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High-technology clustering through spin-out and attraction: The Cambridge case

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  • Elizabeth Garnsey
  • Paul Heffernan

Abstract

Garnsey E. and Heffernan P. (2005) High-technology clustering through spin-out and attraction: the Cambridge case, Regional Studies 39 , 1127-1144. Co-determinants that have shaped developments in high-tech centres elsewhere are absent in Cambridge, UK, which thus provides a unique case demonstrating how technology enterprise around a science centre can transform local economic activity. But to capture dimensions of cumulative change requires a longitudinal approach. Here indicators that include rates of formation of new firms and their survival and growth over time are used to chart the transformation of collective capabilities. Emerging and growing areas of local competence are identified from data on the sectoral distribution of activity over time and on clusters of related activity in the Cambridge area that point to the emergence of specialized labour markets. The emergence of clusters of firms is related to serial spin-out from the university and local businesses. Channels of diffusion of knowledge and influence among local firms are mapped by graphics of spin-out clusters. Processes mobilizing social capital can be detected in the way technology-based firms evolved a collective response to local problems that could not be solved by individual enterprise.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth Garnsey & Paul Heffernan, 2005. "High-technology clustering through spin-out and attraction: The Cambridge case," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(8), pages 1127-1144.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:regstd:v:39:y:2005:i:8:p:1127-1144
    DOI: 10.1080/00343400500328289
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Keeble & Frank Wilkinson, 1999. "Collective Learning and Knowledge Development in the Evolution of Regional Clusters of High Technology SMEs in Europe," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(4), pages 295-303.
    2. Suma Athreye, 2000. "Agglomeration and Growth: A Study of the Cambridge Hi-Tech Cluster," Open Discussion Papers in Economics 29, The Open University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Economics.
    3. Best, Michael, 2001. "The New Competitive Advantage: The Renewal of American Industry," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198297451, Decembrie.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technology-based enterprise; Regional entrepreneurship; Technology transfer; Spin-out clusters; Entreprise a la pointe de la technologie; Esprit d'entreprise regional; Transfert de la technologie; Regroupements suite aux retombees; Auf Technologie gestutzte Unternehmen; regionales Unternehmertum; Ubertragung; Cluster als Folgewirkungen; Empresas de tecnologia; Empresarialidad regional; Traspaso tecnologico; Grupos de spin-outs; JEL classifications: L25; M13; R11; R30;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • R30 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - General

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