  Cities and metropolitan areas are major drivers of creativity and innovation
in all possible sectors: scientific, technological, social, artistic, etc. The
critical concentration and proximity of diverse mindsets and opportunities,
supported by efficient infrastructures, enable new technologies and ideas to
emerge, thrive, and trigger further innovation. Though this pattern seems well
established, geography's role in the emergence and diffusion of new
technologies still needs to be clarified. An additional important question
concerns the identification of the innovation pathways of metropolitan areas.
Here, we explore the factors that influence the spread of technology among
metropolitan areas worldwide and how geography and political borders impact
this process. Our evidence suggests that political geography has been highly
important for the diffusion of innovation till around two decades ago, slowly
declining afterwards in favour of a more global innovation ecosystem. Further,
the visualisation of the evolution of countries and metropolitan areas in a 2d
space of competitiveness and diversification reveals the existence of two main
innovation pathways, discriminating between different strategies towards
progress. Our work provides insights for policymakers seeking to promote
economic growth and technological advancement through tailored investments in
prioritarian innovation areas.
