Information And Communication Technology Clusters Research Articles

Entrepreneurs and cluster evolution: the transformation of Toronto’s ICT cluster

ABSTRACT Interest in information and communication technology (ICT) clusters has long been sustained by the power of emerging technologies to reinvent regional or local economies. Prior research has identified the structural conditions under which clusters form, decline or evolve, but much less is known about the agents responsible for cluster change. This paper examines the evolution of the Toronto ICT cluster from a location for foreign multinational firms in hardware and telecommunications into a more dynamic ecosystem for service-based domestic start-ups and emerging scale-ups. It contributes to the literature on clusters by showing how entrepreneurs have driven cluster evolution in Toronto.

Visualization of firm linkages in the Chicago ICT cluster

Do industry clusters derive their success from a strong ‘local buzz’ or from access to ‘global pipelines’? This important question is addressed in the context of the Chicago (Illinois, United States) information and communication technology (ICT) cluster, which has shown growth and dynamism and is a significant sector not only in terms of the jobs it creates directly but also by supporting other sectors in Chicago. Cluster mapping and analysis studies have provided industry and policy-makers with instruments to explain the cluster structure and its connection to an economy for over two decades. Visualization of linkages in networks and clusters (V-LINC), a methodology that records, maps and analyses the linkages that firms in clusters engage in, is applied to the ICT sector in Chicago. Visualizing the firm linkages of Chicago ICT firms provides a geographical footprint of the cluster’s ecosystem. Through an understanding of the various linkages that firms in a cluster engage in, targeted policy recommendations can be developed to build on strengths and address weaknesses. The visualization of firm linkages has considerable potential to add to cluster analysis by improving how data are portrayed, the dissemination of research and explaining how clusters operate.

Critical Success Factors and Cluster Evolution: A Case Study of the Linköping ICT Cluster Lifecycle

This paper investigates the variation in the importance of critical success factors (CSFs) in the evolution of the Linköping ICT (information and communication technology) cluster in Sweden. The international empirical evidence of CSFs in ICT clusters reported in the literature is systematically reviewed. On this basis an object-oriented conceptual model is developed encompassing fifteen CSFs; each attributed to one or more objects: for example, firms, institutions, entrepreneurs. The lifecycle of the Linköping ICT cluster is delineated and its stages segmented. The existence and importance of each CSF at each stage of the cluster lifecycle is established empirically on the basis of interviews with key experts. The main findings comprise a stage-specific group of CSFs whose importance varies across the cluster's lifecycle stages with different patterns. The findings are aimed to stimulate policy makers and researchers alike to pursue further the line of enquiry developed in this paper.

Seoul’s Digital Media City: A history and 2012 status report on a South Korean digital arts and entertainment ICT cluster

This article provides a history and status report of the development of the nearly completed Digital Media City (DMC), a South Korean entertainment and digital contents ICT (information and communication technology) cluster planned with considerable western input at the turn of the 21st century. Using an ethnographic mixed method methodology, this research analyzed the gap between DMC as originally envisioned and the results to date, investigating the user communication practices that DMC supports and constrains. The study found that while the technological infrastructure at DMC makes it possible for residents to engage in new activities as well as different ways of doing standard activities, the original vision of DMC as a Global Creative Cluster was a result of temporary IMF-mandated liberalization. Because of the return to traditional South Korean cultural values and economic nationalism, the ICT has not been implemented as planned.

Education as a determining factor in ICT adoption: a case study of ICT SMEs

Whilst owner–managers of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have a major influence on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption in other sectors, in the ICT industry adoption and diversification are necessary at an alarming speed. The implications of this influence are not only on the SME itself but are far wider-reaching. Consequently, this research has identified specific educational concerns with regard to owner–managers and technology adoption. The West Midlands (WM) ICT Cluster provides the case study for research examining the adoption of ICT by ICT focused SMEs. This study involved 200 ICT SMEs in the West Midlands (WM) UK. This paper demonstrates that common misconceptions are as endemic in ICT companies as in any other sector. This research is unique in that it targets one sector only which has often been assumed not to need support in ICT adoption. This paper concentrates specifically on the micro-company and the education levels and skills employed for company success.

