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Still in the shadow of the wall? The case of the Berlin biotechnology cluster

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  • Milad Abbasiharofteh
  • Tom Broekel

Abstract

The evolution of knowledge networks has recently received a lot of attention from researchers. Empirical studies have shown that different types of proximities and network structural properties play a decisive role in tie formation. The present paper contributes to this literature by arguing that while these are crucial, they do not capture the full range of localities’ influence on the evolution of knowledge networks. We support our argument with an empirical study on thedevelopment of the biotechnology knowledge network of Berlin from the early 1990s till 2016. The network was created by combining data on co-patenting, co-authorship and joint R&D projects. Forces driving the evolution of the network were identified with separable temporal exponential random graph models (STERGM). In addition to the ‘usual suspects’ (main proximity dimensions and structural factors), we found that the network is still developing in the ‘shadow of the wall’. The different social contexts in the different parts of the city of Berlin still hamper the establishment of collaborative ties between the former East and the former West Germany even 30 years after reunification.

Suggested Citation

  • Milad Abbasiharofteh & Tom Broekel, 2020. "Still in the shadow of the wall? The case of the Berlin biotechnology cluster," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2030, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Aug 2020.
    • Handle: RePEc:egu:wpaper:2030
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    Cited by:

    1. Simensen, Erlend Osland & Abbasiharofteh, Milad, 2022. "Sectoral patterns of collaborative tie formation: Investigating geographic, cognitive, and technological dimensions," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 31(5), pages 1223-1258.
    2. Kabirigi, Michel, 2021. "Does the accessibility of a farmer predict the delivery of extension services? Evidence from Rwanda," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 51(2), pages 187-196.
    3. Abbasiharofteh, Milad & Kogler, Dieter F. & Lengyel, Balázs, 2023. "Atypical combinations of technologies in regional co-inventor networks," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(10).
    4. Erlend Osland Simensen & Milad Abbasiharofteh, 2022. "Sectoral patterns of collaborative tie formation: investigating geographic, cognitive, and technological dimensions [Endogenous effects and cluster transition: a conceptual framework for cluster po," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 31(5), pages 1223-1258.
    5. Janssen, Matthijs J. & Abbasiharofteh, Milad, 2022. "Boundary spanning R&D collaboration: Key enabling technologies and missions as alleviators of proximity effects?," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 180.
    6. Abbasiharofteh, Milad & Kinne, Jan & Krüger, Miriam, 2021. "The strength of weak and strong ties in bridging geographic and cognitive distances," ZEW Discussion Papers 21-049, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    7. Janssen, Matthijs J. & Abbasiharofteh, Milad, 2022. "Boundary spanning R&D collaboration: Key enabling technologies and missions as alleviators of proximity effects?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    8. Stefano Ghinoi & Riccardo Vita & Bodo Steiner & Alessandro Sinatra, 2024. "Family firm network strategies in regional clusters: evidence from Italy," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 62(1), pages 87-103, January.
    9. Kabirigi, Michel & Abbasiharofteh, Milad & Sun, Zhanli & Hermans, Frans, 2022. "The importance of proximity dimensions in agricultural knowledge and innovation systems: The case of banana disease management in Rwanda," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    10. Lea F. Stöber & Marius Boesino & Andreas Pyka & Franziska Schuenemann, 2023. "Bioeconomy Innovation Networks in Urban Regions: The Case of Stuttgart," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-22, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    collaborative ties; knowledge network; network evolution; the Berlin biotech cluster;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N94 - Economic History - - Regional and Urban History - - - Europe: 1913-
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation

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