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Session Title: The Evaluation of Technology Clusters and Cluster Initiatives, Strategies and Policies: Grounding Factors and Models
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Panel Session 236 to be held in Wekiwa 6 on Thursday, Nov 12, 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM
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Sponsored by the Research, Technology, and Development Evaluation TIG
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| Chair(s): |
| Shannon Townsend, National Research Council Canada, shannon.townsend@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
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| Abstract:
Since the early 1990s, technology clusters have played a major role in most OECD innovation, science and technology policies. In 2002, the Canadian Federal government launched a series of investments in technology cluster initiatives designed to support its then Science and Technology Strategy. The key delivery of these initiatives has been the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) as a key contributor to Canada's innovation system. Various collaborations and partnerships with other levels of government and the private sector have also been established in support of cluster development. The evaluation of NRC's investments in technology clustering has occurred on a regular basis. To date, over a dozen evaluation studies have been completed, as well as a number of methodological papers and measurement studies. In this session, panelists will outline the factors upon which the evaluation of the performance of these initiatives was measured, and describe evaluative models used.
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The Identification of Cluster Growth Factors Based on an Analysis of the Literature
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| Marc Gagne, National Research Council Canada, marc.gagne@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
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The pace of evolution of a technology cluster is determined by a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors related to its local and global environment. Extensively studied over the years, the factors that influence the growth of technology-based clusters can provide valuable indications regarding the capacity of clusters to achieve their objectives, attract new firms and become internationally competitive.
Following an extensive literature review, the most prevalent factors that influence technology-based cluster growth were identified. These factors are those that must normally be present in order for a cluster to exist and to progress over time. This presentation will outline the method used to identify twelve recurring growth factors. Further, it will detail how this information was used in the larger evaluation of the National Research Council's technology clusters.
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The Development of a Cluster Leverage Model: Strategies for Measuring Incremental Cluster Inputs
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| Shazmin Dosani, Centre for Public Management, shazmin.dosani@cpm.ca
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| Shannon Townsend, National Research Council Canada, shannon.townsend@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
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The effort to establish and grow a technology cluster is often complex and involves numerous parties, both public and private, as well as a number of intangible environmental factors. Investments and contributions can come from a variety of sources, and reflect both direct and indirect resources.
In this presentation, a model developed to assess the leverage effects of the initial technology cluster investments by the National Research Council will be outlined. This model was developed and tested with a small panel of evaluation and cluster practitioners and used as a basis for evaluating initiative investment leverage capacity. It focuses on "fulcrum" effects affecting "leverage activity" in four areas: infrastructure investment; human capital; social capital, and investment capital. These then create a series of leverage effects.
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The Use of Community Discussion Groups to Gauge Cluster Cohesion and Action
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| Shannon Townsend, National Research Council Canada, shannon.townsend@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
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Clusters are often self-defining entities, especially in situations where they are at a nascent or developing phase. This poses certain challenges for the evaluator in determining the strength and even material substance of the cluster.
As a means of assessing cluster cohesion, community discussion groups were held in 11 communities where technology cluster initiatives were launched. These sessions served to gauge the strength of relationships, linkages among cluster actors and initiatives and assess the perceived role of the public investment in coalescing cluster activity.
The panellist will outline the nature of these groups, as well as their utility in evaluating the contribution of the National Research Council's investment in innovation via clustering.
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