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New technology based firms and the creation of regional growth potential

Theoretical considerations and empirical evidence for Belgium

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Abstract

This paper focuses on the role of New Technology Based Firms (NTBFs) as a vital determinant of regional growth potential. The theoretical framework starts from the relation between innovation and economic development (macro-approach), to show how NTBFs can contribute to the creation of a regional growth potential (micro-approach). Empirical data for Belgium illustrate how NTBFs differ significantly from common starters on a number of fundamental characteristics such as educational level, product/market-orientation, socio-economic networking, delegation, growth strategy and Research and Development. Taking these findings into account, we concentrate on the region-specific technology policies in Belgium. The case of the emerging biotechnology industry is used as an illustration.

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Donckels, R., Segers, J.P. New technology based firms and the creation of regional growth potential. Small Bus Econ 2, 33–44 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00389892

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