Moderating Effect of Cluster on Firm's Innovation Capability and Business Performance: A Conceptual Framework

This paper tries to conceive a conceptual framework for analysing cluster effect on firm's innovation capability and firm's business performance. This paper is written as part of the research on information and communication technology (ICT) innovation cluster in West Java, Indonesia. Analysis on the firm's innovation capability including its factors will be elaborated and followed by the discussion on firm's business performance. The relationship of firm's innovation capability and business performance will be discussed while considering the effect of clusters in terms of cluster's effect as a value chain cluster, as a coopetition cluster and as a resource-shared cluster. Cluster is hypothesized to have moderating effect on the relationship between firm's innovation capability and business performance.Conceptual framework from this paper will be used at preliminary stage of the research on ICT innovation cluster that can be expected to contribute into the development of ICT cluster in West Java in particular and Indonesia in general.

The diamond model analysis of ICT cluster in Thailand

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become an integral part of national competitiveness. Thailand was ranked 38 th (out of 134 countries) in the global competitiveness report conducted by the World Economic Forum. It also was ranked well below the world average on all of the factors related to technology, despite the fact that information technology and telecommunications had been a major factor driving the competitiveness of the country. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the various issues related to ICT cluster in Thailand. The diamond model was used to analyze the ICT cluster in Thailand. The results from this study can be used to guide the policy to enhance the competitiveness of ICT cluster.

ANTECEDENTS OF EMPLOYEE LOYALTY IN AN EMERGING ECONOMY: THE MALAYSIAN MULTIMEDIA SUPER CORRIDOR

This paper examines the information and communication technology (ICT) sector of a developing ‘middle income country’, Malaysia. The development of the Malaysian ICT sector was state-led through the creation of the Multimedia Super Corridor, which formed an important plank in the government's stated goal of achieving developed country status by 2020. Earlier research on ICT workers has tended to focus on ICT clusters in developed countries, such as Silicon Valley in the United States. This paper in contrast seeks to draw out significant factors that impact on ICT worker loyalty in a developing middle-income country. It compares and contrasts these findings with prior research on ICT workers in developed economies. The research finds similarities, but also significant differences in the Malaysian context. In contrast to the experience of developed countries, this study found a greater propensity for Malaysian ICT firms to employ their workers on a full-time basis.

Brain circulation and flexible adjustment: labour mobility as a cluster advantage

.This article explores the role of labour mobility as a potential cluster advantage. We review the theoretical arguments as for how and why labour mobility could enhance the dynamism and performance of clusters of similar and related firms. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data from two information and communication technology (ICT) clusters is used to answer two research questions: (1) What is the role of mobility enhancing (or restricting) institutions in clusters? and (2) In what ways does labour mobility contribute to knowledge transfer within clusters? The two ICT clusters studied in the article generally seem to have higher levels of mobility, compared to the labour market at large. Although it is regarded as beneficial in theory, most cluster firms try to restrict mobility of workers since they fear the risk and costs of losing staff. Labour mobility is also rarely viewed as a viable way to increase the knowledge bases or contact networks of firms. However, when firms need to recruit the clustered labour markets seem to benefit them by facilitating the use of informal recruitment processes. By way of conclusion it is suggested that cluster firms might be under‐investing in mobility and that innovative institutional solutions could help realize clusters' mobility potential.

Knowledge, Innovation and Institutions: Global and Local Dimensions of the ICT Cluster in Waterloo, Canada

