Physical proximity and innovation collaboration of the Polish small and medium knowledge-intensive enterprisese
Physical proximity and innovation collaboration of the Polish small and medium knowledge-intensive enterprisese

Summary/Abstract: Globalisation, with its rising global value chains and the complexity of innovation processes change the role of spatial distance in innovation activities. In the classical cluster theories geographical proximity is seen as a necessary condition to share knowledge and to enhance innovation collaboration. The recent literature, however, challenge this approach by claiming that the role played by spatial distance diminishes. The aim of this paper is to provide better understanding of the role physical and geographical proximities in the innovation collaboration process. The paper presents the up-to date results on the role of physical proximity in innovation collaboration process of the Polish knowledge intensive SMEs. The study findings support the idea that physical proximity matters for the innovation interactions, yet the geographical proximity is not a prerequisite for such collaboration. Moreover, the innovative interlinkages of the surveyed companies have more individual character, and are equally determined by the companies technological profiles and social-individual connections.

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