Microphysical proximity and knowledge flow on Bioscience Park Leiden

This graduation project is a combined project for the Technical University of Delft and the Erasmus University Rotterdam. The chosen subject is of interest for both faculties, since it combines insights of both clustering theory as well as urban area theory. The chosen scale level is interfirm relations, which is not that common when looking at clustering effects. First and second mentor from the Technical University of Delft are respectively Herman Vande Putte and Clarine van Oel. Sandra Phlippen is the first mentor from Erasmus University. In an early stage of the project Harmen Jousma of Science Based Business of University of Leiden was involved. This graduation project is part of a research project of the Erasmus University, in which several master students participate. All participating students followed the seminar Governance Clusters and Networks at the Erasmus School of Economics taught by Sandra Phlippen. The research project is loosely based on the clustering theories of the seminar. Prime focus of the research project is however one of the main case studies of the seminar; the Leiden Bioscience Park. Although students chose related subjects, main advantage is joint data gathering. This thesis subject is of interest since it sheds light on the relation between the tangible factor physical proximity and rather intangible factor knowledge flow. Several theorists have stated the positive relation between proximity and knowledge flow, however the quantitative substantiation of this relation is limited. Since there tends to be a strong relation between knowledge flow and innovation, this deficiency of empirical foundation is peculiar. Fully understanding the factors that induce knowledge flow and thus innovation could be very beneficial since long term economic growth is largely dependent on innovation.