Proximity

Ulrich Wilke
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Ulrich Wilke: Reutlingen University, Dissertation University of Hohenheim, D100

Chapter 7 in Towards Sustainable Innovations, 2026, pp 93-136 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter explores the role of proximity in facilitating knowledge processes and sustainable innovations, introducing five different dimensions (geographical, cognitive, institutional, organizational, social). It demonstrates how proximity dimensions—both individually and interdependently—enable or hinder knowledge exchange, co-creation, and innovation in multi-actor networks. Wilke presents a systematic literature review of proximity in sustainability contexts, revealing that no single dimension is universally optimal: excessive as well as insufficient proximity may impede collaboration. A refined analytical framework further differentiates cognitive proximity into normative, systems, and transformative sub-dimensions and institutional proximity into macro- and micro-sub-dimensions. Case studies illustrate how balanced proximity combinations support sustainable innovations. The chapter concludes that dynamic, context-specific proximity configurations are critical for addressing the complexity of sustainability challenges.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-31024-8_7

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