Dynamic Proximities – Bridging Connective, Cognitive, and Spatial Distances

ABSTRACT: The proximity literature describes why geography matters for the innovative dynamics that take place in networks. The intention of this paper is to go one step further, namely to elaborate how these dynamics change the network, i.e. how distances are actually bridged. The paper elaborates three different dynamics that bridge distances: a connective dynamic that bases upon network position and governance of the network; a spatial dynamic that describes the implications of face-to-face interaction; and a cognitive dynamic that depicts learning processes. Upon these three dynamics, a proximity concept is elaborated that describes the change of relation as a process of bridging and generating distances. It is argued that distance in one dimension requires proximity in another dimension