Regional Development in the Knowledge-Based Economy: The Construction of Advantage

TL;DR

This paper introduces a collection of studies examining how regions develop competitive advantages in the knowledge-based economy, emphasizing the evolving role of universities, industries, and government collaborations.

Contribution

It clarifies the concept of constructed advantage and explores regional development within the context of knowledge economies and institutional transformations.

Findings

Regions serve as key reference systems for knowledge-based development

Transformations in university-industry-government relations are central to regional advantage

The concept of constructed advantage links institutional changes to regional competitiveness

Abstract

In this introduction the editors showcase the papers by way of a structured project and seek to clarify the two key concepts cited in the title. We consider the history of the idea that knowledge is an economic factor, and discuss the question of whether regions provide the relevant system of reference for knowledge-based economic development. Current transformations in university-industry-government relations at various levels can be considered as a metamorphosis in industry organization. The concept of constructed advantage will be elaborated. The various papers arising from a conference on this subject hosted by Memorial University, Newfoundland, Canada are approached from this perspective.