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Knowlege networks for innovation in small Scottish software firms

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  • Simon Collinson

Abstract

This paper examines the emergence of small indigenous software companies in Scotland, focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of the region's socio-economic infrastructure as a foundation for innovative new business ventures. Following a brief review of some of the accepted wisdom on high-tech start-ups and regional economic development the paper provides some background information on the Scottish region, comparing new firms in the software industry with the foreign multinationals that dominate the local IT industry. A framework - the ‘sociotechnical constituencies’ approach - is then proposed that allows the author to examine networks of specialist knowledge that underlie new business development. Agglomeration effects and the influence of ‘clusters’ of complementary types of knowledge, expertise and innovative competencies at the regional level are at the heart of the analysis. The framework is applied to a sample of local firms, looking at how ‘learning’ via sociotechnical networks underlies their evolution. Policy-makers' attempts to boost the region's new business birth rate and promote the hoped-for ‘silicon glen’ effect are viewed in the light of the study's findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Collinson, 2000. "Knowlege networks for innovation in small Scottish software firms," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(3), pages 217-244, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:entreg:v:12:y:2000:i:3:p:217-244
    DOI: 10.1080/089856200413473
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    1. Giovanni Dosi & Christopher Freeman & Richard Nelson & Gerarld Silverberg & Luc Soete (ed.), 1988. "Technical Change and Economic Theory," LEM Book Series, Laboratory of Economics and Management (LEM), Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy, number dosietal-1988, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Maria Sole Brioschi & Lucio Cassia & Alessandra Colombelli, 2009. "Common Frameworks for Regional Competitiveness: Insights from a Number of Local Knowledge Economies," SCIENZE REGIONALI, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 8(2), pages 19-43.
    2. Soogwan Doh & Edmund J. Zolnik, 2012. "Social capital and entrepreneurship: an empirical analysis of the role of social capital in self-employment," Chapters, in: Charlie Karlsson & Börje Johansson & Roger R. Stough (ed.), Entrepreneurship, Social Capital and Governance, chapter 7, pages 160-191, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    3. Tomlinson, Philip R., 2010. "Co-operative ties and innovation: Some new evidence for UK manufacturing," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(6), pages 762-775, July.
    4. Mubashar Majeed QADRI & Dawood MAMOON, 2016. "Understanding ‘Shared Valued’ and Social Capital Link to Pave the Path of next Generation of Innovation," Journal of Economics Library, KSP Journals, vol. 3(4), pages 587-602, December.
    5. Zhu, Zhuo-Yue & Xie, Hong-Ming & Chen, Liang, 2023. "ICT industry innovation: Knowledge structure and research agenda," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    6. M. Dakhli & D. De Clercq, 2003. "Human Capital, Social Capital and Innovation: A Multi-Country Study," Working Papers of Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, Belgium 03/211, Ghent University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.
    7. Prashantham, Shameen & McNaughton, Rod B., 2006. "Facilitation of links between multinational subsidiaries and SMEs: The Scottish Technology and Collaboration (STAC) initiative," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 15(5), pages 447-462, October.
    8. Qadri, Mubashar & Mamoon, Dawood, 2016. "Creating Shared Value: Social Capital as a Source to Drive Next Wave of Innovation for Socioeconomic Revenues," MPRA Paper 72554, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    9. Jose M Barrutia & Carmen Echebarria & Ainhize Gilsanz, 2011. "Social capital and innovation: an empirical analysis in the context of European regions," ERSA conference papers ersa10p1347, European Regional Science Association.
    10. Thais Dalcin & Alsones Balestrin & Eduardo Künzel Teixeira, 2017. "Start-Up Cluster Development: A Multi-Case Analysis in the Brazilian Context," International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management (IJITM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 14(06), pages 1-25, December.

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