Urban Space of emerging Cities in the Knowledge Economy Context - Three Case Studies on the Arabian Peninsula

Global knowledge economy networks significantly influence spatial development on different spatial scales. This research project argues that non-physical, relational geography and morphological, urban development are mutually interdependent. Two aspects of the research concept are innovative: First, a knowledge economy network analysis forms the basis for investigating the urban space of emerging cities on the Arabian Peninsula. Second, the empirical methodology is a newly defined method triangulation, setting an example for systematic analysis of local urban development in a global context. The method triangulation combines three different research angles: A knowledge economy firm perspective, an on-site observation perspective and a planner perspective. Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar) and Manama (Bahrain) are selected as case studies. Empirical results show that emerging cities on the Arabian Peninsula have rapidly gained a significant role in global and regional knowledge economy networks due to various favorable location-specific development drivers. At first glance appearing as competitive knowledge economy locations, the cities are developing specific strengths, which might enable them to become complementing knowledge economy locations in the future. The important role of these cities from a non-physical, relational geography perspective influences their morphological, urban space. Entire city districts are dedicated to the knowledge economy, creating global attractiveness for advanced producer services and high tech firms. However, fulfilling the urban space requirements of knowledge workers remains a challenging task for emerging cities. Results of this research project demonstrate that non-physical, functional networks and morphological, urban space strongly influence each other.     «

Global knowledge economy networks significantly influence spatial development on different spatial scales. This research project argues that non-physical, relational geography and morphological, urban development are mutually interdependent. Two aspects of the research concept are innovative: First, a knowledge economy network analysis forms the basis for investigating the urban space of emerging cities on the Arabian Peninsula. Second, the empirical methodology is a newly defined method triangu...     »