Economic drivers in cross-border regional innovation systems

Abstract

This paper investigates the main forces driving economic integration in cross-border regions (CBRs). Drawing on the proximity framework, it contends that all four forms of proximity need to be stressed in cross-border regional economic integration discourses. The paper is based on a comparison of two cross-border regional contexts in North America, which have been investigated using a survey and semi-structured interviews. Based upon the data collected, the two case studies shed a light on cognitive proximity as an underestimated driver in CBRs. Moreover, the cross-border regional identity as well as the access to a talented workforce emerge as remarkable assets to leverage through appropriate cross-border regional policies.