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- Trippl, Michaela, et al.
(author)
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Knowledge sourcing beyond buzz and pipelines: evidence from the Vienna software cluster
- 2009
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In: Economic Geography. - : Wiley. - 0013-0095. ; 85:4, s. 443-462
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This article examines the nature and geography of knowledge linkages in the Vienna software cluster. Empirical studies on the software sector have provided contradictory evidence of the relative importance of different sources of knowledge, the spatial dimension of exchanges of knowledge, and the relevance of different channels for the transmission of knowledge. Recent conceptual work on the geography of knowledge linkages has highlighted that the innovative dynamics of clusters rests on both local and global knowledge flows, that is, the combination of "local buzz" and "global pipelines." However, the buzz-and-pipelines approach fails to provide a precise understanding of the mechanisms by which actors in a cluster gain access to knowledge at different spatial scales. This article goes beyond the buzz-and-pipelines concept and suggests a differentiated typology of knowledge linkages, distinguishing among market relations, formal networks, spillovers, and informal networks. Drawing on a survey of firms and face-to-face interviews with representatives of companies, we demonstrate that in the Vienna software industry, knowledge flows are informal. We found that spillovers and informal networks are highly significant at all spatial scales and are complemented by formalized research-and-development partnerships at the local and national levels. We also show that the character of knowledge linkages is dependent on the nature of innovation. The more radical the innovation, the larger the variety of sources of knowledge and the stronger the diversity of the mechanisms for transferring knowledge.
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| 2. |
- Tödtling, Franz, et al.
(author)
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Start-ups and innovation in the Vienna ICT sector: how important is the local cluster?
- 2008
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In: International Journal of Services Technology and Management. - 1741-525X. ; 10:2/3/4, s. 299-317
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Start-up companies and young firms are driving forces of innovation and regional economic development. They are acknowledged to play a crucial role as innovation agents, particularly, in knowledge-based industries. Most scholars agree that young firms and academic spin-offs innovate more radically, drawing on the knowledge generated in universities and research organisations. It is often assumed that they are strongly embedded in the local innovative milieu, benefiting from local knowledge providers and innovation interactions. In this paper we investigate to what extent start-up companies in the Vienna Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector differ from more established firms in their innovation activities and types of knowledge interactions. The research results presented are based on an analysis of data from a firm survey covering ICT firms located in Vienna.
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