Regional Knowledge Management In The Tampere Region

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to problematise and structure the concept of regional knowledge management, which continues to exist rather indefinite, and to provide understanding of the preconditions and practices of regional knowledge management conducted in the regional development network of the Tampere Region, which is the second largest region by population in Finland.Design/methodology/approach - The study is based on a literature review and an interview study (N=13) carried out in the network of regional developers of the Tampere Region. The key research fields (knowledge management, intellectual capital, regional science and administration and management theories) that contribute to the regional knowledge management are examined and an approach to regional knowledge management is presented. On the basis of this theoretical framework, a case-study of the Tampere Region is presented and current regional knowledge management practices are analysed. The preconditions for successful regional knowledge management are evaluated by way of intellectual capital and knowledge management theories.Originality/value - The study contributes by clarifying both the idea and practice of regional knowledge management.Practical implications - The paper provides new insights into regional development by illustrating the preconditions for regional knowledge management within the regional development network.