Geographia Polonica (2001) vol. 74, iss. 1
Intermediate layers in the knowledge-economy system
Geographia Polonica (2001) vol. 74, iss. 1, pp. 5-20 | 
Full text
Abstract
The knowledge-economy system is so complicated that its description and analysis with the help of the calculus of correlations between inputs and outputs can only yield approximate results. These can be useful when arguing for an increase in research and development outlays, but tend to be disputed when passing from correlations to a cause-and-effect analysis, as critics demand elucidation of relationships between inputs and the outputs. The present author is of the opinion that the most practical way of solving this problem is to identify the structure of the model mapping the knowledge-economy system. If data necessary for a deterministic approach to modelling are missing, a probabilistic approach employing Markov chains be found to be useful. In the final part, the author suggests using neural networks, which make it possible to expand correlation links and hence to enlarge the basis of explanatory reasoning.
Keywords: knowledge-economy system, identification of model structure, intermediate layers of system, probabilities of change in system states, effects of changes in states
, Academy of Economics Poznań, Department of Spatial and Environmental Economics al. Niepodległości 10, 60-967 Poznań, Poland