Colin Crouch
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199286652
- eISBN:
- 9780191713354
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199286652.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy
Over the last decade, the neo-institutionalist literature on comparative capitalism has developed into an influential body of work. This book assesses this literature and proposes a major ...
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Over the last decade, the neo-institutionalist literature on comparative capitalism has developed into an influential body of work. This book assesses this literature and proposes a major re-orientation of the field. It critiques many aspects of this work and finds a way of modelling how creative actors trying to achieve change — institutional entrepreneurs — tackle these constraints. Central to the account is the concept of governance, as it is by recombining governance mechanisms that these entrepreneurs must achieve their goals. In seeking how to analyse the spaces in which they operate, the book criticises and deconstructs some dominant approaches in socio-political analysis: to typologies, to elective affinity and complementarity, to path dependence. It develops a theory of governance modes, which includes potentially decomposing them into their core components. Finally, it proposes a reorientation of the neo-institutionalist research programme to take more account of detailed diversity and potentiality for change. The book is primarily theoretical, but it makes liberal use of examples, particularly from studies of local economic development and politics.Less
Over the last decade, the neo-institutionalist literature on comparative capitalism has developed into an influential body of work. This book assesses this literature and proposes a major re-orientation of the field. It critiques many aspects of this work and finds a way of modelling how creative actors trying to achieve change — institutional entrepreneurs — tackle these constraints. Central to the account is the concept of governance, as it is by recombining governance mechanisms that these entrepreneurs must achieve their goals. In seeking how to analyse the spaces in which they operate, the book criticises and deconstructs some dominant approaches in socio-political analysis: to typologies, to elective affinity and complementarity, to path dependence. It develops a theory of governance modes, which includes potentially decomposing them into their core components. Finally, it proposes a reorientation of the neo-institutionalist research programme to take more account of detailed diversity and potentiality for change. The book is primarily theoretical, but it makes liberal use of examples, particularly from studies of local economic development and politics.
Ian Clark
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199297009
- eISBN:
- 9780191711428
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199297009.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
The first part of the conclusion summarizes the findings from the historical cases. These fall into four categories. The first is where a strong world society constituency is able to influence the ...
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The first part of the conclusion summarizes the findings from the historical cases. These fall into four categories. The first is where a strong world society constituency is able to influence the policy of a leading state, or group of leading states, as in the case of the slave trade or social justice in 1919. In the second case, the same holds true, but it is actually the leading states that proactively encourage world society action, as with human rights at San Francisco. In the third case, as at The Hague, there was no specific state ‘norm entrepreneur’. Fourthly, there is the negative case where the state sponsor was not strong enough to have the norm accepted, as with Japan and racial equality in 1919. Theoretically, the argument points to a degree of normative assimilation between international and world society, and a corresponding degree of social integration. The relationship is one of complementariness rather than displacement. This develops English School discussions of the topic. However, there is a warning that past coalitions between world society groups and leading states — that seem to have stimulated humanitarian norms — could in the future promote less attractive norms.Less
The first part of the conclusion summarizes the findings from the historical cases. These fall into four categories. The first is where a strong world society constituency is able to influence the policy of a leading state, or group of leading states, as in the case of the slave trade or social justice in 1919. In the second case, the same holds true, but it is actually the leading states that proactively encourage world society action, as with human rights at San Francisco. In the third case, as at The Hague, there was no specific state ‘norm entrepreneur’. Fourthly, there is the negative case where the state sponsor was not strong enough to have the norm accepted, as with Japan and racial equality in 1919. Theoretically, the argument points to a degree of normative assimilation between international and world society, and a corresponding degree of social integration. The relationship is one of complementariness rather than displacement. This develops English School discussions of the topic. However, there is a warning that past coalitions between world society groups and leading states — that seem to have stimulated humanitarian norms — could in the future promote less attractive norms.
Paul Geroski
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199248896
- eISBN:
- 9780191596308
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199248893.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Microeconomics
Sheds some light on how markets develop. In particular, it suggests that the ‘new economy’ is not much different from the ‘old economy’ and that in general, the early evolution of markets can ...
