The Role of Proximity in Technology Dynamics of High-Tech Industries: the Case of Biotechnology and Aviation Industries

What is it about?

The study tries to shed new light on the concept of proximity and its role in the formation, growth and dynamics of biotechnology and aviation industries. The study applies qualitative research and case study methods to answer what role one or more dimensions of proximity plays in strengthening Triple Helix networks in these industries and, therefore, provide better conditions for innovation processes to take place? The results prove that despite different origins and founding models of these industries, their ecosystems display some similar as well as distinct patterns in relationships between different types of proximities. For example, the presence of geographical proximity contributes to more dense social networks. Particularly, in the biotechnology industry, geographical proximity allows ecosystem players to have more informal interactions, whereas in aviation industry, compensates for the weak organisational proximity. Cognitive and organizational proximities are also primary motives for innovation collaborations in both high-tech industries, whereas cultural and social proximities increase more effective communication and trust. The study has important policy implications relative to how narrow any distances in these high-tech sectors. Public and other non-profit institutions should be more active in brokering and promoting intermediary services, narrowing organizational (in case of the aviation industry), and cognitive proximities (in the biotechnology industry).

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