Economics Seminar

Speaker: Dieter Kogler (University College Dublin) 

Abstract: The Evolutionary Economic Geography (EEG) paradigm, based on complex theoretical foundations and advanced empirical insights, provides an ample opportunity to inform and shape advanced Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy initiatives, which aim to address spatial inequalities and ensure transitions towards sustain(ed)able development (Kogler et al., 2023a). In this context it is the Knowledge Space (KS) methodology (Kogler et al., 2013; 2017) that has significantly emerged as a versatile method capable of evaluating current, and informing future, regional STI policy actions, e.g., Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) that are presently implemented across European regions (Kim et al., 2024). Furthermore, EEG theory, paired with KS related approaches, appear to be capable of identifying optimal regional partners in innovation networks (Calignano et al., 2024); this is highly relevant given the highly important role that extralocal knowledge inputs play in regional diversification processes (Kogler et al., 2023b) and in producing atypical recombinant knowledge outputs (Abbasiharofteh et al., 2023). An overview of these recent research insights will be complemented by the introduction of the rKnowledge dashboard. The dashboard will assist STI policy-makers in their quest to address spatial inequalities and to ensure transitions towards sustain(ed)able regional development outcomes. Concluding remarks will discuss the future of S3 towards Smart and Sustainable Specialization Strategies (S4) in light of ongoing socio-economic and technological transitions, and in particular their relevance for less central places.