Diffusion et production des connaissances : les deux faces d'une action territoriale réussie

If the spatial dimension of innovation dynamics is analysed for a long time in Regional Economy, all these researches are focused on knowledge diffusion, more precisely on accessibility and appropriation conditions of knowledge. The main idea presented in this article is that although knowledge diffusion is an essential condition for innovation, it is not in itself sufficient. In order to promote innovation, knowledge diffusion must lead to knowledge production. The knowledge production being empirically verified by two exploratory case studies and a quantitative study of innovative firms in the French Rhône-Alpes region, this paper underlines that a thorough understanding of the issue of knowledge production is necessary to develop a real innovation capacity.