Creating technology-based enterprise televillages

Abstract

Abstract Key propositions in the theory of regional economic regeneration include concepts centered on “modernising” lagging economies. In recent decades these propositions have been amplified by the concept of “post-modern” economic structures. In such structures knowledge-creating enterprises, including universities and professional firms, are seen as critical to developing competitive advantage for localities (see Kotler et al., (1995) Managing Places. Butterworth Heinemann, London). Sustainable prosperity and new-job generation require, in this perspective, continuous creation of smaller knowledge-intensive enterprises, particularly those with technology-based products and aspirations for rapid growth. This paper first considers some of the theoretical issues arising in this approach. It then examines an in-progress field application in southern England, in which this hypothesis is being presented to and tested with regional stakeholders and investors. Using an application of the theory in the form of “the enterprise televillage programme,” respondents in industry, government, and academic life are being asked to reflect on how well the proposed approach could work in advancing regional business growth. The research is embedded in a multi-agency programme of development aimed at creating a chain of such centres.