Generating Agglomeration Online. Creating Places Without Geographical Borders

Term Paper , 2015 , 23 Pages , Grade: 1,0

Sociology - Culture, Technology, Nations

This paper argues that the internet could support the creation of a "space-less place" where agglomeration effects can be re-created independent from geographic location. Addressing dominant doubts and critiques it proposes the framework of an online platform in which space-less agglomeration can occur and which thus, if correctly implemented and administered, holds great potential for innovative development in countries which find themselves unfortunately located outside the economic core region of today's world.

From the perspective of geographic economics, location factors seem to be of major importance to explain existing (global) economical orderings which, when favorable, allow for agglomeration effects such as knowledge spillovers that are necessary for innovative processes. However, the worldwide spread of the internet and its implied potential to transmit information and communication to every connected corner of the planet might make information technology the “space-shrinking technology” which ultimately renders spatial differences between places unimportant.

While scholars agree that the internet offers global access to information, a majority disbelieves in its potential to challenge geographical advantages and thus disrupt the world's economic ordering. Although internet communication allows for global connectivity it might fail to adequately provide the density, diversity, spontaneity and effective communication of tacit knowledge needed for innovative business practices.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The Model of a Space-less Online Space
• Evaluation of Existing Doubts
  • Communication of Tacit Knowledge
  • Allowing for Spontaneity, Diversity and Density
  • Facilitating Trust Between Strangers
    • Theories of Trust in Virtual Interactions
    • Empirical Studies of Trust in Virtual Interactions
    • Implications
• The Importance of a Platform Culture
  • Creating an Online Culture
  • Facebook as an Example of an Online Culture
  • Existing Literature
  • Important Implications
• Concluding Remarks

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper explores the potential for creating an online platform that replicates the benefits of physical agglomeration, such as knowledge spillovers and innovation, in a virtual space. It examines the challenges and opportunities of generating agglomeration effects online, focusing on the importance of communication, trust, and the creation of a vibrant online community.

• The potential for creating a 'space-less place' in the online world to foster agglomeration effects.
• The role of trust in virtual interactions and how to build trust among strangers online.
• The importance of a platform culture and how to create a thriving online community.
• The challenges of communicating tacit knowledge and facilitating spontaneous interaction in a virtual setting.
• The implications of a successful online platform for knowledge creation, innovation, and economic development.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of agglomeration effects and explores the potential for the internet to facilitate these effects in a virtual setting. It highlights the challenges of creating a 'space-less place' online, emphasizing the importance of trust, spontaneity, and diversity.
• The Model of a Space-less Online Place: This chapter proposes a model for an online platform that aims to replicate the benefits of physical agglomeration. The model includes features such as personalized profiles, randomized matching for virtual conversations, and open discussions.
• Evaluation of Existing Doubts: This chapter addresses the concerns raised in academic literature regarding the ability of virtual interactions to facilitate agglomeration effects. It explores the challenges of communicating tacit knowledge, fostering spontaneity and diversity, and building trust among strangers.
• The Importance of a Platform Culture: This chapter focuses on the importance of creating a vibrant online community and culture to support agglomeration effects. It discusses the role of Facebook as an example of an online culture and explores the implications of platform culture for knowledge creation and innovation.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper focuses on the concepts of agglomeration effects, virtual interaction, trust, platform culture, knowledge spillovers, and innovation. It explores the potential for the internet to facilitate these concepts in a 'space-less place' setting, examining the challenges and opportunities of creating a thriving online community.

• College: National University of Singapore
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Pauline Kuss (Author)
• Publication Year: 2015
• Pages: 23
• Catalog Number: V317890
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668174184
• ISBN (Book): 9783668174191
• Language: English
• Tags: Agglomeration, Online Agglomeration, Economic Geography, Economic Ordering, Internet Communication, Space-less Places, Virtual Interaction, Online Platfrom Culture, Innovation, Knowlegde Spillover, Cyberspace, Effective Communication