Urbanize or Perish? Assessing the Urbanization of Knowledge Locations in Europe

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

van Winden, W (Author) Other; Carvalho, L (Author) FLUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Urban Technology

Vol. 23

Pages: 53-70

ISSN: 1063-0732

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 20 Citations

Scopus - 23 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-W4Y

DOI: 10.1080/10630732.2015.1090194

Abstract (EN): This paper explores the drivers behind a recent "urban turn" of planned knowledge locations in Europe. While acknowledging a general tendency towards more urbanity, we argue that a dense and diverse urban environment is not equally relevant for all types of knowledge-based activities because of nuanced workers' preferences and innovation modes. Based on a theory "considering different types of knowledge bases", we suggest that activities that more intensively rely on symbolic knowledge (e.g., media, design) tend to have a stronger preference for urban settings, while this is less the case for activities based on analytical and synthetic knowledge (e.g., biotechnology and advanced engineering). We illustrate our thesis by three case studies: Kista Science Park in Stockholm, The Digital Hub in Dublin, and Biocant in Coimbra.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 18