Projects

E-CLUSTERS IN THE E-SOCIETY

Summary

What is the topic of the research?

We are interested in why and how new media companies cluster in cities. Put simply, in a 'wired' world these companies above all others should be able transact their business on line, and thus not be tied to costly and specific locations.
The fact that they do cluster suggests that all transactions can't be carried out on line, and/or, the traditional economic accounts of co-location are lacking, and that there are a range of socio-cultural factors that also have an important role to play. It is these factors in particular that we want to explore.
What are the main questions you will be asking?
See 1 and 6. However, we will choose 7 clusters (co-location) of new media activities. 6 of these will be in the UK. We will take 3 pairs of clusters based upon industry segment: special effects/animation industry (Bristol! London), web design, (Brighton/London) computer games (Dundee/Liverpol). In the first segment we will add a US case study to explore an international linked cluster (Los Angeles).

Why is there a need for your research?

See 4 and 5 below. And, this is an economically vibrant and important
activity.

Who will benefit from your research/ how will it be used?

Mainly for public policy makers interested in attracting and retaining an
important growth industry (new media); also, for academic researchers who are seeking to understand the more qualitative and socio-economic dimensions of co-location activities and the benefits that they yield.

How will you carry out your research?

The research has to be based on primary data as no information already exists; this industry does not have an 'industrial census code', and as such it is lost 'under the radar'. In any case standard business characteristics would not yield the type of information that we are seeking. We are not simply interested in measuring the density of clustering of activities, but more so at the nature and pattern of interactions, and why and how they are important for companies to do their job.

What methods will you be using, and what data will be produced?

The research will be based on detailed, face-to-face interviews with principals of 180 new media companies in seven locations (local clusters). The information produced will tell us about the nature of new media production, and the character of interaction between firms and with the local socio-economic environment. It will give us insight into what it is that embeds this potentially footloose area of economic activity in very particular places.
How long will your research take? 18 months.

The project will begin in January 2005.