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Entrepreneurial Activity and the Dynamics of Technology-based Cluster Development: The Case of Ottawa

Author

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  • Richard T. Harrison

    (Centre for Entrepreneurship Research, University of Edinburgh Management School, 7 Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL, UK, Richard.Harrison@ed.ac.uk)

  • Sarah Y. Cooper

    (Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Strathclyde, Livingstone Tower, Richmond Street, Glasgow, G1 1XH, UK, sarah.cooper@strath.ac.uk)

  • Colin M. Mason

    (Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Strathclyde, Livingstone Tower, Richmond Street, Glasgow, G1 1XH, UK, colin.mason@strath.ac.uk)

Abstract

Relatively little attention has been given to the role of entrepreneurial dynamics in the origin and growth of technology clusters. To the extent that the role of entrepreneurship is considered at all, the emphasis is on the locally embedded nature of the process and on the characteristics of the incubator organisation—the immediate past employer of the entrepreneur—and its role as the source of entrepreneurial know how and the technological ideas upon which the new business is based. This paper argues that this is too simplistic a view. There are two strands to the argument. First, entrepreneurs are not 'local'. Rather, they are attracted to technology clusters, or incipient clusters, by a range of magnet organisations (talent attractors). Secondly, entrepreneurs draw on their experience and the networks established during their entire career, working in different organisations and places, and not just on those resulting from their immediate past employment. These processes are illustrated with reference to the technology-based cluster in the Ottawa region of Canada. The paper concludes that the entrepreneurial dynamics underlying cluster development are best understood through an analysis of the role of magnet organisations and the development of a 'talent pool' in supporting the localisation of economic activity in particular spaces over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard T. Harrison & Sarah Y. Cooper & Colin M. Mason, 2004. "Entrepreneurial Activity and the Dynamics of Technology-based Cluster Development: The Case of Ottawa," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 41(5-6), pages 1045-1070, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:41:y:2004:i:5-6:p:1045-1070
    DOI: 10.1080/00420980410001675841
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ben Spigel, 2017. "Bourdieu, culture, and the economic geography of practice: entrepreneurial mentorship in Ottawa and Waterloo, Canada," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 17(2), pages 287-310.
    2. Mikhail Martynovich, 2017. "The role of local embeddedness and non-local knowledge in entrepreneurial activity," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 49(4), pages 741-762, December.
    3. Michael Taylor, 2010. "Clusters: A Mesmerising Mantra," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 101(3), pages 276-286, July.
    4. Galina Shirokova & Liudmila Ivvonen & Elena Gafforova, 2019. "Strategic Entrepreneurship in Russia during Economic Crisis," Foresight and STI Governance (Foresight-Russia till No. 3/2015), National Research University Higher School of Economics, vol. 13(3), pages 62-76.
    5. Gimmon, Eli & Levie, Jonathan, 2010. "Founder's human capital, external investment, and the survival of new high-technology ventures," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(9), pages 1214-1226, November.
    6. Ren Lu & Ruikan Zhang & Torger Reve, 2013. "Relations among Clusters in Six Chinese City Regions," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(8), pages 1189-1209, August.
    7. Elizabeth Garnsey & Erik Stam & Brychan Thomas, 2010. "The Emergence and Development of the Cambridge Ink Jet Printing Industry," Chapters, in: Dirk Fornahl & Sebastian Henn & Max-Peter Menzel (ed.), Emerging Clusters, chapter 11, Edward Elgar Publishing.

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