Bramwell A., Nelles J. and Wolfe D. A. Knowledge, innovation and institutions: global and local dimensions of the ICT cluster in Waterloo, Canada, Regional Studies. This paper presents research findings on the information and communication technology (ICT) cluster in Waterloo, Ontario. Cluster dynamics in Canada do not conform to some of the key assumptions in the literature on clusters that emphasize the importance of local intra-cluster dynamics based on inter-firm linkages at the local level. The results of this case study indicate that many inter-firm linkages in the Waterloo ICT cluster are non-local, and that extra-firm institutional supports, such as the local university and industry association, are critical in sustaining and strengthening the cluster. Knowledge-based cluster theories that emphasize the role of local and global knowledge flows and learning processes, and the interaction effect of civic capital and local institutions in supporting the development of a local ‘learning economy’, provide more compelling explanations for the resilience of the ICT cluster in Waterloo, Ontario. Bramwell A., Nelles J. et Wolfe D. A. La connaissance, l'innovation, et les institutions: les dimensions mondiales et locales de la grappe TIC à Waterloo, au Canada, Regional Studies. Cet article cherche à présenter les résultats des recherches effectuées sur la grappe de technologie de l'information et de la communication (TIC) à Waterloo, dans l'Ontario. Au Canada, la dynamique de grappes ne se conforme pas à quelques-unes des suppositions clé de la documentation sur les grappes qui met l'accent sur l'importance de la dynamique locale des grappes fondée sur les rapports interentreprises d'envergure locale. Les résultats de cette étude de cas indiquent que beaucoup des rapports interentreprises de la grappe TIC à Waterloo ne sont pas locaux et que le soutien institutionnel externe, tel l'université locale et les relations industrielles, s'avère indispensable pour maintenir et consolider la grappe. Les théories de grappes fondées sur la notion de connaissance et soulignant le rôle des flux de connaissance locale et mondiale et des processus d'apprentissage, et l'impact de l'interaction du capital municipal et des institutions locales dans le but de soutenir le développement d'une ‘économie d'apprentissage’ locale, fournissent des explications indiscutables de la faculté de reprise de la grappe TIC à Waterloo, dans l'Ontario. Dynamique de grappes Technologie de l'information et de la communication Compétitivité Economie d'apprentissage Aménagement du territoire Bramwell A., Nelles J. und Wolfe D. A. Wissen, Innovation und Institutionen: globale und lokale Dimensionen des Clusters für Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie in Waterloo (Kanada), Regional Studies. In diesem Beitrag werden die Ergebnisse der Forschung über den Cluster für Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie in Waterloo (Ontario, Kanada) vorgestellt. Die Dynamik der Cluster in Kanada entspricht nicht einigen der zentralen Annahmen in der Literatur über Cluster, in denen die Bedeutung lokaler, clusterinterner Dynamiken auf der Grundlage von Verknüpfungen zwischen den Firmen auf lokaler Ebene betont wird. Die Ergebnisse dieser Fallstudie weisen darauf hin, dass viele Verknüpfungen zwischen den Firmen im Cluster für Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie von Waterloo nicht lokaler Natur sind und dass eine institutionelle Unterstützung außerhalb der Firmen (zum Beispiel durch den lokalen Universitäts- und Industrieverband) eine wichtige Rolle beim Erhalt und der Stärkung des Clusters spielen. Wissensbasierte Clustertheorien, in denen die Rolle der lokalen und globalen Wissensströme und Lernprozesse betont wird, und der Wechselwirkungseffekt des Bürgerkapitals und der lokalen Institutionen zur Unterstützung der Entwicklung einer lokalen, Lernwirtschaft' bieten überzeugendere Erklärungen für die Beständigkeit des Clusters für Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie in Waterloo. Clusterdynamik Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie Konkurrenzfähigkeit Lernwirtschaft Regionale Wirtschaftsentwicklung Bramwell A., Nelles J. y Wolfe D. A. Conocimiento, innovación e instituciones: dimensiones globales y locales de la aglomeración de TIC en Waterloo, Canadá, Regional Studies. En este artículo presentamos los resultados sobre la aglomeración de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) en Waterloo, Ontario. Las dinámicas de aglomeración en Canadá no cumplen con algunos supuestos básicos en la literatura sobre aglomeraciones que recalcan la importancia de dinámicas intracumulares basados en los vínculos entre empresas a nivel local. Los resultados de este caso práctico indican que muchas vínculos entre empresas en la aglomeración de las TIC en Waterloo no son locales y que estos apoyos institucionales de otras empresas, tales como la asociación local entre la universidad y la industria, son de vital importancia para sostener y reforzar la aglomeración. Las teorías de aglomeración basadas en el conocimiento que destacan el papel del flujo de conocimiento local y global y los procesos de aprendizaje, y el efecto de interacción de la capital cívica y las instituciones locales en apoyar el desarrollo de una ‘economía de aprendizaje’ local ofrecen explicaciones más convincente para la capacidad de recuperación de la aglomeración de las TIC en Waterloo, Ontario. Dinámicas de aglomeración Tecnología de la información y la comunicación Competitividad Economía de aprendizaje Desarrollo económico regional

