Rethinking the development of successful knowledge cities: an advanced framework

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present how the topics of knowledge‐based development (KBD) and especially of knowledge cities (KCs) have attracted the interest of many researchers and practitioners during recent years. In a previous research work of the authors, a set of hypotheses for the design, development and operation of successful KCs are proposed and validated through the analytical study of KCs cases in support of these hypotheses, resulting in a related framework. However, the rapid changes in the field render it necessary today to re‐examine the elements which had led to the formulation of the framework, so as to update it. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology followed so as to update the framework is based on the examination of the already identified KCs and the inclusion of five additional KCs cases. For the new set of KCs, the authors examine at which degree each case supports the hypotheses. Modifications in the set of hypotheses are proposed. The hypotheses that continue to be valid are considered as dominant, thus leading to the updated framework. Findings – Among the main findings is that all cities previously examined continue to actively support their KBD, through a series of strategies and appropriate actions. The majority of the hypotheses continue to be valid, while three of them need to slightly change so as to adapt to prevailing current conditions. Research limitations/implications – The findings of this paper can be of value for researchers seeking to develop specific customized methodologies for the development of KCs. Originality/value – The main added‐value elements of this paper can be considered the re‐examination of the current status of a series of successful KCs on the one side and the update of the framework for the design, development and operation of KCs on the other side.