Proximity to innovation: Effect of proximities on cross-border innovation cooperation within Öresund Food Cluster actors

Abstract: The perception on innovation as a territorial phenomenon is based on successful examples of various innovative territorial agglomerations, e.g. clusters. Knowledge and industry-related information is more abundant and accessible for the firms engaged in clusters. However, rapidly growing number of innovative cross-border clusters signifies that international cooperation is also advantageous for innovation and knowledge exchange processes. Cross-border clustering facilitates building of industry’s critical mass, not only through branding and external visibility but extended networks, knowledge of innovation actors, experience and resources. However, innovation development also requires established political, institutional and social environments that may greatly vary on the other side of the border. Also, actors within cross-border cluster may be highly heterogenic in innovation capabilities. Represented through the concept of proximities, dissimilarities between cross-border cluster actors may stimulate synergies through developing complementarities, but also may result in obstacles complicating cooperation, thus, innovativeness. This research paper highlights the case of Öresund Food cross-border cluster and pattern of collaboration within innovation related industry actors. Research emphasis is focused on the effects of proximities and their mutual interdependence on collaboration pattern between cross-border actors within Öresund Food cluster in regard of innovation and knowledge exchange processes. The study showed that different types of proximities are able to evolve over time, influence transformation of each other and change own significance in innovation process on different stages of cooperation.