Building High-Tech Clusters: Silicon Valley and Beyond

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Building High-Tech Clusters: Silicon Valley and Beyond
Authors and Contributors      Edited by Timothy Bresnahan
Edited by Alfonso Gambardella
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:384
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152
Category/GenrePolitical economy
Economic history
ISBN/Barcode 9780521143486
ClassificationsDewey:338.47004
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 10 June 2010
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

This book was first published in 2004. National economic growth is fueled by the development of high technology clusters such as Silicon Valley. The contributors examine the founding of ten clusters that have been successful at an early stage of growth in information technology. Their key finding is that the economics of starting a cluster is very different from the positive feedback loop that sustains an established cluster. While 'nothing succeeds like success' in an established cluster, far more difficult, risky and unlikely are the initial conditions that give rise to successful clusters. The contributors find regularities in the start of the successful clusters studied, including Silicon Valley around 1964. These cases contain 'old economy' factors such as competencies, firm building capabilities, managerial skills, and connection to markets, more than the flamboyant 'new economy' factors that have been highlighted in prevailing years.

Reviews

Review of the hardback: 'By covering a wide range of cases around the world they can make meaningful comparisons and contrasts ... a collection of essays with a clear purpose and in a coherent manner ... is certainly a book worth reading and recommending.' Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy