Communication and Distance in Collaboration between High-technology Enterprises in Northern Finland

New technologies affect economic activities, even to the extent that some claim they have lessened the importance of geographical distance. However, collaboration in product innovation creation involves various elements; therefore the development of technologies does not make geographical proximity insignificant. In this paper a study is made of collaboration aiming to create a product innovation between high-technology enterprises in northern Finland, especially the intertwining between communication and geographical distance. The study is based on interviews with managers of high-technology enterprises. The results indicate that while email and personal meetings are seen as important, geographical proximity also has an effect on collaboration.