Title: On the role of small firms in cluster evolution: the case of internet development in Norway during the 1990s

Authors: Jartrud Steinsli, Olav R. Spilling

Addresses: Ministry of Fisheries, P.O. Box 8118 Dep, N-0032 Oslo, Norway. ' Department of Innovation and Economic Organisation, Norwegian School of Management BI, P.O. Box 580, N-1302 Sandvika, Norway

Abstract: In December 1991, a group of 16 people from the University of Oslo, with core knowledge in the field of informatics and computing services, met for a ||pizza meeting|| and decided to start a new company, Oslonett. In Norway, this case represents the first attempt to commercialise emerging internet technology. Diverse, multifaceted development followed. The Oslonett initiative led to a ||chain reaction|| in which many different actors took part. The original Oslonett was transferred into new companies, and a number of spin-offs ensued. The purpose of this paper is to present the Oslonett case in detail; and to illustrate important mechanisms of cluster evolution, by following the actors who were involved in the initial start-up. The role of different actors is analysed from the perspectives of innovation systems and high-technology clusters, and the role of small firms is examined in relation to other actors, in particular the University of Oslo and larger firms.

Keywords: cluster evolution; commercialisation; new technology; internet; business evolution; start-ups; startups; entrepreneurs; small firms; large firms; university; Norway.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2004.004725

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2004 Vol.4 No.2/3, pp.194 - 215

Published online: 07 Jul 2004 *

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