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Sheds some light on how markets develop. In particular, it suggests that the ‘new economy’ is not much different from the ‘old economy’ and that in general, the early evolution of markets can significantly shape their later structure. The main arguments are elaborated in four chapters, each of them extensively illustrated with product‐case studies (internet, automobiles, television, or mobile phones, etc.). Ch. 2 explores the drivers of innovation and concludes that new technologies are basically pushed on to the market from the supply side. Ch. 3 looks at the dynamics of entry in a new market. Ch. 4 deals with the emergence of a dominant design as a consensus good. Ch. 5 shows how the dominant design shapes the nature of the competition in the new mass market and describes the logistical growth pattern characteristic of most new markets. The last chapter is devoted to sketch out the basic features of market evolution that follow from the events in the early stages of development.Less
Sheds some light on how markets develop. In particular, it suggests that the ‘new economy’ is not much different from the ‘old economy’ and that in general, the early evolution of markets can significantly shape their later structure. The main arguments are elaborated in four chapters, each of them extensively illustrated with product‐case studies (internet, automobiles, television, or mobile phones, etc.). Ch. 2 explores the drivers of innovation and concludes that new technologies are basically pushed on to the market from the supply side. Ch. 3 looks at the dynamics of entry in a new market. Ch. 4 deals with the emergence of a dominant design as a consensus good. Ch. 5 shows how the dominant design shapes the nature of the competition in the new mass market and describes the logistical growth pattern characteristic of most new markets. The last chapter is devoted to sketch out the basic features of market evolution that follow from the events in the early stages of development.
Mark Casson
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198297802
- eISBN:
- 9780191596063
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198297807.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Microeconomics
Offers a vision of the economy as a system of structured information flow. The structuring is effected by institutions, and in particular, by firms, which specialize in processing the information ...
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Offers a vision of the economy as a system of structured information flow. The structuring is effected by institutions, and in particular, by firms, which specialize in processing the information needed to allocate resources properly. Market‐making firms that intermediate between producers and consumers by developing brands, are particularly important in this respect. Firms are the institutional embodiment of the visions of the entrepreneurs who found them. Firms grow and decline, creating a highly flexible structure of information processing in society, which evolves and adapts as circumstances change. The book uses these general concepts to analyse the historical development of a number of specialist information subsystems, including business networks, industrial districts, and trading empires.Less
Offers a vision of the economy as a system of structured information flow. The structuring is effected by institutions, and in particular, by firms, which specialize in processing the information needed to allocate resources properly. Market‐making firms that intermediate between producers and consumers by developing brands, are particularly important in this respect. Firms are the institutional embodiment of the visions of the entrepreneurs who found them. Firms grow and decline, creating a highly flexible structure of information processing in society, which evolves and adapts as circumstances change. The book uses these general concepts to analyse the historical development of a number of specialist information subsystems, including business networks, industrial districts, and trading empires.
D. Hugh Whittaker
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199563661
- eISBN:
- 9780191701887
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199563661.003.0010
- Subject:
- Business and Management, International Business
Do entrepreneurs everywhere share the same goals? Are entrepreneurship processes similar and equally collaborative? Or does the environment dictate all these aspects for entrepreneurship? This book ...
