Title: Clustering, long distance partnerships and the SME: a study of the French biotechnology sector

Authors: Lynn K. Mytelka

Addresses: UNU/INTECH, Keizer Karelplein 19, 6211 TC Maastricht, The Netherlands

Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between clustering and long distance partnering from the perspective of evolutionary economics and the innovation systems literature. Specifically, it brings into this framework business and management approaches and regional economic theories to analyse the preference for colocation in clusters and the extensiveness and degree of complementarity or substitutability between long distance and local partnerships pursued by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the biotechnology sector. The study covers the partnering activity of 25 dedicated biotechnology SMEs located in six clusters on the periphery of France.

Keywords: clusters; innovation systems; SMEs; biotechnology; France; knowledge flows; R&D partnerships; strategic alliance; research and development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2004.004994

International Journal of Technology Management, 2004 Vol.27 No.8, pp.791 - 808

Published online: 11 Aug 2004 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article