The employment in the knowledge-based economy in Spain: socio-professional characteristics and territorial distribution patterns

Abstract

The knowledge economy is now receiving the most attention, beginning for example with the new Strategy Europe 2020. From the point of view of territorial development, it is referred specifically to the importance of building knowledge cities that, among other features, are based on the concentration of human capital (talent). Through a new statistical source, such as the “Muestra Continua de Vidas Laborales” of the Social Security, this paper seeks to delve into the characteristics of the most qualified employment in three key clusters (high-technology industries, knowledge-intensive services and cultural industries), as well as to analyze the economic geography defined by the so-called “creative classes” at provincial level and the Spanish urban system.