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Do entrepreneurs everywhere share the same goals? Are entrepreneurship processes similar and equally collaborative? Or does the environment dictate all these aspects for entrepreneurship? This book looks into the levels of entrepreneurship and how they differ from each other by presenting a comparative study of the behaviour of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in the UK and in Japan. The former is associated with liberal market economies (LMEs) while the latter is associated with coordinated market economies (CMEs). The book will focus on high-tech manufacturing in order to examine the systematic differences in innovation and the processes of entrepreneurship. The findings of two original surveys and twenty-five case interviews for both countries are presented in order to examine the careers of the entrepreneurs; opportunity and business creation; founders; attitudes towards growth and risk; research, development, and innovation; competitive strategies; growth limitations, leadership and HRM, and collaborations.Less
Do entrepreneurs everywhere share the same goals? Are entrepreneurship processes similar and equally collaborative? Or does the environment dictate all these aspects for entrepreneurship? This book looks into the levels of entrepreneurship and how they differ from each other by presenting a comparative study of the behaviour of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in the UK and in Japan. The former is associated with liberal market economies (LMEs) while the latter is associated with coordinated market economies (CMEs). The book will focus on high-tech manufacturing in order to examine the systematic differences in innovation and the processes of entrepreneurship. The findings of two original surveys and twenty-five case interviews for both countries are presented in order to examine the careers of the entrepreneurs; opportunity and business creation; founders; attitudes towards growth and risk; research, development, and innovation; competitive strategies; growth limitations, leadership and HRM, and collaborations.
Lisa L. Miller
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195331684
- eISBN:
- 9780199867967
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331684.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
The nationalization of crime policy issues is a relatively new phenomenon in American history, but has foundations that extend back to the Civil War. This chapter develops a political history of ...
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The nationalization of crime policy issues is a relatively new phenomenon in American history, but has foundations that extend back to the Civil War. This chapter develops a political history of crime's place on the national agenda that lays the groundwork for understanding the appeal of crime as a national political issue and the transformation of the interest group environment from local to national arenas. The chapter highlights the shifting jurisdictional terrain between state and national governments in the 19th and 20th centuries and the opportunities these shifts provided for expanding national attention to crime and violence. In particular, the chapter focuses on the historic use of the crime issue as a symbolic political lever that served to bolster narrow interest groups, policy entrepreneurs, racial hierarchies, and federal law enforcement bureaucracies, simplifying problem definitions and narrowing policy options in the process.Less
The nationalization of crime policy issues is a relatively new phenomenon in American history, but has foundations that extend back to the Civil War. This chapter develops a political history of crime's place on the national agenda that lays the groundwork for understanding the appeal of crime as a national political issue and the transformation of the interest group environment from local to national arenas. The chapter highlights the shifting jurisdictional terrain between state and national governments in the 19th and 20th centuries and the opportunities these shifts provided for expanding national attention to crime and violence. In particular, the chapter focuses on the historic use of the crime issue as a symbolic political lever that served to bolster narrow interest groups, policy entrepreneurs, racial hierarchies, and federal law enforcement bureaucracies, simplifying problem definitions and narrowing policy options in the process.
Pontus Braunerhjelm and Maryann P. Feldman (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199207183
- eISBN:
- 9780191708886
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207183.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Innovation
This book examines the origins and emergence of technology-based industrial clusters — regional concentrations of related firms and organizations — in order to understand the forces that promoted ...
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This book examines the origins and emergence of technology-based industrial clusters — regional concentrations of related firms and organizations — in order to understand the forces that promoted economic development. Many places attempt to emulate the world's most famous industrial cluster Silicon Valley, with its rich institutional landscape of engaged and leveraged research universities, high-flying local venture capitalists, world class supporting business and legal consultants, and rich collaborative networks. While mature clusters may look similar, what really matters is the process by which clusters come into existence. But there is little understanding of such processes, and little guidance provided on the role of policies in promoting cluster emergence. The book attempts to bridge this gap in the literature by focusing on the early origins of high-technology cluster in Europe, the United States, and China, and the ensuing policy implications. The book is organized around three main themes: Creation Myths Revisited, Considering the Development Cluster Context, and Crafting Cluster and Economic Development Policy. The empirical analyses suggest that clusters that grow rapidly as compared to the less successful ones are distinguished by vigorous entrepreneurial activity and the active building of institutions aided by the forces of agglomeration economies.Less
This book examines the origins and emergence of technology-based industrial clusters — regional concentrations of related firms and organizations — in order to understand the forces that promoted economic development. Many places attempt to emulate the world's most famous industrial cluster Silicon Valley, with its rich institutional landscape of engaged and leveraged research universities, high-flying local venture capitalists, world class supporting business and legal consultants, and rich collaborative networks. While mature clusters may look similar, what really matters is the process by which clusters come into existence. But there is little understanding of such processes, and little guidance provided on the role of policies in promoting cluster emergence. The book attempts to bridge this gap in the literature by focusing on the early origins of high-technology cluster in Europe, the United States, and China, and the ensuing policy implications. The book is organized around three main themes: Creation Myths Revisited, Considering the Development Cluster Context, and Crafting Cluster and Economic Development Policy. The empirical analyses suggest that clusters that grow rapidly as compared to the less successful ones are distinguished by vigorous entrepreneurial activity and the active building of institutions aided by the forces of agglomeration economies.
