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Thesis

English

ID: <

10670/1.wndyx2

>

Where these data come from
Science-Based firm performance and growth

Abstract

This thesis proposes a theoretical and empirical framework on growth and development and offers elements and tools necessary to improve the understanding of the growth dynamics of SBFs. Throughout this thesis, emphasis has been placed on the study of SBFs dynamics related to their performances and growth. Prior further investigation, through the analysis of the main taxonomical contributions, a comprehensive definition of Science-Based Firms (SBFs) is formulated which incorporates the consideration that these ventures seek the application of scientific knowledge and technological skills to commercialize products at the core of their activities. Applying the above mentioned definition, a first study was performed with the double objective to provide an updated, state-of-the-art picture of the SBFs and to critically examine the adoption of SBFs’ performance determinants in order to be able to better comprehend the way in which SBFs’ performances have been approached and suggest future directions in terms of focus of studies and methodological approaches. Results show that studies concentrate on firm-specific dimensions succeeding in some situations to explain SBFs’ performances and in many other cases contradicting results emerged. In general, in the investigation, was outlined how the study of SBFs’ performances, is still widely underdeveloped and indicators related to innovation capabilities and knowledge management such as innovation developments, technology development or knowledge transfer, seem more appropriate to infer the peculiarity of these firms. Moreover, from the findings emerged the necessity to adopt a holistic approach considering broader dimensions proposed for example by ecosystem theories. Following a holistic methodology, an explorative study was conducted in the area of Lyon, France, adopting the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (EE) approach. Thanks to the retrospectivity adopted, in this study was possible to underline the relationships underpinning between the elements of the ecosystem and New Science-Based Firms (NSBFs). Findings show that institutions coordinated and focused on the main capabilities and excellence of the area make an extraordinary contribution to the establishing of new companies. In general results show that the EE can be a consistent theoretical construct, especially during the first stage of NSBF’s development. However, looking at the whole process of SBF creation, three elements stand out: government, university and investors, incorporating the lineages of the so-called triple-helix approach applied in most modern knowledge-based societies. The area of Lyon represents a successful application of this model, opening the debate on the analysis that at first, to understand SBFs’ dynamics, a macro look at the institutional configuration is needed. For the previous reasons, the focus of the investigation shift from micro and meso level to macro level in the third investigation. The last step of the dissertation research focused its attention on the Italian triple-helix model for the science-based industry. Collecting interviews among the most representative Italian institutions supporting SBFs and collecting precious insights among Italian SBFs, both established and nascent, a comprehensive understanding on “what went wrong” situation is shown providing insights into the relationship dynamics that did not occur to make the innovation system work efficiently. Moreover, possible streams for future researches and suggestion for policy makers are provided. In general, this dissertation provided advancements for the understanding of SBFs’ growth dynamics providing fresh insights for academics and policy makers in designing future studies and policies.

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