Exploring the requirements of regional knowledge‐based management

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to explore the requirements of knowledge‐based management in the regional development network of the Tampere region in Finland. Design/methodology/approach – The requirements of knowledge‐based management are analysed on the basis of the perceptions of the regional developers interviewed ( n =13) and by using the extended SECI model and intellectual capital framework as analytical tools. Findings – Different regions benefit from different knowledge‐based management activities according to their performance in the cycle of the extended SECI model and the intellectual capital available among the regional developers. When the knowledge‐based management requirements of a regional development network are identified by applying these two frameworks, more appropriate investments (e.g. for ICT infrastructure) and development activities can be made. Research limitations/implications – The perspectives of knowledge creation (i.e. the extended SECI model) and intellectual capital provide one approach for evaluating the call for knowledge‐based management of regional development. Other perspectives are also expected to be valuable as the understanding of regional knowledge‐based management in different contexts is enhanced. Originality/value – The study contributes by proposing and applying a method for evaluating the requirements of regional knowledge‐based management.