial distribution of the Internet backbones in Europe, and concludes that they largely follow existing patterns of development, urban concentrations of knowledge, nodes of transport provision and patterns of high accessibility.

Keywords: cities, connectivity, Europe, Internet backbone, spatial distribution

Suggested Citation

Tranos, Emmanouil and Gillespie, Andy, The Spatial Distribution of Internet Backbone Networks in Europe: A Metropolitan Knowledge Economy Perspective (April 2, 2012). European Urban and Regional Studies, Vol. 16, No. 4, pp. 423-437, 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2032588

Emmanouil Tranos (Contact Author)

University of Birmingham ( email )

United Kingdom

Andy Gillespie

University of Newcastle upon Tyne ( email )

Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies
England NE1 7RU
United Kingdom

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