This paper explores the strengths and weaknesses of inter-firm networks as a public policy resource, that has necessarily required experimentation and adaptation. The focus of the paper is an evaluation of public policy network initiatives in the United Kingdom from the point of view of the...

This article assesses the relative economic competitiveness of regions and localities in the UK by constructing a single index that reflects, as fully as possible, the measurable criteria constituting "area competitiveness'. Other studies and research on competitiveness within the UK have...

This paper offers a textured case analysis of biotechnology and ICT clusters in Cambridge (UK). Arguing that this is the superior method by which an understanding of clustering processes may be gained, until econometric methods move beyond their infancy in analysing socio-economic interaction,...

Purpose – The key purpose of this article is to provide an understanding of the rationale for, and an assessment of, public policy intervention to alleviate a perceived market failure in the area of intellectual asset management by firms. Design/methodology/approach – Utilising secondary...

This article analyses a programme of public policy intervention designed to stimulate both the supply and demand for Intellectual Asset (IA) management amongst the SME community in Scotland. The intervention concerns supporting SMEs in their identification, exploitation and management of IA,...

As knowledge becomes an increasingly important part of regional innovation and development processes, the role of higher education institutions has come to the fore. The 'triple helix' model of economic development, which seeks to promote increased interaction across the government, business and...

The economic downturn post-2000 badly undermined the rapid growth of knowledge-based and technology-led sectors. This article reflects on post- and pre-2000 development from the perspective of the evolution of regional clusters of knowledge-based activity. Four case studies of knowledge clusters...