Resum:
|
In recent years creativity has gained importance because of its potential to generate economic
growth based on their role in the innovation processes and economic development. In this regard,
this work is twofold. First, it addresses the mechanisms through which creativity promotes
knowledge externalities and innovation contributing to regional economic growth and
competitiveness. And second, it aims to analyse the role of creativity, diversity and innovation on
entrepreneurship at a municipality level for Catalonia. To conduct this analysis, information
provided by the Register of Industrial Establishments of Catalonia (REIC) – a register that includes
the creation of new establishments located in Catalonia between 2002 and 2007 – , and by the
Statistical Institute of Catalonia (IDESCAT) are used. Main results highlight the role of creativity in
the spreading of ideas and the creation of new projects encouraging entrepreneurship at local level.
However, the role of cultural diversity does not seem to be so relevant in deciding the location of
new firms in Catalan municipalities. Finally, intellectual and technological productivity in the
municipality (in terms of patents) favours the creation of new firms but only in municipalities closer
to technologic and scientific centres.
Keywords: creativity, diversity, innovation, entrepreneurship, industrial location
JEL codes: O31, M14, O32, L26, O14 |