Relational geographies of knowledge and innovation

Abstract

This chapter examines the unique insights provided by the relational approach to knowledge and innovation developed by economic geographers. It shows how the focus in the approach on social interactions and their spatiality, and on a research methodology that generates fine-grained insights into these, opens up a series of important questions about knowledge and innovation. In particular emphasis falls on how in organizations and public policy, rather than managing knowledge and innovation themselves, efforts should be made to manage the interactions that produce knowledge and innovation. The chapter explores these contentions through existing research and considers future directions for analysis.