Unravelling the driving forces of networks on regional resilience capabilities

This chapter focuses on exploring the critical role played by the structural properties of knowledge networks in shaping the ability of regions to renew themselves over time and to be resilient. The chapter is founded on the perspective that regional systems of innovation can be conceived primarily as knowledge networks whereby network structures are comprised of nodes (organizations) and ties (voluntary knowledge flows). Looking at how different nodes connect to each other helps reveal the structural properties of the system and the topological properties of the networks that emerge from the micro behaviours of actors embedded in regional systems. The chapter shows how these topological network properties, namely their connectivity, hierarchy and assortativity, provide critical insights into why certain regions succeed in renewing and reorganizing their resources, whilst others fail.