Leonardo Morlino
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198280828
- eISBN:
- 9780191599965
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198280823.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
A whole picture of interest associations and their relationships with party and state is provided for the four Southern European countries. Unions, associations of industrial entrepreneurs, and ...
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A whole picture of interest associations and their relationships with party and state is provided for the four Southern European countries. Unions, associations of industrial entrepreneurs, and associations of landowners receive special attention. The ‘top–down’ direction of consolidation process is presented with its main dimensions.Less
A whole picture of interest associations and their relationships with party and state is provided for the four Southern European countries. Unions, associations of industrial entrepreneurs, and associations of landowners receive special attention. The ‘top–down’ direction of consolidation process is presented with its main dimensions.
Daniel B. Cornfield
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691160733
- eISBN:
- 9781400873890
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691160733.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Culture
At a time when the bulwarks of the music industry are collapsing, what does it mean to be a successful musician and artist? How might contemporary musicians sustain their artistic communities? Based ...
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At a time when the bulwarks of the music industry are collapsing, what does it mean to be a successful musician and artist? How might contemporary musicians sustain their artistic communities? Based on interviews with over seventy-five popular-music professionals in Nashville, this book looks at artist activists—those visionaries who create inclusive artist communities in today's individualistic and entrepreneurial art world. Using Nashville as a model, the book develops a theory of artist activism—the ways that artist peers strengthen and build diverse artist communities. The book discusses how genre-diversifying artist activists have arisen throughout the late twentieth-century musician migration to Nashville, a city that boasts the highest concentration of music jobs in the United States. Music City is now home to diverse recording artists—including Jack White, El Movimiento, the Black Keys, and Paramore. The book identifies three types of artist activists: the artist-producer who produces and distributes his or her own and others' work while mentoring early-career artists, the social entrepreneur who maintains social spaces for artist networking, and arts trade union reformers who are revamping collective bargaining and union functions. Throughout, the book examines enterprising musicians both known and less recognized. It links individual and collective actions taken by artist activists to their orientations toward success, audience, and risk and to their original inspirations for embarking on music careers. The book offers a new model of artistic success based on innovating creative institutions to benefit the society at large.Less
At a time when the bulwarks of the music industry are collapsing, what does it mean to be a successful musician and artist? How might contemporary musicians sustain their artistic communities? Based on interviews with over seventy-five popular-music professionals in Nashville, this book looks at artist activists—those visionaries who create inclusive artist communities in today's individualistic and entrepreneurial art world. Using Nashville as a model, the book develops a theory of artist activism—the ways that artist peers strengthen and build diverse artist communities. The book discusses how genre-diversifying artist activists have arisen throughout the late twentieth-century musician migration to Nashville, a city that boasts the highest concentration of music jobs in the United States. Music City is now home to diverse recording artists—including Jack White, El Movimiento, the Black Keys, and Paramore. The book identifies three types of artist activists: the artist-producer who produces and distributes his or her own and others' work while mentoring early-career artists, the social entrepreneur who maintains social spaces for artist networking, and arts trade union reformers who are revamping collective bargaining and union functions. Throughout, the book examines enterprising musicians both known and less recognized. It links individual and collective actions taken by artist activists to their orientations toward success, audience, and risk and to their original inspirations for embarking on music careers. The book offers a new model of artistic success based on innovating creative institutions to benefit the society at large.
