ABSTRACT
In a global context where knowledge plays a crucial role in, among others, economic growth and regional development, migrants, international students, academics, and highly skilled professionals have been increasingly considered valuable human capital for economies as well as for higher education institutions. In particular, regional economic development has gained widespread interest in social science research as well as politics. While knowledge is often concentrated in regional-based technology clusters, dense connections to nearby and faraway actors are of utmost importance. Local-based clusters enabling the meeting of research institutes with firms, venture capitalists, and expatriates have been central to Silicon Valley’s success, for instance. Nevertheless, and despite the global scale of relationships, nation-states – with their related norms, rules, and regulations – play an important role in facilitating knowledge-based industries.
