Content area
Abstract
This thesis examines a regional enterprise support networks in the UK - Connect Scotland. There are several conceptual and theoretical gaps regarding creation, evolution and effectiveness of support networks. One is the need to establish more clearly when and why such networks matter in the exploitation and commercialisation of technology-based innovations. This clarification is made difficult by the evolving nature of networks and multiple units of analysis - e.g. network, region, enterprise, entrepreneur and innovation. Few studies have examined how networks create ‘successful’ technology regions similar to Silicon Valley and inform practice and policy decisions. Finally, it is not clearly understood what the roles and activities of various public and private network participants are and how they enable or constrain technology-based innovation exploitation and enterprise creation in a regional context. A study of a regional enterprise support network - Connect Scotland - during its formative years (1997-2002) provided the research case. A methodology was developed from process evaluation guidelines, Molina’s socio-technical constituency model and Van de Ven’s social system framework that used the network and its primary stakeholders - private-public sponsors, universities and technology enterprises - as units of analysis to examine network evolution and effects on all active stakeholders of the network - rather than simply new enterprises. Empirical research included assessment of network data (1997-2001); value surveys, in 1999 and 2001, of 116 stakeholders; 6 cases studies of early-stage technology enterprises, interviews with 45 stakeholders between 1999 and 2002 and examination of 5 other regional mechanisms that influence Connect’s impact and effectiveness. In summary, over half of the Connect network was assessed. Findings showed key factors in creating a regional network including strong evidence of intervention need, early support from key private and public sector leaders, identification of clear benefits for stakeholders and a formal, integrated set of recurrent events with targets to ensure event quality and stakeholder mix. Continual high levels of private sponsor support are traced to altruistic support for Scottish technology and specific benefits realised - such as relationship-building with potential clients and an up-to-date knowledge forum for new staff. University support was more focused on network financial value and seeking investment for their exploitable research portfolios, while university scientists were more engaged in securing social and knowledge value external to the university.