Cristoforo Sergio Bertuglia Livres

In the past decade, there has been increasing recognition that economic development is largely a transformation process driven by economic actors responding to competitive, institutional, and political challenges. This 'challenge and response' model has gained traction in modern growth theory, particularly in explaining the popularity of endogenous growth approaches related to technological innovation. However, the diffusion and adoption of new technological changes, particularly in the context of space-time dynamics, remains a largely under-researched area. Variations in diffusion and adoption patterns are influenced by spatial and temporal factors, as well as behavioral responses that can differ across locations and over time. A thorough analysis of these spatio-temporal opportunities and impediments is essential to understand the intricate interactions between technology and the economy. This volume compiles original contributions from various countries and disciplines, showcasing the spatio-temporal patterns and backgrounds of technology diffusion and adoption. The contributions include surveys, modeling studies, and case studies, complementing a previously published volume on technological innovation and economic development.

The pressures of global competition are prompting a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms and innovative potential of new technology. Economic restructuring success hinges not only on technology but also on the professional and entrepreneurial skills available, alongside the support from institutions and information networks. The local nature of these phenomena is crucial for the innovative capacity of firms in a region, introducing a significant spatial dimension. This context calls for collaboration among scholars from various related disciplines to explore the interconnectedness of technological change, economic development, and space. The volume presents a concise review of current theoretical advancements and insights from recent empirical studies conducted in Europe and beyond. The contributors, all active researchers in the field, have been instrumental in the creation of this work. Special thanks are due to Angela Spence for her coordination, translation, and linguistic editing, as well as to Paola Stasi for her meticulous copy editing and assistance with the indices. Their efforts have been essential in unifying diverse contributions into a cohesive volume.