The economic geography group in Berne welcomes you!

We examine the evolution of urban and regional economies and are interested in the ways in which places develop and maintain their economic competitiveness and sustainability.

Our research focuses on the evolution of firms and industries in the spatial context. We examine why certain cities and regions manage to grow entrepreneurial and innovative economies while others fail to do so. We are interested in the role of entrepreneurs and spinoffs and the ways in which they are embedded in networks of innovation and knowledge creation. We also examine how cities and regions retain their cultural and economic identity and character while adjusting to the changes resulting from globalization.

Our research program has four themes:

• Knowledge-based regional development
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Science and Technology Policy
• Globalization and Placemaking

Theoretically we are grounded in the field of evolutionary economic geography. We also draw on theories of entrepreneurship and innovation as well as theories of urban and regional development.

We engage in policy discussions and aim to contribute to the practice of urban and regional planning and economic development.


Heike Mayer
Professor of Economic Geography

Bern, September 1, 2009