Constructing Epistemic Landscapes: Methods of GIS-Based Mapping

Evers, Hans-Dieter and Genschick, Sven and Schraven, Benjamin (2009): Constructing Epistemic Landscapes: Methods of GIS-Based Mapping. Published in: ZEF Working Paper Series No. 44 (2 August 2009): pp. 2-18.

Abstract

The construction of knowledge maps, demonstrated in this paper, is designed to show the epistemic landscape of cities, countries or regions. Knowledge assets, knowledge producing and disseminating organisations are referenced to spatial objects and integrated into GIS. They are further represented in thematic maps and in 3-D perspective graphs. Special attention is given to mapping and measuring knowledge clusters. Statistical procedures to measure the degree of knowledge clustering are discussed and ways are indicated to compare and determine the emergence of knowledge clusters. We conclude that the construction of knowledge maps showing the complexity of epistemic landscapes will enhance the chances of government agencies, companies and civic organisations to understand and use knowledge for development. This paper is in the first place meant as guideline for the related analysis.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Knowledge and development; knowledge maps; epistemic landscapes; knowledge clusters; Geographic Information System (GIS)
• Subjects: N - Economic History > N5 - Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environment, and Extractive Industries > N55 - Asia including Middle East; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C8 - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology ; Computer Programs > C82 - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Macroeconomic Data ; Data Access; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C1 - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General > C14 - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General; A - General Economics and Teaching > A1 - General Economics; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C0 - General; M - Business Administration and Business Economics ; Marketing ; Accounting ; Personnel Economics > M1 - Business Administration > M19 - Other; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O5 - Economywide Country Studies > O53 - Asia including Middle East; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O2 - Development Planning and Policy; B - History of Economic Thought, Methodology, and Heterodox Approaches > B4 - Economic Methodology; D - Microeconomics > D8 - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O3 - Innovation ; Research and Development ; Technological Change ; Intellectual Property Rights; B - History of Economic Thought, Methodology, and Heterodox Approaches > B4 - Economic Methodology > B41 - Economic Methodology

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