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Cluster support activities in the German biotechnology sector

Author

Listed:
  • Blandinieres, Florence
  • Krieger, Bastian
  • Pellens, Maikel

Abstract

Many governments have established cluster policies to foster innovation and support hightech industries through agglomeration economies. They attempt to boost networks through providing clusters with resources to organise heterogeneous support activities. A key question is which support activities are the most important for firms. In this study, we investigate the German biotechnology industry based on a survey of dedicated German biotechnology firms (n = 92). We find that i) members of biotechnology clusters primarily take part in events related to network development and fundraising, ii) they do so by a much greater extent than firms outside of clusters. We then show that firms in clusters are more likely to engage in R&D collaborations, to attract public R&D grants or private investments, and to be innovators.

Suggested Citation

  • Blandinieres, Florence & Krieger, Bastian & Pellens, Maikel, 2021. "Cluster support activities in the German biotechnology sector," ZEW Expertises, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research, number 233052, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:zewexp:233052
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cluster policy; Agglomeration; Biotechnology;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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