Bridging the geographical divide: An inquiry into organizing visions as facilitative mechanism for cross-cluster knowledge exchange

This chapter engages with the recent skeptical turn towards the knowledge-based theory of clusters, which is criticized for overemphasizing the role of geographical proximity in facilitating knowledge dynamics among entrepreneurs. In particular, this study aims at the role of so-called organizing visions as facilitating crosscluster knowledge exchange. Building on a proximity framework, this study finds both qualitative and quantitative evidence for the facilitative function of organizing visions. Interestingly, organizing visions are promulgated through non-local buzz interactions, allowing entrepreneurs to engage in cross-cluster knowledge exchange. The findings of this study lead us to fundamentally reconsider the knowledge-based theory of clusters.