Abstract
Subject literature assumes that spatial proximity stimulates collaboration in thematic clusters. However, even in micro-scale settings, resource exchange is rare or entails only tangible resources. We empirically unravel how specific proximity indicators relate to the types of resources exchanged in incubatees' business relationships. Based on 118 business relationships of incubatees, we conclude that on the micro-scale of an incubator, site proximity to another incubatee has a limited relation and geographical proximity to business partners outside the incubator has no relation to the types of resources exchanged. For the latter business relationships, personal similarity positively relates to the exchange of specific business knowledge resources.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 75-104 |
| Number of pages | 30 |
| Journal | European Spatial Research and Policy |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Jun 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Academische Bedrijven Centrum Leiden”) and the Life Science Incubator Leiden Foundation (“Stichting Life Science Incubator Leiden”). The foundation was funded by the University of Leiden, the academic hospital of Leiden (“Leids Uni-versitair Medisch Centrum”) and the municipality of Leiden (BioPartnerCenter Leiden, n.d.) The university incubator “aims to enhance the growth and innovation potential of life science companies” (BioPartnerCenter Leiden, n.d.) To this end, the foundation offers accommodations and laboratory facilities to businesses operating mostly in the biotechnology sector and often specialise in pharmaceuticals and vaccinations. The incubator’s focus is on entrepreneurs who have already invested considerable time and effort in setting up a company. At the time of the empirical research, i.e. in April 2013, according to incubator management, 47 companies and organisations were located in the incubator. Firms may stay in the incubator during two five-year stages: the incubator stage and the accelerator stage (Kruger, 2013).
Publisher Copyright:
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Funding
Academische Bedrijven Centrum Leiden”) and the Life Science Incubator Leiden Foundation (“Stichting Life Science Incubator Leiden”). The foundation was funded by the University of Leiden, the academic hospital of Leiden (“Leids Uni-versitair Medisch Centrum”) and the municipality of Leiden (BioPartnerCenter Leiden, n.d.) The university incubator “aims to enhance the growth and innovation potential of life science companies” (BioPartnerCenter Leiden, n.d.) To this end, the foundation offers accommodations and laboratory facilities to businesses operating mostly in the biotechnology sector and often specialise in pharmaceuticals and vaccinations. The incubator’s focus is on entrepreneurs who have already invested considerable time and effort in setting up a company. At the time of the empirical research, i.e. in April 2013, according to incubator management, 47 companies and organisations were located in the incubator. Firms may stay in the incubator during two five-year stages: the incubator stage and the accelerator stage (Kruger, 2013).
Keywords
- Business relationships
- Personal similarity
- Spatial proximity
- Types of resources exchanged
- University business incubator