Regions of Innovation. Technology, Institutions and Entrepreneurship in the Swedish Life Science Cluster

Abstract

The main assumption of this thesis is that despite the “death of distance” has become a worldwide-known buzzword, in this increasingly globalized economy, geography matters more than ever. Innovative activities, in particular, show tendencies of spatial concentration that are meant to boost both productivity and knowledge creating processes. Clustering close to each other help companies foster their creativity, exploit unforeseen situations, spot opportunities and gain unprecedented advantages by pooling resources together and thus creating favorable synergies. The pattern of our society is being thoroughly reshaped by these forces that are rooted in the entire ecosystem surrounding companies. Indeed, one of the main reasons behind economic growth resides in the development of institutions that are actively involved in tailoring an environment that fosters innovation and cooperation, which provides the basis for economic growth and development. The aim of this thesis is therefore to analyze which institutions in Sweden provide companies operating in the life science cluster with the incentive to invest in new technologies and skills, innovate, and therefore stay on top of their sector.