Developing Capabilities: An Analysis of Biotechnology in two Regions in Australia and Sweden

Johan Brink, Linus Dahlander and Maureen Mckelvey

European Planning Studies, 2006, vol. 15, issue 6, 727-751

Abstract: This article analyses whether regions develop capabilities in terms of scientific, technological and business activities within specific biotechnology areas. We take a broad definition of biotechnology, and identify four industry areas: (1) core biotechnology; (2) drugs; (3) medical technologies; (4) agriculture. Capabilities and specialization-diversification are analysed for the regions of Gothenburg in western Sweden, and Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, for the period 1997--2001. These regions are relatively ordinary, and not well-studied, biotech mega-centres. The results suggest there are positive feedback mechanisms that occur in co-located activities developing regional capabilities. Regional success within biotechnology, then, is related to the existence of all or most of the different value adding activities within a sector, as well as being reasonably diversified within related sectors. This is true for all measured industry areas, although regional capability development within core biotechnology shows signs of a relatively more disruptive pattern.

Date: 2006
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DOI: 10.1080/09654310701214176

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