The Odd Role Of Proximity In Knowledge Relations - High-Tech In The Netherlands

In contrast to findings in other countries, and surprisingly in view of the literature, high tech economic activity in the Netherlands is not spread geographically according to either relevant labour market characteristics or because of localized agglomeration effects. Instead, statistical analysis shows that the Netherlands is an urban field, and that the knowledge infrastructure is the only variable to significantly explain high-tech presence through the Netherlands. By analysing the same relations for younger firms, we are able to make a rather strong case about causation.