Suchergebnisse

This paper examines the relationship between formal networks, such as business and occupationally based professional networks, and place in determining network patterns and types in regional economic development. It distinguishes between 'network-rich' and 'network-poor' regions and considers why and how formal networks operate as a service and a resource to participants and as components of regional business infrastructures. Formal networks in the Oxfordshire to Cambridge Arc in the UK are used to illustrate these points.

In this paper we explore the spin-off process from London's universities using a regional innovation systems (RIS) framework. We examine the pattern of spin-offs in the context of changes in institutional support systems, both within the universities and in the London region. The majority of the university-related spin-offs are small and medium-sized enterprises concentrated in biomedical sectors, as elsewhere. However, over a third have left London. We explore these patterns, the implications for understanding the role of universities in RIS, and consequent policy implications.

Understanding the growth of entrepreneurial regions and the extent to which the actors in the triple helix model are dominant at particular stages in development is the theme of this article. Both Oxfordshire and the Cambridge sub-region are important high-tech economies dominated by historic universities, Oxford and Cambridge (often referred to collectively as Oxbridge), two of the world's leading research universities. As entrepreneurial regions, however, they differ in a number of respects. In the article different dynamics leading to the inception, implementation, consolidation and renewal of regions characterized by very high levels of technology-based entrepreneurship are explored. It is argued that, although they are leading locations of multiple clusters of high-tech firms, they could have been more successful in creating more and bigger firms. It is proposed that part of the explanation lies in the relative lack of engagement of their major assets (the universities) in leading local economic development.