Proximity and innovation: A critical assessment
Proximity and innovation: A critical assessment
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DOI：
10.1080/0034340052000320887
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发表时间：
2005-02-01
期刊：
影响因子：
4.6
通讯作者：
Boschma, RA
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Boschma, RA
经济地理学的一个关键问题是确定地理邻近性对互动学习和创新的影响。我们认为，不能孤立地评估地理邻近性的重要性，而应始终结合其他可能为协调问题提供替代解决方案的邻近性维度进行审查。我们认为，地理邻近本身既不是学习发生的必要条件，也不是充分条件。尽管如此，它很可能通过加强邻近度的其他方面来促进互动学习。然而，由于锁定问题，邻近性也可能对创新产生负面影响。因此，不仅距离太近，而且距离太近都可能不利于互动学习和创新。本文讨论的邻近度的所有五个维度可能都是这种情况，即认知、组织、社会、制度和地理邻近度。最后，本文提出了多种机制，这些机制可以单独或组合地解决协调和锁定问题。也就是说，它们增强了有效的协调和控制（解决距离太近的问题），同时通过确保开放性和灵活性（解决距离太近的问题）来防止参与者被锁定。
A key issue in economic geography is to determine the impact of geographical proximity on interactive learning and innovation. We argue that the importance of geographical proximity cannot be assessed in isolation, but should always be examined in relation to other dimensions of proximity that may provide alternative solutions to the problem of coordination. We claim that geographical proximity per se is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for learning to take place. Nevertheless, it facilitates interactive learning, most likely by strengthening the other dimensions of proximity. However, proximity may also have negative impacts on innovation due to the problem of lock-in. Accordingly, not only too little, but also too much proximity may be detrimental to interactive learning and innovation. This may be the case for all five dimensions of proximity discussed in the paper, i.e. cognitive, organizational, social, institutional and geographical proximity. Finally, the paper presents a number of mechanisms that offer, by their own, or in combination, solutions to the problems of coordination and lock-in. That is, they enhance effective coordination and control (solving the problem of too little proximity), while they prevent actors to become locked-in through ensuring openness and flexibility (solving the problem of too much proximity).