Knowledge spillovers, related variety and firm heterogeneity

Cainelli, Giulio and Ganau, Roberto (2021) Knowledge spillovers, related variety and firm heterogeneity. Scienze Regionali, 20 (2). 167 - 180. ISSN 1720-3929

Text (Cainelli and Ganau 2021) - Accepted Version Download (292kB)

Abstract

Economic geographers and regional economists have traditionally analysed the mechanisms driving learning processes and the diffusion of knowledge among local economic actors. During the past decade, the concept of «related variety» has been frequently used to denote an agglomeration force able to explain knowledge-related advantages for firms and geographically bounded productive systems, and which arises from the heterogeneity of local industries. Besides this concept, more recent studies have emphasised the role of firm heterogeneity as an alternative – but not substitute – mecha-nism for knowledge creation and diffusion. This paper discusses the factors driving the emergence of knowledge spillovers within agglomerative spaces, and conducts a critical comparison between the concepts of industrial related variety and firm heterogeneity as two potential sources of local knowledge externalities, and, thus, of local economic development.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://www.rivisteweb.it/issn/1720-3929
Additional Information:	© 2021 Società editrice il Mulino
Divisions:	Geography & Environment
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography
Date Deposited:	11 Apr 2022 14:15
Last Modified:	17 Apr 2024 21:36
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/114858

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