The impact of the Covid-19 era on geographical and relational proximities in innovation processes

Bibliographic Data

ID21601515
AuthorsFatih Altuğ (0000-0001-9163-6116, Ondokuz Mayıs University, corresponding author), Kamile Akkoyun (0000-0001-5008-2049, Ondokuz Mayıs University)
Year2026
Volume34
Issue7
Pages1337-1363
Publication date2026-07-03
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEuropean Planning Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0965-4313 • E-ISSN: 1469-5944
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09654313.2026.2638391
OpenAlexW7135143045
LanguageEN
References cited65

This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the relative importance of geographical and relational proximities in firm-level innovation processes. Lockdowns and social-distancing measures disrupted established economic and social routines, constraining face-to-face interaction and raising questions about the resilience of proximity-based innovation dynamics. Drawing on the proximity framework, the study employs a retrospective survey design comparing innovation-related interactions before and during the pandemic. Data were collected through face-to-face surveys with high-technology manufacturing firms, with the sample closely approximating the regional population of such firms. Paired-sample comparisons are used to identify changes across proximity dimensions. Geographical proximity is operationalized not as physical distance, but as a facilitating condition for local interaction and face-to-face knowledge exchange. The results show that while overall access to knowledge and learning channels remained stable, proximity dimensions relying on in-person interaction declined markedly during the pandemic. Geographical and social proximities were the most negatively affected, particularly in sectoral knowledge exchange and direct communication with clients and suppliers. In contrast, cognitive proximity retained its importance, while organizational and institutional proximities remained stable. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the pandemic weakened some forms of proximity while reinforcing others, contributing firm-level evidence to debates on proximity dynamics and regional resilience

Human geography · COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts · COVID-19, Geopolitics, Technology, Migration · University-Industry-Government Innovation Models

Tools

Open DOI