The spatial aspects of enterprise learning in transition countries

This paper investigates the sources of enterprise learning under transition , using the results of a recent survey conducted in six Central and East Eu ropean countries. The analysis identifies three possible and interacting wa ys of enterprise learning: (1) learning by doing; (2) learning from the env ironment; and (3) learning from networks. Then it examines the spatial vari ations of the factors affecting learning by contrasting capital regions wit h western border regions and all sampled firms. The paper concludes that en terprise learning in transition economies is a spatially selective process, as most structural and behavioural factors tend to favour capital regions. Consequently, transition policies have to incorporate certain types of reg ional policy into their core, as a supplementary and balancing force to mar ket-driven structural and spatial adjustments.