What differentiates top regions in the field of biotechnology An empirical study of the texture characteristics of biotech regions in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific

Abstract

This article analyzes the texture characteristics of regions that developed substantial technological activities in the biotechnology field. Building on patent and publication-based indicators, we find support for the presence of two distinctive types of regions that are able to develop into "top regions" during the rapid growth phase of the biotech industry (period 1992-1997). In addition, the study highlights differences between top region and other regions in terms of regional texture characteristics (presence of anchor tenant firms, entrepreneurial-oriented scientific actors, and scientific eminence).