Innovation networks and capability building in the Australian high‐technology SMEs

PurposeStudies of capability building and organisational learning through networked arrangements have been growing in recent years. In high‐technology industries, in particular, small and medium‐sized enterprises overcome problems of resource and information limitations by becoming a part of a knowledge network. This paper seeks to examine innovation networks of the Australian high‐technology small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by focusing on the linkages employed by small businesses to learn, adapt to technological change, and innovate.Design/methodology/approachTo study the innovation networks of high‐technology firms, research was conducted on biotechnology firms within the Sydney region and information and communication technology (ICT) firms within the metropolitan area of Melbourne. A mixed methodology approach for this research was adopted and a combination of quantitative and qualitative data was collected, via the means of a questionnaire and face‐to‐face interviews.FindingsThe paper reports a range of findings on the nature and type of networked relationships and offers analysis of the extent of innovation linkages within the biotech clusters in Sydney and ICT cluster within Melbourne.Research limitations/implicationsLimitation of the sample size indicates limited generalisability of final results and findings should be treated with caution.Practical implicationsThis research highlights critical factors of innovation success in the context of network linkages. This network analysis may enable more effective decision making on improving innovation processes on competitive capabilities by regional policy makers and firm managers.Originality/valueThe paper reports the analysis and extent of innovation linkages within the biotech cluster in Sydney and ICT cluster the in Melbourne metropolitan area.

Informational Cascades versus Network Externalities in Locational Choice: Evidence of ‘ICT Clusters’ Formation and Stability

