Regional Advantage of Cluster Development: A Case Study of the San Diego Biotechnology Cluster

Abstract

The concept of “clusters” has become central to regional economic development strategies, especially in the high-technology and biotechnology industries. Numerous studies have examined the significance of industrial clusters and their components, but comparatively less attention has been directed towards understanding the roots and processes of industrial localization. In particular, emerging biotechnology clusters such as that in San Diego have not drawn adequate scholarly attention given their policy implications with regard to clustering and regional development. Based on in-depth interviews, historical archives and participatory observations, this paper examines how the San Diego biotechnology cluster emerged and grew into an entrepreneurial habitat that has nurtured hundreds of biotechnology companies that have produced a series of innovative products. The author suggests that the regional context of the existence of a number of small biotechnology companies rather than a group of large firms, a continuous flow of talent, and leadership that fosters collaborations have been critical in promoting knowledge creation, circulation and accumulation, which are essential to spawning startups. The regional advantage of San Diego in stimulating entrepreneurship and innovation lies in its edge in creating and exploiting knowledge and practices through its entrepreneurs' robust interactions and participation in local communities of practice.

Acknowledgments

I thank the interviewees for sharing their insights and experiences. As this paper is from my doctoral dissertation, I am appreciative to committee members - Scott Bollens, Martha Feldman and Yan Gong - who guided the entire journey. I want to express my gratitude to two anonymous reviewers and the editor, Philip Cooke, whose comments greatly helped improve this paper.