Bo Carlsson
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199207183
- eISBN:
- 9780191708886
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207183.003.0013
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Innovation
The question asked in the last chapter concerns how to design a public policy in a non-deterministic, evolutionary, and highly complex world. That is, a world where the most desirable outcomes are ...
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The question asked in the last chapter concerns how to design a public policy in a non-deterministic, evolutionary, and highly complex world. That is, a world where the most desirable outcomes are unknown but there may be many possible acceptable outcomes, and where change is characterized by both path dependence and unpredictability. Based on the case studies previously presented, the conclusion is that policy interventions exaggerate the system characteristics in cluster policies at the expense of incentives on the level of individuals, potential entrepreneurs, and firms. Particularly in Europe, with its tradition of governmentally administrated and targeted policies, there is a risk of downplaying the role of individual initiatives in the creation of clusters.Less
The question asked in the last chapter concerns how to design a public policy in a non-deterministic, evolutionary, and highly complex world. That is, a world where the most desirable outcomes are unknown but there may be many possible acceptable outcomes, and where change is characterized by both path dependence and unpredictability. Based on the case studies previously presented, the conclusion is that policy interventions exaggerate the system characteristics in cluster policies at the expense of incentives on the level of individuals, potential entrepreneurs, and firms. Particularly in Europe, with its tradition of governmentally administrated and targeted policies, there is a risk of downplaying the role of individual initiatives in the creation of clusters.
Gary Herrigel
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199557738
- eISBN:
- 9780191720871
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199557738.003.0004
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy
The chapter compares emergence of minimills in Germany, Japan and the US, along with the recomposition of the Integrated Steel Mill sector. Steel production as an industrial activity in each of the ...
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The chapter compares emergence of minimills in Germany, Japan and the US, along with the recomposition of the Integrated Steel Mill sector. Steel production as an industrial activity in each of the societies, especially in the United States, is radically reconceived, but continues to be successful in each country. Again, in contrast to the claims of Varieties of Capitalism, the American steel industry proves adept at both gradual and radical innovation, as do the German and Japanese industries.Less
The chapter compares emergence of minimills in Germany, Japan and the US, along with the recomposition of the Integrated Steel Mill sector. Steel production as an industrial activity in each of the societies, especially in the United States, is radically reconceived, but continues to be successful in each country. Again, in contrast to the claims of Varieties of Capitalism, the American steel industry proves adept at both gradual and radical innovation, as do the German and Japanese industries.
Michael Gallagher
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199260362
- eISBN:
- 9780191601873
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199260362.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
The Irish political class is rather small, encompassing very few positions outside the group of elected national parliamentarians. Because of the distinctive electoral system with preferential voting ...
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The Irish political class is rather small, encompassing very few positions outside the group of elected national parliamentarians. Because of the distinctive electoral system with preferential voting (PR-STV), MPs have to combine elements of 'entrepreneurs' and 'backbenchers'. While electoral survival and career advancement depends on the party, which demands strict loyalty, the individual MP must also build a personal home base in the local party organization and among the voters in the district. The cumulation of local and national elected offices is common: local offices provide both an entry point into a political career as well as help to sustain visibility even after a rise to higher levels. Because of their limited resources, party organizations cannot provide any safe fallback-positions or alternative career paths.Less
The Irish political class is rather small, encompassing very few positions outside the group of elected national parliamentarians. Because of the distinctive electoral system with preferential voting (PR-STV), MPs have to combine elements of 'entrepreneurs' and 'backbenchers'. While electoral survival and career advancement depends on the party, which demands strict loyalty, the individual MP must also build a personal home base in the local party organization and among the voters in the district. The cumulation of local and national elected offices is common: local offices provide both an entry point into a political career as well as help to sustain visibility even after a rise to higher levels. Because of their limited resources, party organizations cannot provide any safe fallback-positions or alternative career paths.
Jens Borchert and Gary Copeland
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199260362
- eISBN:
- 9780191601873
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199260362.003.0021
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
American politicians have about the greatest choice in terms of the electoral offices they want to pursue. However, only a minority of these numerous offices is professionalized. Moreover, while ...
