Admitted to PhD Programme: 2016-02-01

Supervisor: Karl-Johan Lundquist

Assistant supervisor: Markus Grillitsch

Ongoing research projects

What kind of related variety for long-term regional growth? (with Mikhail Martynovich)

We investigate the evolution of relatedness linkages between Swedish industries during five sub-periods between 1991 and 2010. Distinguishing between the stable ties (present in all sub-periods) and non-stable ties (emerging, disappearing, etc.), we demonstrate that the relatedness linkages change considerably over time. Furthermore, we show that the changes in the relatedness matrix matter for the impact of related variety on regional employment growth. We argue, therefore, that the relatedness linkages have a ‘best before date’ and that the choice of what relatedness indicator to apply and how deserves more consideration than it is usually given.

Regional differences in how related variety 'works': The case of labour mobility

One key channel suggested in the literature about how related variety 'works' is labour flow between related industries. By considering the case of Sweden in 1991-2010 this study takes a closer look at whether the regional differences concerning this specific channel – labour flows – might be one explanation for the mixed results and regional differences found in the empirical studies of relationship between related variety and regional growth.

Journeys through time: Regional skill relatedness and related diversification potential

The project first follows the regional journeys of Swedish regions between 1991-2000 in the 2‐dimensional (related variety and diversification potential) growth opportunity space over time. Both the paths of single regions and typical paths for different levels of regional hierarchy are analysed. Second, it looks how related variety and diversification potential contribute to regional growth.

Teaching

I teach quantitative methods and GIS on several bachelor and master level courses at the Department. I am also the course coordinator for the B-thesis in Human Geography. In addition, I teach an introductory quantitative methods course to master students at Graduate School at the Faculty of Social Sciences.

SGEA23 Human Geography, Level 2 (Quantitative Methods, B-thesis course coordinator)
SGEK03 Human Geography: Bachelor Thesis (Quantitative Methods)
UTVC24 Development Studies: Theory of Science and Research Methods: An Introduction (Quantitative Methods)
SGEL34 GIS: Theoretical and Practical Applications within Planning
SGER43 GIS: Geographical Information System for the Social Sciences
SGER44 GIS: Geographical Information System for the Social Sciences, Advanced Applications
SIMM16 Introduction to Quantitative Methods

Publications

Kuusk, K. and Martynovich, M. (2018) What kind of related variety for long-term regional growth? Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography No 18.34