Socially Sustainable Technologies Flagship - Research Flagship Project
Network Dynamics And Field Evolution: Hubs, Clusters And Interorganisational Ties In Biotechnology
Project Code: ARC LP0990478
‘Network Dynamics in Biotechnology’ is a three year Australian Research Council linkage project examining the changing structure of the Australian biotechnology industry. The project is being undertaken by The Swinburne Institute of Social Research, Swinburne University of Technology in partnership with the peak industry organization, Ausbiotech, the University of Melbourne and the University of Bologna. Ausbiotech is contributing $20,000 per year to the project as well as in-kind contribution of staff time and assistance in promoting and disseminating research outcomes. The project commenced in July 2009 and will run until June 2012.
Research Team
Chief Investigators: Prof Michael Gilding (SUT/The Swinburne Institute), Prof Pip Pattison (Melbourne University), Professor Alessandro Lomi (University of Bologna) and Dr. Anna Lavelle (Ausbiotech)
Research Assistants: Vikki Bunton (SUT/The Swinburne Institute), Janine Pickering (SUT/The Swinburne Institute)
Publications and Other Research Outputs
- Publications
Gilding, M. (2008) '‘The tyranny of distance’: Biotechnology networks and clusters in the antipodes', Research Policy, 37: 1132 – 1144 (abstract)
Gilding, M. and Bunton, V. (2006) 'Venture Capital, biotechnology firms and network forms of organisation in the Antipodes', The Australian Sociological Association, Sociology for a mobile world, University of W.A., Perth Dec 4 - 7. (full paper)
Gilding, M. and Bunton, V. (2005) ‘Australian Biotechnology companies and networks: methodological issues in the replication of a major US study’, The Australian Sociological Association, Community, Place and Change, University of Tasmania, Hobart Dec 6-8. (full paper) - Media Coverage
- Audio Visual Material
Context
The research will map the changing structure of Australian biotechnology networks and clusters from 2004 onwards, and establish the types of collaborations that promote innovation and scale in the sector. It will identify the internal dynamics of partnerships in biotechnology, and the effect of external events upon network dynamics and field evolution; for example, the impact of the Rudd Labour Government's industry policy and the Global Financial Crisis.
Research Programme
The research program will apply Social Network Analysis (SNA) to the biotechnology industry in Australia and will focus upon human therapeutic and diagnostic applications in order to facilitate international comparison.
Phase 1
The first stage of the study involves 'mapping' the changing structure of biotechnology networks in Australia at regional, national and international levels. This involves the application of SNA software, Pajek, a freeware package for the analysis and visualization of networks.
Phase 2
The second stage involves testing models for logics of attachment and their consequences. This includes application of PNet, a freeware package for inferential network analysis developed by CI Pattison and colleagues at the University of Melbourne.
Phase 3
Network techniques will be supplemented by fieldwork and interviews to assist in the validation and interpretation of data.
Project Outcomes
The study will provide a basis for informed policy development and industry strategy. It will also provide a robust vehicle for methodological innovation in the measurement of networks, and theoretical understanding of the effect of location on biotechnology networks and clusters.
Reference Group
A Reference Group, established through AusBiotech, will provide research guidance and facilitate dissemination of project findings: Zita Peach, VP Business Development, CSL, Tony Bacic, Director, Bio21, Stella Clark, CEO, Bio21, Gillian Gregory, Director Stem Cell Policy, DIISR
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