The changing role of learning regions in the globalising knowledge economy: A theoretical re-examination

Bjorn Asheim (1)

1 Department of Social and Economic Geography

Highlighting four theoretical developments, this paper theoretically re-examines the Learning Region in view of the changing roles of regions in the knowledge economy. 1) From specific contexts to general regional development strategies, 2) Introducing the Doing Using Interacting-mode of innovation, 3) Broadening the Science Technology and Innovation-mode, and 4) Accessing knowledge in distributed knowledge networks. Additionally, the papers looks at the Nordic economies to illustrate the potentials of combining these modes of innovation. The paper advocates a more nuanced understanding of knowledge, learning and innovation and identifies 'bridging mechanisms' to reduce cognitive distance and increase connectivity in regional innovation systems.

Mots clés: Social Sciences & Humanities

Domaines: Science politique

Bjorn Asheim. The changing role of learning regions in the globalising knowledge economy: A theoretical re-examination. Regional Studies, 2011, pp.1. ⟨10.1080/00343404.2011.607805⟩. ⟨hal-00746199⟩