The Proximity Puzzle in Cross-Border Regions

This paper studies cross-border cooperation at the US-Canadian Cascadia region by implementing an in-depth analysis to examine the role of cognitive proximity as a proxy for favourable conditions for cross-border economic interaction (measured as co-publications, co-patents and networking). The analysis deploys primary and secondary data sources analysed with qualitative and quantitative methods. Based on the results, the case study region demonstrates what is termed as a ‘proximity puzzle’: relatively low levels of economic interaction despite high cognitive proximity across the border. The paper concludes by discussing, based on survey data, the barriers that impede cross-border economic interaction.