Urban knowledge arenas: dynamics, tensions and potentials

May, T. (2011). Urban knowledge arenas: dynamics, tensions and potentials. International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development, 2(2), 132. doi:10.1504/ijkbd.2011.041244

Platform
Sheffield-Manchester Global
Publication type
Scientific article (peer-reviewed)
Projects
Governance and Policy for Sustainability, GAPS
DOI Title
Urban knowledge arenas: dynamics, tensions and potentials
Journal
International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development
ISSN/ISBN
2040-4468 2040-4476
DOI
10.1504/IJKBD.2011.041244
Author(s)
Tim May
Published year
Subject
Management of Technology and Innovation Strategy and Management Information Systems and Management
Tags
space knowledge economy policy place universities partnerships higher education socio-economic development Urban Development urban knowledge cities UK United Kingdom Manchester knowledge-based development

 

Abstract

This article examines the relations between the knowledge economy and the modes of developing processes between cities and universities for socio-economic development. It starts by considering discourses on the knowledge economy that raise expectations through the circulation of ideas according to their transferability on the market and a desire to place cities on global hierarchies. Such processes do not tend to be subject to interrogation in terms of 'how' different parties can work together in ways that either enable or constrain their practice. The article therefore describes work conducted in the Greater Manchester region on collaborations to enhance city development. It is argued that expectations and actual efforts lie in tension. A resulting gap allows the perpetuation of discourses that exacerbate, rather than address, issues that arise in the implementation of ambitions. The lessons outlined in the article are designed to tackle these and produce more context-sensitive understandings for greater benefit.

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