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The challenge of constructing regional advantages in peripheral areas: The case of marine biotechnology in Tromsø, Norway

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  • James Karlsen
  • Arne Isaksen
  • Olav R. Spilling

Abstract

The idea of constructing regional advantage (CRA) has recently been emphasized by scholars as a new way for firms to gain competitiveness in a globalizing learning economy. The rationale behind the idea is that advantages in a regional industry can be constructed by proactive public--private partnership. This article uses, and examines the relevance of, the CRA framework in analysing the development and functioning of the marine biotechnology industry in Tromsø, which is a fairly peripheral region in Norway. Despite the fact that much effort has been put into education and R&D at the University of Tromsø and related research institutes, and the fact that many public policy tools have intended to create a blooming marine biotechnology industry in the area, the results have so far been meagre. This article explains the rather weak results in terms of the number of firms and jobs in the marine biotechnology industry in Tromsø as being due to a lack of synthetic knowledge on how to industrialize research results and little spillover of market knowledge. With regard to more general theoretical lessons linked to the CRA framework, this article argues for seeing the concept of related variety in a broader industrial and geographical sense in peripheral regions.

Suggested Citation

  • James Karlsen & Arne Isaksen & Olav R. Spilling, 2009. "The challenge of constructing regional advantages in peripheral areas: The case of marine biotechnology in Tromsø, Norway," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(3-4), pages 235-257, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:entreg:v:23:y:2009:i:3-4:p:235-257
    DOI: 10.1080/08985620903233945
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Edward Lorenz & B.-A. Lundvall, 2006. "How Europe's Economies Learn," Post-Print halshs-00483659, HAL.
    2. Lorenz, Edward & Lundvall, Bengt-Ake (ed.), 2006. "How Europe's Economies Learn: Coordinating Competing Models," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199203192.
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