Knowledge base shapes use of space: Knowledge workers' spatial choices

Knowledge workers contribute to regional competitiveness and growth. To attract and retain them in a region, it is necessary to have a better understanding of their fundamental spatially-related behaviors including residence, workplace, and commute choices. The case study was conducted in the metropolitan region of Munich. Various types of data are integrated: structural statistical and individually-based web-survey data; individuals' actual choices and their stated importance; positional and relational data. Two conclusions are drawn: Firstly, the features of the knowledge base are evident in the spatial choices and different groups of knowledge workers clearly display distinct choices. Secondly, there is a consistency of characteristics between residence, workplace, as well as along the commute path of knowledge workers. These conclusions may provide insights for urban planners and policy-makers regarding the attraction and retention of knowledge workers.

Autorentext

Juanjuan Zhao is an assistant professor of human geography and urban planning at Capital Normal University in Beijing, China. Her research fields focus on the interrelation between built environment, individual spatial behaviors, as well as the urban vitality in cities and regions.