Knowledge dynamics and makerspaces: proximities and local development in the Central Europe

The rationale behind this working paper is reflected in the investigation of knowledge partners and the role of proximities through makerspaces. Hence, these spaces are creating a positive impact on creating a cultural change by encouraging entrepreneurship in the community, support small business growth, and increase workforce retention. Therefore, the focus is on the knowledge partners and the local growth, in the selected Central European countries (Poland, Czechia, Slovakia), where makerspaces have seen a more significant increase. Furthermore, the paper aims to shed some light on both direct and indirect effects of makerspaces on local development. The research design is based on empirical qualitative analysis of primary data gathered through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in makerspaces. The novelty of our empirical research is reflected in identifying spatial scales to distinguish the role of proximity in knowledge transfer through makerspaces. The working paper presents policy implications to nurture different knowledge flows in and its role in local development. Furthermore, the research reflects on the knowledge transmission among the central knowledge partners considering different proximities.