Vicente J. and Suire R. (2007) Informational cascades versus network externalities in locational choice: evidence of ‘ICT clusters’ formation and stability. Regional Studies 41, 1–12. The paper provides new insights into the mechanisms of ‘information and communication technology (ICT) clusters’ formation. The basic assumption is that clusters can be explained as the result of a locational norm, i.e. as a convergence in locational choices resulting from both mimetic behaviours and sequential and cumulative interactions. Informational externalities (and observational learning) are distinguished from network externalities (and interactive learning) in location processes in order to compare the respective economic properties of stability (and proximity) of locational cascades and locational clusters. It is shown as a result that informational effects play a major role in the formation of ICT clusters, whereas network effects are the significant condition of their stability. Silicon Valley and Silicon Sentier (Paris) are briefly studied and compared in order to illustrate the theoretical purpose. Vicente J. et Suire R. (2007) Les flots d'information contre les effets externes de réseau dans le choix d'emplacement: des preuves de l'établissement et de la stabilité des «grappes TIC». Regional Studies 41, 1–12. Cet article cherche à fournir de nouveaux aperçus sur les mécanismes qui permettent l'établissement des «grappes TIC». La supposition fondamentale est la suivante: les grappes s'expliquent par une norme de localisation, c'est-à-dire une convergence des choix de localisation qui résulte à la fois des comportements mimétiques et des interactions séquentielles cumulées. On distingue entre les effets externes d'information (et l'apprentissage observé) et les effets externes de réseau (et de l'apprentissage interactif) dans les processus de localisation afin de comparer les propriétés économiques respectives de la stabilité (et de la proximité) des flots de localisation et des grappes de localisation. Par la suite, on cherche à montrer que les effets information jouent un rôle majeur dans l'établissement des grappes TIC, tandis que les effets de réseau sont la condition préalable de leur stabilité. On étudie et compare brièvement la Silicon Valley et le Silicon Sentier (à Paris) pour illustrer l'objectif théorique de l'étude. Grappes TIC Flots d'information Effets externes de réseau Stabilité Proximité Vicente J. und Suire R. (2007) Informationskaskaden im Vergleich zu Netwerk-Externalitäten bei der Standortwahl: Belege zur Bildung und Stabilität von ‘ICT-Clustern’. Regional Studies 41, 1–12. Dieser Beitrag bietet neue Einblicke in die Mechanismen bei der Bildung von ICT-Clustern. Die Grundannahme lautet, dass sich Cluster als Ergebnis einer Standortnorm erklären lassen, d. h. als Konvergenz von Standortwahlen, die durch mimetisches Verhalten sowie durch sequentielle und kumulative Interaktionen verursacht wird. Bei den Standortprozessen unterscheiden wir zwischen informationellen Externalitäten (und beobachtendem Lernen) und Netwerk-Externalitäten (und interaktivem Lernen), um die jeweiligen ökonomischen Eigenschaften der Stabilität (und Nähe) der Standortkaskaden und Standortcluster miteinander zu vergleichen. Wir zeigen als Ergebnis, dass die informationellen Wirkungen eine wichtige Rolle bei der Bildung von ICT-Clustern spielen, während die Netzwerk-Effekte eine wesentliche Vorbedingung für deren Stabilität darstellen. Zur Illustration unserer theoretischen Annahme werden die Beispiele von Silicon Valley und Silicon Sentier (Paris) kurz untersucht und verglichen. ICT-Cluster Informationskaskaden Netwerk-Externalitäten Stabilität Nähe Vicente J. y Suire R. (2007) Cascadas de información frente a efectos externos de la red en la opción de ubicación: Ejemplos de la formación y la estabilidad de las ‘agrupaciones de TIC’. Regional Studies 41, 1–12. En este artículo se aportan nuevas perspectivas de los mecanismos de la formación de agrupaciones de TIC (Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación). Básicamente suponemos que existen agrupaciones que se podrían considerar el resultado de una norma de ubicación, es decir una convergencia en opciones de ubicación causada por conductas miméticas e interacciones secuenciales y acumulativas. Hacemos una distinción entre los efectos externos de información (y el aprendizaje de observación) y los efectos externos de la red (y el aprendizaje interactivo) en los procesos de ubicación para poder cotejar las respectivas propiedades económicas de estabilidad (y proximidad) de las cascadas y las agrupaciones de ubicación. Como resultado, mostramos que los efectos de información desempeñan una función principal en la formación de las agrupaciones de las TIC, mientras que los efectos de las redes son la condición crítica de su estabilidad. Analizamos y comparamos brevemente Silicon Valley y Silicon Sentier (París) para ilustrar nuestra finalidad teorética. Agrupaciones de TIC Cascadas de información Efectos externos de la red Estabilidad Proximidades

ICT Clusters as a Way to Materialize a National System of Innovation: Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor Flagships

AbstractDeveloping countries have realised the need to develop the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to compete in an environment of increasing globalisation and also the emergence of the knowledge based economy. But given the limited resources, one approach seems to be popular among many countries is the ‘cluster’ based approach for industrial development This paper seeks to highlight one such effort viz. Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Cluster with its Flagships approach. The MSC is presented in the paper as a physical manifestation of the NSI, to illustrate how a policy driven – cluster based regional development approach has helped to further national innovative performance and competitiveness

The development of ICT clusters in European cities: towards a typology

This article is based on the results of the EU-funded research project MUTEIS (Macro-economic and Urban Trends in Europe's Information Society), that aims to provide deeper insights in the emerging digital economies in urban regions. The information and communication technology (ICT) sector is at the centre of interest to cities. In the 1990s, many of them invested heavily in developing and attracting this promising sector. Almost every city has developed and implemented ambitious policies to promote the local ICT sector. But not every city has benefited to the same extent from its rapid growth: there are substantial quantitative and qualitative differences between urban regions. This study reviews the development of ICT clusters across Europe, and assesses the role of local and national policies in this field. It highlights the diversity of cluster development paths in different local and national contexts.