UCD School of Geography, Planning & Environmental Policy

I recently completed the Ph.D. program in the Department of Geography & Planning at the University of Toronto, studying under the supervision of Meric Gertler and Rick DiFrancesco. My doctoral research focuses on the evolutionary geography of knowledge formation, and in particular the spatial and sectoral dynamics of knowledge spillovers, i.e. externalities derived from the non-pecuniary exchange of knowledge, in the Canadian economy, over a time period of 25 years. The investigation of knowledge externalities is carried out at the metropolitan level by means of an advanced patent database that I have developed over the past years.


My future research efforts will be directed towards the evolutionary economic analysis of global 'mega-regions' with particular focus on the dynamic nature of network structures, in order to enhance our understanding of such novel concepts as 'related variety', the 'local buzz' and 'global pipelines' research framework, and the impact of specialization and diversity on regional economic prosperity. My continuous research engagements and previous position as an economic development consultant have provided me with a deep understanding of the role public policy plays in shaping economic development and growth. In particular, I have developed an appreciation of how public entities, the institutional setting, and organizational routines influence local innovation processes and support jurisdictional competitiveness and advantage. To further define this interest and expertise, I have recently been involved in a project that examined social foundations of innovation through university technology start-up and spin-off companies. This stream of inquiry is highly policy-relevant, as it connects results derived from the spatial analysis of the configuration of knowledge production capabilities and diffusion patterns, along with findings pertaining to the role institutional and political instruments play in the commercialization of novel products and processes, with active policy action concerning economic growth and prosperity.


I am currently collaborating with Michael, Maryann Feldman (UNC, Chapel Hill), and Ron Boschma (Regional Research Centre, Utrecht University, NL) on various projects pertaining to evolutionary aspects of technological change, innovation, economic growth, and prosperity in a spatio-sectoral context. I am also collaborating with Richard Florida, Kevin Stolarick (Martin Prosperity Institute at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto), and Michael Fritsch (University of Jena) on a study that investigates the determinants of regional economic growth in Germany over the past two decades.