The local innovation networks: an explorative study of success cluster

The present study is an explorative paper on the local development network supporting innovative startups. It is based on 15 famous networks cases collected in different countries and chosen among the most famous ones referred both in the literature and in the economic press. I have used these 15 cases to formulate interesting hypothesis on how networks form and on the characteristics of the actors supporting this creation. By observing and analyzing the networks, I developed a three-stage network model, using Larson & Starr model (Larson & Starr, 1993). I then obtained a spin out network’s life cycle that allowed me to place the case studies in the different stages and formulate my hypotheses. I noticed that all cases showed a focal role played by one of the actors that changed depending on the stage the network was leaving.