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American politicians have about the greatest choice in terms of the electoral offices they want to pursue. However, only a minority of these numerous offices is professionalized. Moreover, while partisan coordination of political careers was true in the second half of the nineteenth century, it no longer is. Today American politicians largely are political entrepreneurs running their own political careers with the help of other professions that have developed around professional politics and of interest groups, which collect and donate most of the money needed for electoral campaigns. The most highly prized office is that of a member of Congress. Professional politicians in the United States, hence, are mostly professional legislators. It is here that long careers can be realized whereas executive terms tend to be rather short. Changes in the situation of politicians occur most frequently as an often- unintended result of institutional reform, which has been high on the agenda for quite some time.Less
American politicians have about the greatest choice in terms of the electoral offices they want to pursue. However, only a minority of these numerous offices is professionalized. Moreover, while partisan coordination of political careers was true in the second half of the nineteenth century, it no longer is. Today American politicians largely are political entrepreneurs running their own political careers with the help of other professions that have developed around professional politics and of interest groups, which collect and donate most of the money needed for electoral campaigns. The most highly prized office is that of a member of Congress. Professional politicians in the United States, hence, are mostly professional legislators. It is here that long careers can be realized whereas executive terms tend to be rather short. Changes in the situation of politicians occur most frequently as an often- unintended result of institutional reform, which has been high on the agenda for quite some time.
charles Dellheim
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199251902
- eISBN:
- 9780191719059
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199251902.003.0009
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Business History
This chapter focuses on the economic culture of Jews with particular emphasis on myths and practices. While steering clear of essentialist assumptions about intrinsic ‘racial traits’, it asks whether ...
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This chapter focuses on the economic culture of Jews with particular emphasis on myths and practices. While steering clear of essentialist assumptions about intrinsic ‘racial traits’, it asks whether there was, in fact, anything distinctive about the attitudes and activities of Jewish entrepreneurs. It examines ‘Shylock's shadow’, the scurrilous stereotypes that pictured Jews as greedy, materialistic, and acquisitive; the historical and sociological literature regarding Jewish economic behaviour; and the role of Jews in specific sectors of the American economy, notably in book publishing. It is argued that the Jewish experience in American business underlines the role of social marginality as an important source of innovation.Less
This chapter focuses on the economic culture of Jews with particular emphasis on myths and practices. While steering clear of essentialist assumptions about intrinsic ‘racial traits’, it asks whether there was, in fact, anything distinctive about the attitudes and activities of Jewish entrepreneurs. It examines ‘Shylock's shadow’, the scurrilous stereotypes that pictured Jews as greedy, materialistic, and acquisitive; the historical and sociological literature regarding Jewish economic behaviour; and the role of Jews in specific sectors of the American economy, notably in book publishing. It is argued that the Jewish experience in American business underlines the role of social marginality as an important source of innovation.
Allen J. Scott
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199207183
- eISBN:
- 9780191708886
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207183.003.0002
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Innovation
This chapter analyses the forces that prompted a relocation in the early 20th century of the US film industry from New York to Hollywood. First, even though there were many other conceivable ...
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This chapter analyses the forces that prompted a relocation in the early 20th century of the US film industry from New York to Hollywood. First, even though there were many other conceivable locations, Southern California was a suitable location for film production in the winter months due to the climate and the scenic landscape. Second, an unfavorable institutional set-up — particularly for independent motion producers — fostered a growing accumulation of movie production facilities in Hollywood. That led to various experiments, entry and exit, and created a sufficient agglomeration of activity (‘critical mass’) for take-off. Third, a new business model was invented. Thomas Ince, who arrived in 1911 in Southern California, established a new studio and re-organized the production process.Less
This chapter analyses the forces that prompted a relocation in the early 20th century of the US film industry from New York to Hollywood. First, even though there were many other conceivable locations, Southern California was a suitable location for film production in the winter months due to the climate and the scenic landscape. Second, an unfavorable institutional set-up — particularly for independent motion producers — fostered a growing accumulation of movie production facilities in Hollywood. That led to various experiments, entry and exit, and created a sufficient agglomeration of activity (‘critical mass’) for take-off. Third, a new business model was invented. Thomas Ince, who arrived in 1911 in Southern California, established a new studio and re-organized the production process.
