EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Limited cooperation between Dutch knowledge centres

Limited cooperation between Dutch knowledge centres

Introduction

New technology is increasingly being concentrated in university regions such as Eindhoven, Leiden and Wageningen. Each of these knowledge hubs is developing its own fields of expertise. Although our knowledge economy may be based on these knowledge networks, how to these centres for innovation actually operate? The Netherlands Institute for Spatial Research conducted the study "Knowledge Hubs in the Netherlands" ("Kennishubs in Nederland") to find out.

Proposition

What is the spatial structure and dynamics of knowledge networks in the Netherlands and how do these networks relate to one another and to networks in other countries?

Description

The Netherlands Institute for Spatial Research (RPB) examined the interaction between universities, companies and other knowledge institutes by conducting a survey of their joint publications in scientific/scholarly periodicals (publications being assumed an indicator of successful research).

In its analysis, the RPB describes the knowledge hubs and classifies the knowledge organisations into three groups of knowledge hubs:

Technology based on life sciences such as agrotechnology, pharma/biotechnology.
Technology based on physical sciences such as semiconductor technology.
Analysis, measurement and control technology based on both physical and life sciences.

In its analysis, the RPB determines the characteristics of these groups and how they interact. The most important conclusions are given here. For more information, you can download the abstract and full report.

Conclusions

Some conclusions of the report:

Knowledge hubs in the Netherlands rely particularly on universities. The presence of universities attracts innovative companies. Eindhoven and Delft focus on the physical sciences whilst the Randstad and Wageningen are knowledge hubs for the life sciences.
The knowledge hubs operate only on a limited basis in regard to fundamental research. Instead of cooperating on a national basis, these knowledge hubs would rather work with knowledge hubs in other countries. This is particularly true of the life sciences.
Spatial proximity has only a limited impact on cooperation between and within the Dutch knowledge regions. This applies primarily to the physical sciences.
National policy intended to stimulate joint research efforts between knowledge hubs is more effective than regional policy.

Contact info

Ruimtelijk Planbureau (RPB), tel. +31 703288700

Publication date

04/07/2006

Researcher

Ponds, R. en F. van oort

Article info
ISBN: 90-5662-508-x / 978-90-5662-508-5

Links

Knowledge Hubs cooperation according to the RPB

The full report on Knowledge Hubs in the Netherlands (PDF, Dut, 3.5 MB)

Summary of the report on Knowledge Hubs in the Netherlands (PDF, Dut, 76 KB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Research & innovation

Keywords

Implementation & production