The Co-evolution of Proximities – A Network Level Study

Broekel T. The co-evolution of proximities – a network level study, Regional Studies. Little is known about how network structures and proximity relations between linked actors evolve over time. This paper argues that a number of networks’ internal proximity structures are interrelated, which may give rise to specific types of co-evolution dynamics. An empirical investigation tests these arguments using information on the evolution of 280 networks of subsidized research and development (R&D) collaboration in Germany. The empirical findings clearly confirm the existence of systematic and dynamic interrelatedness between proximities. In this way, the paper underlines the need to consider such relations when investigating the evolution of knowledge networks.