Building on previous literature explaining the superior performance of urban geographies, we propose new perspectives on intra-metropolitan innovation networks. We stipulate that demographic differences between inventors in city centers and the suburban areas serve as sources of diversity and collaboration between the inventors, contributing to the quality of innovation. We find empirical evidence for this claim by matching USPTO patent data with information on CBSA geographic distinction. Furthermore, our findings suggest that firms located within a city center support the establishment of this urban-suburban connectivity while foreign firms suffer the liability of foreignness in this regard. Notably, innovation practices of universities and leading innovators in the region indicate lower intra-metropolitan connectivity.
