International knowledge connectivity and the increasing concentration of innovation in major global cities

Abstract

We argue that trans-local knowledge connections positively impact local epistemic inventor communities in global cities, using patent citations as an indicator of global knowledge connectivity. Patented inventions have become more concentrated in the most internationally connected global cities, increasing inter-regional inequality. We identify two dimensions of knowledge connectivity: the compatibility of connections between similar profiles of technological knowledge, and the geographical diversity of knowledge connections between differently specialized global cities. We suggest that interaction between local and international inventor epistemic communities is now a vital driver of local innovation in global cities, and interregional inequality between these and other cities.