Martin Kenney and Donald Patton
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199207183
- eISBN:
- 9780191708886
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207183.003.0003
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Innovation
This chapter considers the world's most iconic cluster: Silicon Valley. The emergence of Silicon Valley shares some features with the motion picture industry; both places experienced an inflow of ...
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This chapter considers the world's most iconic cluster: Silicon Valley. The emergence of Silicon Valley shares some features with the motion picture industry; both places experienced an inflow of entrepreneurs from other parts of the country and also saw a novel business model emerge. The environment that existed in the late 1950s, later known as Silicon Valley, was not unique; similar conditions existed in Boston and New York, for example. Both places were also influenced by policies — institutions in the motion picture case and governmental spending on defence in the Silicon Valley case. The partially random nature of the process is evidenced by the fact that William Shockley, one of the co-inventors of the transistor at Bell Labs in New Jersey and the founder of the first semiconductor firm, wanted to be near his mother.Less
This chapter considers the world's most iconic cluster: Silicon Valley. The emergence of Silicon Valley shares some features with the motion picture industry; both places experienced an inflow of entrepreneurs from other parts of the country and also saw a novel business model emerge. The environment that existed in the late 1950s, later known as Silicon Valley, was not unique; similar conditions existed in Boston and New York, for example. Both places were also influenced by policies — institutions in the motion picture case and governmental spending on defence in the Silicon Valley case. The partially random nature of the process is evidenced by the fact that William Shockley, one of the co-inventors of the transistor at Bell Labs in New Jersey and the founder of the first semiconductor firm, wanted to be near his mother.
Jason Owen-Smith and Walter W. Powell
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199207183
- eISBN:
- 9780191708886
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207183.003.0004
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Innovation
The development of the biotech industry in Boston and the San Francisco Bay area, the two most prominent biotech clusters in the United States, are compared. Their analysis rests on three ...
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The development of the biotech industry in Boston and the San Francisco Bay area, the two most prominent biotech clusters in the United States, are compared. Their analysis rests on three presumptions: high-tech clusters in particular require both the presence of networks and spatial density, inter-organizational networks serve the dual purposes of being locus of innovation and the underlying support structure that host the institutional and social context necessary for innovation, and, finally, the form and substance of innovation in successful clusters vary over time and with patterns of emergence. It is concluded that a process of convergence has been going on over the last twelve years. Consequently, even though path-dependence and variety in culture and norms determine the trajectory, clusters may still be quite comparable in terms of performance.Less
The development of the biotech industry in Boston and the San Francisco Bay area, the two most prominent biotech clusters in the United States, are compared. Their analysis rests on three presumptions: high-tech clusters in particular require both the presence of networks and spatial density, inter-organizational networks serve the dual purposes of being locus of innovation and the underlying support structure that host the institutional and social context necessary for innovation, and, finally, the form and substance of innovation in successful clusters vary over time and with patterns of emergence. It is concluded that a process of convergence has been going on over the last twelve years. Consequently, even though path-dependence and variety in culture and norms determine the trajectory, clusters may still be quite comparable in terms of performance.
Elaine Romanelli and Maryann Feldman
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199207183
- eISBN:
- 9780191708886
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207183.003.0005
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Innovation
This chapter examines the spatial and temporal dimension of a variety of forms of entrepreneurship across cities in the United States in the human biotherapeutics. The first finding is that clusters ...
