Networks, innovative milieux and globalization: Some comments on a regional economic discussion

Abstract

This paper explores the tension between forces of globalization and regionalization. Of key importance at both levels is the emergence of strategic network relations between firms and other agencies involved in planning, promoting and developing urban regional prosperity. For practical purposes 'globalization' equates to worldwide competition, qualified by the particular nature of the key actors involved. Networks are the means by which regional and global actors share risks and reduce transaction costs. Innovative milieux are the means by which the two levels become integrated. Game theory, new growth theory and regional science all point to the viability of networking, while a growing empirical literature testifies to its prevalence in practice.

Short Value Chains in Food Production: The Role of Spatial Proximity for Economic and Land Use Dynamics

“…Differently from the neo-classical perspective, relational approaches see economic actors as socially embedded and contingent individuals. In this setting, networks contribute to savings in transaction costs on the basis of long-term agreements and trust building with suppliers and customers [94,95]. Spatial proximity generates regional knowledge spillovers and location advantages through tacit knowledge and shared learning routines [96][97][98].…”

Regionalización y cambio institucional en México a finales del siglo XX

“…Las alianzas estratégicas (strategic alliances) son formas de cooperación horizontales, donde los vínculos y transacciones no necesariamente pasan por el mercado, mientras que las redes estratégicas (strategic networks) están horizontal o diagonalmente estructuradas; la existencia de ambas en un contexto específico crea lo que se conoce como un innovative mileux. Este razonamiento se encuentra de forma más amplia en Genosko (1997); Fuchs y Wolf (1997).…”