Digital technology clusters and their built environments: an exploration of the significance of the local built environment for niche sector technology clusters

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to explore and develop an understanding of the microprocesses associated with digital technology clusters and their built environments. It poses the critical question as to whether the built environments of this new generation of businesses are fit for purpose? In the light of identified evidence and conceptual gaps at the local and granular scale of cluster exploration, the research creates an evidence base which emphasises the importance of recognizing niche technology sector working practices and information needs together with land management facets of the built environment if we are to progress our understanding of cluster behaviours and development needs.
A qualitative exploration of four UK case studies is undertaken, namely the digital games clusters in Guildford and London, and cybersecurity clusters in Malvern and London. It is based on primary interview and secondary property market and land use planning information. Three thematic analyses are undertaken which explore the significance of the built environment in terms of niche sector business co-location, localised face-to-face interactivity, and the interplay of cluster development with workspace property markets over time.
The research highlights the individuality of each of the four clusters. It shows how co-location and localised interactivity are a function of working practices and business cultures, afforded by the local built form and workspace property markets. Central to co-location is the strong association of niche sector businesses with workplace, which plays an emblematic role in terms of their identity. The strength of local niche sector face-to-face interactivity varies by cluster depending on how critical the need for certain information flows are to the respective business models. Dense built form, proximity to meet up and social spaces are shown to support these interactions. The general concept of local niche sector interactivity and associated knowledge flows are valued by respondents in all cases, but can be frustrated due to relative firm isolation, the result of dispersed built form, inadequate transport connectivity and a limited degree of sectoral homogeneity of firms in the local business population. A timely supply of appropriate workspaces befitting business life-cycle stages is shown to be key to cluster development, which in turn is dependent on the status and responsiveness of the local workspace property market, combined with the modifying effects of the local land use planning system. The usefulness of a proposed built environmental -based model depicting the circle of causation of cluster development is confirmed.
The research advances the understanding of the cluster development of digital technology businesses. It confirms and reinforces the need to further our understanding of the localised nuances of both the business and property market dynamics of clusters, and highlights the potential of built environment based interventions to encourage cluster development.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Peter Sunley: orcid.org/0000-0003-4803-5299

ORCID for Brian Hracs: orcid.org/0000-0003-1001-6877

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