The proximity puzzle in cross-border regions

This paper studies cross-border cooperation at the US-CanadianCascadia region by implementing an in-depth analysis to examinethe role of cognitive proximity as a proxy for favourable conditionsfor cross-border economic interaction (measured as co-publications,co-patents and networking). The analysis deploys primary and secondarydata sources analysed with qualitative and quantitative methods.Based on the results, the case study region demonstrates what istermed as a ‘proximity puzzle’: relatively low levels of economicinteraction despite high cognitive proximity across the border. Thepaper concludes by discussing, based on survey data, the barriersthat impede cross-border economic interaction.