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On the spatial embeddedness of innovation networks: an exploration of the proximity effect

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  • Leon Oerlemans
  • Marius Meeus
  • Frans Boekema

Abstract

The organisational and spatial embeddedness of innovator firms is often taken for granted. This paper develops a theoretical synthesis of regional science (milieu innovateur, systems of innovation) and organisation science (resource and activity‐based perspective) accounting for the proximity effect (benefiting from localised ties). The resulting research models enable us to derive several hypotheses on factors influencing the organisational and spatial embeddedness of innovation networks. Results of OLS and logistic regression analyses, using an unique firm‐level database of 689 manufacturing firms located in the Dutch region of Noord‐Brabant, support most of the hypotheses. First, high levels of complexity of innovative activities induce organisational embeddedness. Second, spatial embeddedness of innovative ties with buyers/suppliers is influenced, in particular, by pre‐existing economic ties of innovating firms and the need for frequent contacts. Findings are, however, sensitive because features of innovative activities differ depending on the position of the innovator firm (user or producer). Therefore, no general explanation of the proximity effect can be found. It turns out that the use of complementary theoretical perspectives is a fruitful way of researching the proximity effect empirically.

Suggested Citation

  • Leon Oerlemans & Marius Meeus & Frans Boekema, 2001. "On the spatial embeddedness of innovation networks: an exploration of the proximity effect," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 92(1), pages 60-75, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:tvecsg:v:92:y:2001:i:1:p:60-75
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-9663.00139
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    Cited by:

    1. Belén Payán‐Sánchez & José Antonio Plaza‐Úbeda & Miguel Pérez‐Valls & Eva Carmona‐Moreno, 2018. "Social Embeddedness for Sustainability in the Aviation Sector," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(4), pages 537-553, July.
    2. Beugelsdijk, S. & Cornet, M., 2001. "How far do They Reach? The Localization of Industrial and Academic Knowledge Spillovers in the Netherlands," Discussion Paper 2001-47, Tilburg University, Center for Economic Research.
    3. Beugelsdijk, S. & van Schaik, A.B.T.M., 2001. "Social Capital and Regional Economic Growth," Other publications TiSEM 874f4bc4-bef9-499c-829e-0, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    4. Alexandra Tsvetkova & Tessa Conroy & Jean-Claude Thill, 2020. "Surviving in a high-tech manufacturing industry: the role of innovative environment and proximity to metropolitan industrial portfolio," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 501-527, June.
    5. David Angel, 2002. "Inter-firm Collaboration and Technology Development Partnerships Within US Manufacturing Industries," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(4), pages 333-344.
    6. Akberdina, V. V. & Sergeeva, A. S., 2020. "Strategic Priorities for the Development of Middle Regions in Russia," R-Economy, Ural Federal University, Graduate School of Economics and Management, vol. 6(2), pages 89-99.
    7. Andrey S. Mikhaylov & Anna A. Mikhaylova & Oksana V. Savchina, 2018. "Innovation security of cross-border innovative milieu," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 6(2), pages 754-766, December.
    8. de Jong, Jeroen P.J. & Freel, Mark, 2010. "Absorptive capacity and the reach of collaboration in high technology small firms," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 47-54, February.
    9. Joris Knoben, 2006. "A Relational Account of the Causes of Spatial Firm Mobility," ERSA conference papers ersa06p1, European Regional Science Association.

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