Usages des TIC et proximité géographique : une analyse empirique

The goal of this paper is to test the use of Information and Communication Technologies as a substitute for geographical proximity in the relations between firms and their partners. Data of a survey by MARSOUIN and INSEE in 2003 on 850 firms in Brittany show that geographical distance from partners induces a more intensive use of ICT. These technologies are of particular use to coordinate with distant upstream partners, and are more intensively used to push and collect information with remote downstream partners. Thus, these technologies cannot solely be considered as a tool to transfer codified knowledge but also as a way to exchange and coordinate with distant partners and therefore a way to compensate geographical distance.