Transnational Knowledge Networks

In a global context where knowledge plays a crucial role in, among others, economic growth and regional development, migrants, international students, academics, and highly skilled professionals have been increasingly considered valuable human capital for economies as well as for higher education institutions. Knowledge is generally seen as a competence generated through learning, experience, using specific languages, and being part of different societal groups. In the analysis of transnational knowledge transfer, brokers have often been ascribed a beneficial role in knowledge circulation between their country of origin and their current country of residence, which eventually leads to investments or flows of capital. Obviously, the location of experts matters whenever frequent face-to-face interaction is a prerequisite for knowledge creation and circulation, particularly for the tacit mode of knowledge. Spatial concentration is also crucial in enabling persons to get together and create a relationship conducive to sharing their knowledge, and thus for the emergence of knowledge exchange and transfer.