Spatial Knowledge Networks

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Spatial knowledge networks combine the use of knowledge sharing and

geography to cluster geographical regions creating what is known as a knowledge
network.[1] Knowledge networks exist to foster common data spaces. A common data
space allows for the mutual exchange and reusability of knowledge and the end
results thereby providing access to structured knowledge. By exploring knowledge
sharing in geospatial domains, knowledge networks become defined and therefore
creates spatial knowledge networks.

the concept of a knowledge network[2]

Contents

1. Overview

2. Backgrounds

3. Theories of Spatial knowledge networks

4. The proximity paradox

5. Cluster Absorptive Capacity

6. See also

7. Notes and references

Overview
Knowledge networks are becoming a widely discussed topic in the field of regional
science. The concept of knowledge networks offers a different perspective into
knowledge and geography [3] which have been integrated to explore the relationship
existing within clusters. The concept has two main key dimensions which play an
important role in the establishment of spatial knowledge networks which is the
concept of knowledge sharing and geographical location. [4]
Background
In recent times, knowledge networks have become increasing popular and has
gained more attention, this is often attributed to two important developments in the
interaction between knowledge and geography. The first is the change in the way
knowledge is produced and diffused. The production of knowledge is often as a
result of the increase in networking processes. Several studies have shown that
networks are becoming more complex, characterized by an increasing number of
clusters, agents, density and complexities within the internal networks and a wider
geographical distribution. [5][6]
The second reason is due to the central role interpersonal relationships plays in the
dissemination and diffusion of knowledge. [7] through the existence of interpersonal
relationships within the networks, knowledge can easily flow and due to their
concentration within a cluster or space, it explains the spatial agglomeration of
innovation.
The two developments have therefore outlined a new perspective and have opened
a way for new studies on how close and distant actors come together to develop and
diffuse knowledge and how these collaboration networks and interpersonal
relationships shape the local performance. Due to the understanding of the role of
spatial networks in the spread of knowledge, it has become easier to carry out
geographical analysis of innovation as the questions surrounding the spatial
dimension of collaborative networks have answered. However, despite the progress
that have been achieved, there is still a significant challenge which is in the
understanding of how these networks are formed. [8] Below are some of the theories
that explains the evolution of spatial networks and how it has evolved overtime.

Theories of Spatial knowledge network

Knowledge network is an inter-connected network that is made possible through the
process of communication and spread of knowledge by different actors who create,
transfer, absorb and apply the knowledge gained. The actors are such as
universities, organizations, enterprises and institutions. The network structures such
as the universities posses the ability to exert influence on the actors (students) and
regions (immediate environment ), these network structures enables the potentials
for the successful absorption of knowledge and learning. Till date, there have been
several studies on the evolution of spatial structures of knowledge networks in
places like Asia.[9] In places like Europe and USA, the evolutionary economic
geography have began exploring the spatial structure and evolution of knowledge
networks from the geographical point of view. [10] With the growth in the field, different
theories have been propounded in other to explain the evolution of spatial structures
of knowledge networks with key interests in the geographic connections.

Proximity paradox

The proximity paradox is a theory which states that the closer an agent is to a
challenge, the harder it is to see the problem for what it really is. While the theory
seems simple in concept, it is the basis of most extremely difficult issues most
businesses face. Many businesses and establishments believe in two essential
ingredient for long term success which are Innovation and creativity, however, the
relationship that exists between these two key ingredients is often referred to as the
proximity paradox. The belief that those who are the closest to the customers are
best qualified to innovate solutions for it is false because in reality, intense proximity
limits creativity and innovation.[11] There is a need to create a distance from
challenges in other to observe the best way to solve it.

Cluster Absorptive Capacity

The cluster absorptive capacity was developed to advance the understanding of the
cluster dynamics and renewals through knowledge exchange. Previous theories
such as specialized clusters were based on common knowledge resources and other
positive externalities. However, the downfall of the theory was how these resources
develop over time. The issue discovered was addressed by exploring the role of
agency in knowledge networks and by so doing gave birth to the cluster absorptive
capacity. Through the inclusion of intermediaries, it is possible for study how clusters
are linked to external knowledge resources and contribute to the dissemination of
knowledge among other clusters.[12] Various scholars have found this perspective to
be relevant as it provides insights to information sharing in a spatial network.

See also
 Spatial network analysis software
 Cascading failure
 Complex network
 Planar graphs
 Percolation theory
 Modularity (networks)

Notes and references

1. ^ Juhász, S. (2019). “Spinoffs and tie formation in cluster knowledge networks”. Small
Business Economics, 56(1), 1385–1404. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-019-00235-9
2. ucgis. (2020). “Social Networks”. Gistbok.ucgis.org. https://gistbok.ucgis.org/topic-
keywords/social-networks
3. ^ Bell, G. G., & Zaheer, A. (2007). “Geography, Networks, and Knowledge Flow”.
Organization Science, 18(6), 955–972. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25146152
4. ^ Glückler, J., Lazega, E., & Hammer, I. (2017). “Knowledge and Networks”. In J.
Glückler, E. Lazega, & I. Hammer (Eds.), Knowledge and Space. Springer International
Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45023-0
5. ^ Newman, M. E. J., & Girvan, M. (2004). “Finding and evaluating community structure in
networks”. Physical Review E, 69(2). https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.69.026113
6. ^ Hagedoorn, J., Roijakkers, N., & Kranenburg, H. (2006). “Inter-Firm R&D Networks: the
Importance of Strategic Network Capabilities for High-Tech Partnership Formation”.
British Journal of Management, 17(1), 39–53. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-
8551.2005.00474.x
7. ^ Breschi, S., & Lissoni, F. (2009). “Mobility of skilled workers and co-invention networks:
an anatomy of localized knowledge flows”. Journal of Economic Geography, 9(4), 439–
468. https://doi.org/10.1093/jeg/lbp008
8. ^ Barthélemy, M. (2011). Spatial networks. Physics Reports, 499(1-3), 1–101.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physrep.2010.11.002
9. ^ Lim, H., & Kidokoro, T. (2017). “Comparing a spatial structure of innovation network
between Korea and Japan: through the analysis of co-inventors’ network”. Asia-Pacific
Journal of Regional Science, 1(1), 133–153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41685-017-0037-1
10. Glückler, J. (2007). “Economic geography and the evolution of networks”. Journal of
Economic Geography, 7(5), 619–634. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26161120
11. Broekel, T., & Boschma, R. (2011). Knowledge networks in the Dutch aviation industry:
the proximity paradox. Journal of Economic Geography, 12(2), 409–433.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jeg/lbr010
12. Giuliani, E. (2005). Cluster Absorptive Capacity. European Urban and Regional Studies,
12(3), 269–288. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969776405056593