Research

Our four research areas:

Industrial dynamics in regions

In this research area we focus on the restructuring processes of mature production clusters in industrialised countries in Europe and East Asia. Why can we observe upgrading processes in some mature production clusters, whereas others stagnate due to path dependence and lock-ins? What is the role of new industries and related variety in these upgrading processes? What is the role of the position of these clusters in global production networks in a dynamic perspective?

Territorial innovation networks

In this research area we work on understanding what types of regional dynamics stimulate or hinder innovation among firms and other organisations. We do research on the role of learning, networks and face-to-face contacts in the creation and dissemination of knowledge. We also evaluate the impact of innovation policies and other cluster building initiatives, on economic specialisation or diversification, technological development, knowledge management and entrepreneurialism.

Tourism area evolution

By applying evolutionary economic geography in tourism research, this research area provides a new theoretical underpinning for the analysis of the evolution of tourism areas. We propose a path dependence model of tourism areas and a coevolutionary framework of tourism products, sectors and institutions and empirically use them to analyse the evolution of the Guilin tourism area in China. The path dependence model is used to examine the evolution of a tourist product, namely live open-air cultural shows in scenic areas in Guilin. 

Institutions and policy

In this research area we analyse how institutions and policy at several spatial levels (from the local to the supranational) affect regional economic development. What is the leeway for regional actors to affect economic development? What role do decentralisation vs. centralisation processes play in this respect? How do policy measures at several spatial levels affect each other? To what extent are they co-ordinated? In what way do varieties of capitalism affect institutions and policy at the regional level?

-> Research projects