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This chapter examines the spatial and temporal dimension of a variety of forms of entrepreneurship across cities in the United States in the human biotherapeutics. The first finding is that clusters grow predominantly through the investments of local entrepreneurs, local firms, and local venture capitalists. Second, for three of the regions with the largest clusters — San Diego, Boston, and San Francisco — the critical spur to growth appears to be a tendency of entrepreneurs to leave local, established firms to found additional firms. Moreover, only those regions, however, that exhibited this secondary, or second-generation growth grew to substantial sizes relative to other clusters. The attraction of entrepreneurs and firms to a region is a tertiary influence on growth, occurring late in the history of the industry and the clusters.Less
This chapter examines the spatial and temporal dimension of a variety of forms of entrepreneurship across cities in the United States in the human biotherapeutics. The first finding is that clusters grow predominantly through the investments of local entrepreneurs, local firms, and local venture capitalists. Second, for three of the regions with the largest clusters — San Diego, Boston, and San Francisco — the critical spur to growth appears to be a tendency of entrepreneurs to leave local, established firms to found additional firms. Moreover, only those regions, however, that exhibited this secondary, or second-generation growth grew to substantial sizes relative to other clusters. The attraction of entrepreneurs and firms to a region is a tertiary influence on growth, occurring late in the history of the industry and the clusters.
Pontus Braunerhjelm and Christian Helgesson
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199207183
- eISBN:
- 9780191708886
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207183.003.0007
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Innovation
This chapter examines the forces that sparked the emergence of a leading European biotechnology cluster — Medicon Valley. This cluster displays one characteristic feature which separates it from most ...
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This chapter examines the forces that sparked the emergence of a leading European biotechnology cluster — Medicon Valley. This cluster displays one characteristic feature which separates it from most other biotechnology clusters: its geographical location stretches over two countries: parts of Sweden and Denmark. The emergence of the Medicon Valley biotechnology cluster seems to have followed a somewhat different path than the biotech clusters in the United States. Whereas entrepreneurs orchestrated the emergence of clusters in the United States, universities played a crucial role in the Medicon Valley case and entrepreneurs entered — and reinforced — the process in a later stage. The more dynamic and fast growing biotechnology sector in Denmark is argued to be partly policy driven, partly associated with cultural differences.Less
This chapter examines the forces that sparked the emergence of a leading European biotechnology cluster — Medicon Valley. This cluster displays one characteristic feature which separates it from most other biotechnology clusters: its geographical location stretches over two countries: parts of Sweden and Denmark. The emergence of the Medicon Valley biotechnology cluster seems to have followed a somewhat different path than the biotech clusters in the United States. Whereas entrepreneurs orchestrated the emergence of clusters in the United States, universities played a crucial role in the Medicon Valley case and entrepreneurs entered — and reinforced — the process in a later stage. The more dynamic and fast growing biotechnology sector in Denmark is argued to be partly policy driven, partly associated with cultural differences.
Gil Avnimelech and Morris Teubal
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199207183
- eISBN:
- 9780191708886
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207183.003.0009
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Innovation
This chapter documents the emergence of the Israeli venture capital (VC) industry. The process is divided into three phases that spread out over three decades and it is also a vital part of Israel's ...
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This chapter documents the emergence of the Israeli venture capital (VC) industry. The process is divided into three phases that spread out over three decades and it is also a vital part of Israel's innovation and technology policy. There was a deliberate policy that targeted VC — besides the importance of bringing in foreign expertise at an early stage, is the importance of designing policy in a way that reassures the existence of a sufficient knowledge base. Moreover, the successful launching of a VC industry hinges on a critical mass of technology-based start-ups for a robust demand side. A truly innovative part in Israel's policy was the inclusion of a mechanism from the very start for the government to withdraw and privatize the venture capital funds.Less
This chapter documents the emergence of the Israeli venture capital (VC) industry. The process is divided into three phases that spread out over three decades and it is also a vital part of Israel's innovation and technology policy. There was a deliberate policy that targeted VC — besides the importance of bringing in foreign expertise at an early stage, is the importance of designing policy in a way that reassures the existence of a sufficient knowledge base. Moreover, the successful launching of a VC industry hinges on a critical mass of technology-based start-ups for a robust demand side. A truly innovative part in Israel's policy was the inclusion of a mechanism from the very start for the government to withdraw and privatize the venture capital funds.
