More frequent and stronger ties? Using QCA to assess the effects of policy in a Norwegian biotech cluster

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the possible impact of an indirect policy measure implemented in a Norwegian biotech cluster aiming to enhance collaborations between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and higher education institutions. Through the adoption of a dynamic approach (i.e., two distinct periods: 2014–2017 and 2018–2021) and qualitative comparative analysis, this study demonstrates an increase in the frequency and intensity of collaboration between the two periods. It also highlights the combinations of conditions possibly enabling SMEs to benefit from the targeted indirect policy measure. The study shows how structural, ‘softer’ elements, such as age, size and trust toward the cluster administration, can overcome deficiencies in innovativeness and human capital and similarly can lead to more frequent and intense ties.

Keywords

• Cluster administration
• policy evaluation
• regional innovation systems
• regional development
• qualitative comparative analysis
• R1