Are you interested in the dynamics of cross-border cooperation and partnership development? A recent article published in the Journal of the Knowledge Economy titled "Spatial Proximity Versus Social Distance: Partnership Development in the Cross-Border Cooperation" by Fabrizio Errico, Angelo Corallo, Alessandra Spennato, and Gianna Elisa Berlingerio, sheds light on this topic.

In the era of globalization and increasing regional integration, the European Commission has been actively promoting innovation processes and knowledge transfer among its member states and neighbouring countries. However, there is still a research gap in understanding the main dynamics that lead to the formation of partnerships and networks of collaboration in the context of cross-border cooperation.

The article addresses this research gap by examining the role of spatial proximity, social distance, and individual characteristics in influencing the decision to cooperate among partners in the Interreg IPA CBC Italy Albania-Montenegro Programme. The authors collected data from the first call for proposal of this programme and analysed the effects of social and geographical distance, as well as individual characteristics of each partner involved.

By shedding light on the importance of social closeness and network effects, the findings of this study contribute to our understanding of how partnerships and collaborations are formed in the context of cross-border cooperation. If you are interested in learning more, don't miss out this reading! 

The full article is available HERE.

Photo: SUTURA, Giulio Ribezzo 2017 (detail)