Innovation Systems Research Network Social Dynamics of Economic Performance: Innovation and Creativity in City-Regions Meric S. Gertler University of Toronto ISRN Eighth Annual Meeting Kingbridge Centre King City May 4, 2006

Innovation Systems Research Network From Clusters to City-Regions: Primary Research Question How do local social characteristics and processes in city-regions shape their economic vitality and dynamism as centres of innovation and creativity?

Innovation Systems Research Network 3 Dimensions Social learning dynamics & knowledge flows between economic actors Social dimensions of talent attraction and retention (quality of place, including diversity, openness, inclusion) Social nature of civic engagement and governance processes

Innovation Systems Research Network Theme I: Social Dynamics of Innovation Primary H: the economic and creativity performance (ECP) of city-regions depends on –Strength of local knowledge circulation within clusters –Strength of local knowledge circulation between clusters (local knowledge diversity) –Strength of knowledge-based linkages between local and non-local actors (geographical knowledge diversity)

Innovation Systems Research Network Theme I: Quantitative Analysis Use Indicators database to explore relationship between ECP and –Diversity of internal economic structure –Relative strength of local K linkages –Relative strength of external K linkages –[K in disembodied and embodied forms] Use StatCan (SIEID) innovation survey data for similar analysis

Innovation Systems Research Network Theme I: Qualitative Analysis Structured interviews with: –Managers, entrepreneurs –Economic development organizations –Educational/research organizations Deeper understanding of processes by which K is circulated –Mobility of skilled workers, managers, entrepreneurs –Role of economic diversity, mix –Alternative ways of organizing production (e.g. projects) –Formal and informal modes of interaction

Innovation Systems Research Network Theme I: Network Analysis? H: ECP of city-regions depends on structure (density, diversity) of local networks (strong/weak ties; local/non-local ties; heterogeneity/diversity of actors belonging to networks) Objectives: –Compare strength, structure of social network ties w/in and b/w local industry clusters –Identify key actors who link multiple clusters within the city-region –Identify, understand role played by key intermediary organizations: local tech associations, research alliances, chamber of commerce, social service agencies, unions –Link network structure, diversity to ECP? Challenge: –how to characterize social networks in LARGE cities? –qualitative alternatives to quantitative (SNA) approach?

Innovation Systems Research Network Theme II: Social Foundations of Talent Attraction and Retention Primary H: ECP of city-regions depends on quality of place characteristics: –Cultural dynamism –Social diversity –Openness/tolerance –Social inclusion/cohesion

Innovation Systems Research Network Theme II: Quantitative Analysis Use Indicators database to explore relationship between ECP and QoP, with some new wrinkles: –Measures of social inclusion/exclusion –New measures of diversity (beyond foreign-born) –Large vs. mid-size, smaller urban centres? Objectives: –Is it possible to pursue a talent-based ED strategy while enhancing social inclusion? –Do ‘big city’ relationships hold in S, M cities?

Innovation Systems Research Network Theme II: Qualitative Analysis Structured interviews with: –creative &/or highly educated workers –employers of creative &/or highly educated workers –intermediary organizations Objectives: –to substantiate, deepen quantitative analysis (impact of key local social characteristics on talent A&R) –explore motivations of creative &/or highly educated workers, their employers –identify institutions, policies, practices that facilitate/discourage integration of talented newcomers, enable full participation by socially disadvantaged

Innovation Systems Research Network Theme III: Inclusive Communities and Civic Engagement Primary H: ECP of city-regions depends on: –Their ability to generate effective new forms of associative governance, collaborative leadership –Social inclusiveness of new governance forms

Innovation Systems Research Network Theme III: Qualitative Analysis Structured interviews with: –Civic leaders (in business, government, CBOs) –Reps of key minority groups, socially disadvantaged –Employers in K-intensive, creative industries Objectives: –To determine effectiveness of local governance mechanisms in promoting economic success of the city- region –To document degree of openness of governance structures to newcomers, outsiders –Identify factors that differentiate between ‘successful’ and ‘less successful’ city-regions

Innovation Systems Research Network Methodology Quantitative: cluster/city-region database (140 CMAs and CAs in Canada) Qualitative: 15 project study city-regions Minimum number of interviews (target): 25 per theme per city-region

Innovation Systems Research Network Project Study City-Regions 1M+250K-999K100K-249K MontréalHalifaxSt. John’s TorontoQuébec CitySaint John VancouverHamiltonTrois-Rivières Ottawa- Gatineau Kitchener- Waterloo Kingston CalgaryLondonSaskatoon

Innovation Systems Research Network Strategy for selecting K-intensive, creative sectors: 4-step plan 1.Identify sectors with LQ>>1 (employment, estab) 2.Co-specialization patterns? (identify parallel specializations; compare to national cluster models; judgement) 3.Identify sectors with high K-intensity, creativity- intensity % K occupations, % creative occupations % high educational attainment 4.Identify fast-growing sectors employment, establishment data (new firm formation)

Innovation Systems Research Network Project Milestones SSHRC requires us to specify these for each co-investigator Typical forms: –# interviews completed –Papers presented, published –Events (e.g. local conferences)

Innovation Systems Research Network Contracts Individual agreements between project directors and each co-investigator Specify milestones for each project study on a quarterly basis Subsequent instalments of $ depend on adherence to milestones (with appropriate allowances for ‘surprises’, unforeseen circumstances)

Innovation Systems Research Network Questions?