Abstract
This paper outlines the development of a high-tech industrial cluster in the U.S. Capitol region through the efforts of entrepreneurs who adapted to both constructive crises and new opportunities. We examine the initial spark of entrepreneurship and how it influences the formation of high technology clusters. The perspective taken is that entrepreneurs are a critical element in the formation of clusters and their actions are important in the analysis of clusters as complex adaptive systems. In addition, we consider how this perspective and the role of entrepreneurship may influence economic development policy.
Prepared for the conference on Complexity and Industrial Clusters — Dynamics and Models in Theory and Practice organized by the Fondazione Comunità e Innovazione under the aegis of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, held in Milan, Italy on June 19 and 20, 2001. We are indebted to the individuals who agreed to interviews and generously shared their time and expertise in identifying salient issues as well as providing and validating information.
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Feldman, M.P., Francis, J. (2002). The Entrepreneurial Spark: Individual Agents and the Formation of Innovative Clusters. In: Curzio, A.Q., Fortis, M. (eds) Complexity and Industrial Clusters. Contributions to Economics. Physica-Verlag HD. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-50007-7_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-50007-7_10
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