Plenary Lecture

Knowledge and Information Technology and Urban (Regional) Development

Associate Professor Niksa Alfirevic
Co-authors: Jurica Pavicic, Kresimir Znidar
University of Split, Faculty of Economics
Matice hrvatske 31, 21000 Split
CROATIA
E-mail: nalf@efst.hr

Abstract: Knowledge and learning, as the major processes of 'knowledge production', are often cited as ultimate sources of competitive advantage, due to the special characteristics, arising from the analysis of knowledge as an economic factor. In this paper/speech, linkage is made between the well-described theories of knowledge-based companies (economies) and the spatial proximity, facilitated by the relevant urban/region policies. In addition, the theoretical determinants of such a 'knowledge city' ('knowledge region') are placed within the wider context of innovation, with the specific linkage to the idea of habitus, as elaborated by P. Bordieu in the field of sociology.

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Niksa Alfirevic, born in 1972, has obtained his MSc and PhD in business administration, while he currently studies for a PhD in sociology from the University of Klagenfurt in Klagenfurt, Austria, with the topic on the sociology of virtual communities in South-East Europe. Other significant research interests include: knowledge-based development, knowledge management, as well as management of nonprofit and public organizations. He currently serves as an associate professor of management and e-business.
Niksa Alfirevic has authored 15 papers in scientific journals, including 2 referred in Current Contents and 1 in INSPEC (in a WSEAS journal), more than 30 conference papers and 4 books. He has participated in numerous research and consulting projects, including those sponsored by European Commission (CARDS 2002, 2004) and World Bank. He currently manages the international research project Toward the Knowledge-Based Development of the Alps-Adriatic Region, in partnership with the Dept. of Sociology of University of Klagenfurt.